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Power Plant Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Wood

Plant Operator ll

Louisville, KY · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Ability to read and interpret power plant process flow diagrams and operating procedures ... Individual should be a motivated self-starter capable of troubleshooting common operational system ...

Wood

Plant Operator ll

Louisville, KY · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

Ability to read and interpret power plant process flow diagrams and operating procedures ... Individual should be a motivated self-starter capable of troubleshooting common operational system ...

CRH

Asphalt Plant Operator

Olive Hill, KY · On-site

Asphalt Plant Operator AMAT Olive Hill, Kentucky, United States Job ID: 526395 Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the Mountain Companies (comprised of Mountain Enterprises, Mountain Materials, and ...

City of Frankfort Kentucky

Plant Operator

Frankfort, KY · On-site

$20.93/hr

Employer paid training and certifications * .75/hr. shift differential pay for second shift ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Assists in the daily operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant in ...

New

CRH

Asphalt Plant Operator

Martin, KY · On-site

Asphalt Plant Operator AMAT Martin, Kentucky, United States Job ID: 527894 Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the Mountain Companies (comprised of Mountain Enterprises, Mountain Materials, and ...

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

$180 - $240/hr

SENIOR MANAGER SpaceX is building and operating combined-cycle gas turbine power plants that must come online, stay online, and perform. This role owns the design and build of the full power plant ...

CRH

Asphalt Plant Operator

Olive Hill, KY

Asphalt Plant Operator This is a skilled position controlling production and load out of materials produced in plants. The plant operator is responsible for the efficient working condition of plant ...

CRH

Asphalt Plant Operator

Martin, KY

Asphalt Plant Operator This is a skilled position controlling production and load out of materials produced in plants. The plant operator is responsible for the efficient working condition of plant ...

Airgas

Plant Operator (Night)

Hopkinsville, KY · On-site

R10098138 Plant Operator (Night) (Open) Location: Hopkinsville, KY - Pembroke - Dry-ice logistics How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ...

Airliquidehr

Plant Operator (Night)

Hopkinsville, KY

R10098138 Plant Operator (Night) (Open) Location: Hopkinsville, KY - Pembroke - Dry-ice logistics How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ...

FORVIA

Plant Operator

Simpsonville, KY

What You'll Do As a Production Operator, you will support daily manufacturing operations while ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency: * Operate in a high-volume assembly production environment

WESTFRASER

$95 - $130/hr

Develop, maintain and update plant operating procedures and guidelines. * Maximize generation and maintain efficient operation of all plant processes associated with the power plant. Qualifications ...

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All JobsPower Plant Operator JobsPower Plant Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Power Plant Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$17

$38

$55

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Kentucky is $38.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $50.96 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 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 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.

How hard is it to become a power plant operator?

Becoming a power plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship that can last several years. Operators often need to obtain certifications such as a license from the relevant regulatory agency, and strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in shifts are important for success in this role.

What does a power plant operator do at a power plant?

A power plant operator controls and monitors the equipment that generates electricity, ensuring the plant runs efficiently and safely. They start and stop machinery, adjust controls, perform routine inspections, and respond to alarms or issues, often working with control panels and requiring technical knowledge of plant systems. Certification and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.
More about Power Plant Operator jobs

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The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

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For Power Plant Operator jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

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Cities in Kentucky with the most Power Plant Operator job openings:

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Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,777 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Power Plant Operator

St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Florence, KY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

St. Elizabeth Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

646th of 895 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Engage with us for your next career opportunity. Right Here.

Job Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

💙 Why You'll Love Working with St. Elizabeth Healthcare

At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, every role supports our mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the communities we serve. For more than 160 years, St. Elizabeth Healthcare has been a trusted provider of quality care across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. We're guided by our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve and by our values of excellence, integrity, compassion, and teamwork. Our associates are the heart of everything we do.

🌟 Benefits That Support You

We invest in you - personally and professionally.

Enjoy:

- Competitive pay and comprehensive health coverage within the first 30 days.

- Generous paid time off and flexible work schedules

- Retirement savings with employer match

- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

- Wellness, mental health, and recognition programs

- Career advancement through mentorship and internal mobility

Job Summary:

St. Elizabeth Healthcare is hiring a Power Plant Operator to join our Florence Maintenance Team.
Shift/Hours: Full Time 40 Hours, First Shift
Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00AM - 3:30PM
The purpose of this position is to support the patient care environment by operating and maintaining the central heating and air-conditioning equipment for the Medical Center.
Demonstrate respect, dignity, kindness and empathy in each encounter with all patients, families, visitors and other employees regardless of cultural background.

Job Description:

  • Maintain flow of steam, heating system hot water, domestic system hot and cold water, and chilled water to the Medical Center by operating and maintaining the boilers, pumps, heat exchangers, centrifugal chillers, and related equipment in the Power Plant.
  • Keep all systems free of scale, corrosion, and sludge by monitoring chemical levels and adjusting treatment according to our chemical program.
  • Respond to emergencies related to the equipment in a safe and effective manner based on a thorough understanding of the equipment and familiarity with the standard operating procedures manual for the Power Plant.
  • Document all routine and extraordinary events by recording all pertinent information on designed log sheets or other paperwork systems set up for that purpose.
  • Monitor the various building systems for safe and reliable operation by responding to alarm and perform other operations related to the Building Automation System.
  • Maintains a variety of other equipment under the responsibility of the Plant Engineering Department, especially during second and third shifts. This will include building equipment and PM.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Credentials, Licenses:

  • High School Diploma, post-secondary training in a maintenance related field.
  • Must have a valid driver's license and meet SEHC insurance requirements.

Specialized Knowledge:

  • Familiarity with steam and condensate.
  • General familiarity with computers systems, pumps, chemical treatment, centrifugal chillers, and cooling towers, and computer operation and software applications.

Kind and Length of Experience:

  • 3 years' experience operating a central plant with high pressure steam equipment, large capacity centrifugal chillers and related equipment - pumps, compressors and control systems.

OR

  • 3 years' experience maintaining or installing similar equipment.

OR

  • 18 months experience with St Elizabeth in the Maintenance Department.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Right Career. Right Here. If you're looking for the right careers in healthcare, the right place to be is at St. Elizabeth. Join us, and you'll take pride in the level of care we offer our community.

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