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Power Plant Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Power Block Operator

Gila Bend, AZ

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Assists in plant start-ups, shut-downs, normal and emergency plant operations as required ... Power Block Operator Working Conditions Works in a remote power plant environment. Potential ...

Power Block Operator

Gila Bend, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Assists in plant start-ups, shut-downs, normal and emergency plant operations as required ... Power Block Operator Working Conditions Works in a remote power plant environment. Potential ...

Under direction of Shift Supervisor or Plant Operator I and II, operates plant equipment including filters, kilns, ball mills, vibro mills, jet mills, screens, compressors, generators, waste water ...

Power Plant Mechanic III Summary Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Power Plant Maintenance ... The primary objective is to ensure the plants are operated and maintained with regard to the ...

Pay: $22.00- $24.00 per hour DOE We're looking for an experienced Central Utility Plant Operator to perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of a Central Utility Plant - including ...

Senior Plant Operator

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$32.80 - $43.79/hr

SENIOR PLANT OPERATOR This recruitment is open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed every 2 weeks. Hourly Salary Range: $32.80 - $43.79 Department / Division: Public Works ...

Senior Plant Operator

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$32.80 - $43.79/hr

SENIOR PLANT OPERATOR This recruitment is open until the position is filled. Applications will be reviewed every 2 weeks. Hourly Salary Range: $32.80 - $43.79 Department / Division: Public Works ...

We are seeking a skilled Batch Plant Operator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating and maintaining the batch plant equipment, ensuring the production of high ...

Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking a skilled Batch Plant Operator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating and maintaining the batch plant equipment ...

Description We are seeking a skilled Batch Plant Operator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating and maintaining the batch plant equipment, ensuring the ...

We are seeking an experienced Combined Cycle Power Plant Control Room Operator who is eager to work as part of a Team at our Arlington Valley Facility! Reporting to the Operations Manager, as the ...

Control Room Operator

Arlington, AZ · On-site

$44 - $66/hr

We are seeking an experienced Combined Cycle Power Plant Control Room Operator who is eager to work as part of a Team at our Arlington Valley Facility! Reporting to the Operations Manager, as the ...

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Power Plant Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$18

$41

$59

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Arizona is $41.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.98 and $54.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power plant operator?

Power Plant Operators are professionals responsible for controlling, monitoring, and maintaining the equipment that generates electric power in power plants. They ensure that the plant runs efficiently, safely, and within regulatory standards by adjusting controls, reading meters, and responding to abnormalities or emergencies. Their duties often include starting or stopping equipment, troubleshooting issues, and performing routine inspections and maintenance. Operators may work with a variety of energy sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, or renewable resources. This role requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.

What is the difference between Power Plant Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectPower Plant OperatorBoiler Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; licensing or certification often requiredHigh school diploma; boiler operator license or certification often required
Work EnvironmentPower plants, generating electricity from various sourcesBoiler rooms, manufacturing plants, or power plants
Industry UsageElectricity generation, energy productionSteam generation, heating systems, industrial processes
Job FunctionsOperate and monitor power plant equipment to generate electricityOperate and maintain boilers to produce steam or heat

Both roles involve operating equipment in energy or industrial settings and require similar certifications. Power Plant Operators focus on electricity generation, while Boiler Operators primarily manage steam and heating systems. The choice depends on the specific industry and equipment involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, operational procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring further technical training or certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software, and safety protocols is critical for daily operations. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top operators apart. These competencies are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable generation of power in compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by power plant operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Power Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding to alarms quickly, and maintaining focus during long shifts, including nights and weekends. New hires can prepare by gaining a solid understanding of plant systems, actively participating in on-the-job training, and developing strong communication skills to coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying vigilant, adhering to safety protocols, and asking questions when unsure can help new operators adapt more efficiently to the demanding environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Power Plant Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Operator jobs in AZ? For Power Plant Operator jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,669 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Central Plant Operator and Central Plant Operator, Senior

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Arizona State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Profile:
Facilities Specialist 1 Non-Exempt
Job Family:
Facilities Management
Time Type:
Full time
Max Pay - Depends on experience:
$34.00 USD Hourly
Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate's degree and one (1) year of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Job Profile Summary:
Provides routine facilities operations support for a department based on established policies and procedures.
Job Description:
Facilities Management, Central Plant, seeks Central Plant Operators and Central Plant Operator Seniors for the Central Plants at all ASU campuses to assist in the monitoring, operating, repairing and performing preventative maintenance on boilers and/or chillers and related equipment. Central Plants are 24/7 operating facilities.
This position will require working at all ASU campus locations based on program need.
This position will remain posted until filled.
Essential Duties:
Central Plant Operator
  • Monitor various gauges, gas and draft meters, pressure and temperature indicators to verify operating conditions of automatically fired boilers, chillers, compressors, motors, turbines and/or other related equipment.
  • Prepare logs, charts and reports of operating conditions.
  • Clean, paint, lubricate, service and perform minor maintenance adjustments necessary to ensure safe and economical operation of all central plant equipment and submit reports to ensure efficient utilization of equipment and adherence to the preventive maintenance program.
  • Make chemical analysis of water samples and adjusts amounts of chemicals being used to protect equipment properly.
  • Operate data center and computer to question or verify specified operating conditions at various university facilities as required; initiate corrective action in trouble or emergency situations by notifying proper department or dispatching appropriate personnel to site.
  • Perform maintenance in disassembly, assembly, repair and cleaning of boilers, chillers or other related plant equipment as required.
  • Apply safety standards at all times and maintain good housekeeping practices to provide safe working conditions.
  • Report problems affecting plant safety to appropriate personnel.
  • Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Central Plant Operator Senior
  • Monitor, operate, repair and perform preventative maintenance on boiler, chillers, plant equipment and associated equipment.
  • Utilize computer interface to operate the Distributed Control System (DCS)/PLC.
  • Collect water samples and perform test on plant loops.
  • Read plant gauges and maintain logs.
  • Utilize hand and power tools, wrenches, ratchets and sockets, shovel, squeegee, broom, vacuum, pallet jack, manual hoist, cleaning/paint tools, voltage/refrigerant/calibration meters, gantry, tap, dies, drills, grinders, pressure washer, tube cleaning machine, saws, mechanical hoist and impact wrench.
  • Evaluate systems for effective energy usage and conservation; make, adjust, repair, replace as needed.
  • Use software and hardware in computers and microprocessors for system troubleshooting, adjustment, and repair.
  • Modify existing systems and programs, troubleshooting, and maintenance for the objective of creating an optimum system of operation.
  • Perform database uploads and downloads to provide DDC controllers with current programs.
  • Operate and monitor control system equipment. Detect source and nature of system problems.
  • Make adjustments to change operating parameters of the system due to emergencies, malfunctions, and change requirements or to optimize operations. Perform emergency corrections to neutralize alarm conditions and restore proper operation.
  • Verify correct system and control sequence operations.
  • May perform scheduled and unscheduled remote start and stop of equipment.
  • Review, modify, and implement programming changes to plant control system to ensure efficient and effective system operations and conformance with standards and guidelines.
  • Monitor and adjust control loops for optimum performance.
  • Calibrate, repair, and replace plant control system sensing devices to specifications.
  • Study plans, drawings, specifications, and work order requirements. Troubleshoot power supplies, controllers, transducers, transmitters, flow meters, sensors, actuators, and take corrective actions.
  • Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Days and Schedule:
Central Plant Operator (Based at Tempe campus): Tuesday- Friday / 7:00am-5:30pm
Central Plant Operator Senior (Based at Tempe campus): Monday- Friday / 11:00pm- 7:30am
Central Plant Operator Senior (Based at West Valley campus): Monday- Friday / 3:00pm-11:30pm
These positions will require working at all ASU campus locations based on program need.
Salary Range:
Central Plant Operator: $28.00 - $31.00 per hour based on experience and education.
Central Plant Operator Senior: $31.01 - $34.00 per hour based on experience and education.
ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona.
Desired Qualifications:
Central Plant Operator
  • Three years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Some positions in this classification may require a current Arizona driver's license upon employment.

Experience in:
  • using hand tools of the trade.
  • monitoring, operating and maintaining boilers and/or chillers. operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillers. using a DCS workstations or equivalent.
  • using Microsoft Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reports.

Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • boiler and/or chiller equipment, operation and maintenance.
  • the refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillers in pump performance characteristics (temperature, flow and pressure).
  • operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant components of integrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution system.

Evidence of:
  • effective communication skills
  • EPA /CFC certification

Central Plant Operator Senior
Six years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems which includes two years experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Completion of a four year federally approved technical training stationary engineer program AND two years of experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Employee may be required to possess a valid US Driver's license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.
Experience:
  • in operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillers
  • with a primary-secondary and/or primary-variable campus distribution system and control parameters (temperature, flow and pressure)
  • with a Siemens DCS SIMATIC S7 Advanced Controllers and DESIGO workstations or equivalent
  • using MS Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reports

Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant components
  • integrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, energy efficiency techniques, which include utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution system
  • the refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillers

Evidence of:
  • effective communication skills
  • EPA 608 Universal certification

Working Environment:
  • Work in noisy environment, varying temperatures and confined spaces.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, face shield, gloves, hearing protection).
  • Lift and carry objects above the shoulder up to 50 pounds (e.g. valves, actuators, small pumps, pipes, ladders, manhole covers, cooling tower fill panels, resin medial cylinders, electrical starters, electrical motors, etc.).
  • Work off ladders to open/close valves, change lamps, repair boilers and chillers, and test safety alarms.
  • May be exposed to hazardous and dangerous materials, tools, and equipment which will require safety precautions and/or specific process to be followed, and may include the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) (e.g. safety glasses, hearing protection, negative pressure and positive pressure respirator).
  • Use of PPE may require medical clearance prior to use.
  • Drive a University vehicle.

Department Statement:
What's in it for you?
Looking for an employer that offers you solid growth opportunities, as well as an inclusive culture and work/life balance? ASU offers the following:
  • 22 days of accrued vacation leave, 12 days of accrued sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff.
  • Tuition Reduction Program for staff members, their spouses, and dependents, available on day one. For more information visit https://cfo.asu.edu/reduced-tuition
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child
  • Affordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. More information available at https://cfo.asu.edu/benefits
  • Retirement program designed to promote long-term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
  • Paid time for volunteer and professional development
  • Wellness program for preventative health education and screenings
  • Disability and leave program for income protection
  • Free and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challenges
  • ASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnerships

ASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM) maintains and services all university-owned property, and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities. FDM's vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the university's mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment. We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts.
Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States. Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position.
Positions are based at ASU's Tempe & West Valley campuses however will require working from other campuses depending on operational need.
Must possess EPA/CFC certification or be able to obtain within six months of employment.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination post offer of employment to include audiogram, respiratory clearance questionnaire and respiratory fit test.
Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment. Post-offer of employment, selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39 month period from date of hire.
This position requires working a rotating on-call/stand-by schedule and may be called in for emergency response including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Driving Requirement:
This position may require driving. Employee must possess a valid US Driver's license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.
Location:
Campus: Tempe
Funding:
No Federal Funding
Instructions to Apply:
Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.
Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.
https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$24700.htmld
To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.
Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.
Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date

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