1

Power Plant Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

... power to California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as steam to the adjacent Collins Products ... rate, operating performance of plant equipment, and taking action when necessary to optimize ...

... power to California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as steam to the adjacent Collins Products ... Responsible for the monitoring of facility heat rate, operating performance of plant equipment, and ...

Utility Plant Operator

Eugene, OR

$40.03 - $61.37/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utility Plant Operator Apply now Job no: 536784 Work type: Classified Staff Location: Eugene, OR ... Our Central Power Station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Major ...

Utility Plant Operator

Eugene, OR ยท On-site

$40.03 - $61.37/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Utility Plant Operator Job no: 536784 Work type: Classified Staff Location: Eugene, OR Categories ... Our Central Power Station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Major ...

Responsible for the monitoring of facility heat rate, operating performance of plant equipment ... Experience in power plant combined cycle operations is required. Management skills including the ...

CO2 Plant Operator

Boardman, OR ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CO2 Plant Operator Classification: Non-Exempt Build your career with Alto Ingredients! Earn a competitive salary, benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and 401k, a stipend for ...

ASPHALT PLANT OPERATOR

Sherwood, OR ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Asphalt Plant Operator position: Air Force: Pavement and Construction Equipment Journeyman Pavement and Construction Equipment ...

Asphalt Plant Operator-Foreman

Woodburn, OR ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Daily operation of asphalt plant including producing and loading- scaling trucks as they load out * Monitor material quality, inspect, and troubleshoot material, working closely with quality control ...

Create work orders for equipment needing work during downtime or is not operating correctly ... Will assist in training other plant personnel. * Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications

Create work orders for equipment needing work during downtime or is not operating correctly ... Will assist in training other plant personnel. * Other duties may be assigned. Qualifications

next page

Showing results 1-20

Power Plant Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$21

$47

$67

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Oregon is $47.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.78 and $62.02 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant Operator jobs in Oregon?

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

What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operator jobs in Oregon look for?

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Power Plant Operator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Operator jobs in OR?

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

Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,332 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Principal Power Plant Engineer

Iberdrola

Klamath Falls, OR โ€ข On-site

$152K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

The base salary for this position is dependent upon experience and location.
Location: Klamath Falls, OR
Salary Range: $152,000 to $160,400
Job Summary
The Klamath Cogeneration Project is a 500 MW state-of-the-art gas-fired combined cycle cogeneration facility and a 100 MW Peaking Facility adjacent to the City of Klamath Falls, Oregon. These facilities operate as a flexible dispatch combined cycle merchant plant and a fast start peaking plant supplying power to California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as steam to the adjacent Collins Products manufacturing facility.
Key Responsibilities
โ€ข Day-to-day operations management of the facility in a safe, environmentally compliant, and fuel-efficient manner.
โ€ข Recruiting, testing, training, development and direct supervision of approximately 10 multi-skilled plant operations technicians.
โ€ข Coordinates with Asset Management and Trading staff in Portland and Plant O&M staff in Klamath to implement daily and/or hourly production targets, and ensure these targets are achieved in a safe and environmentally compliant manner.
โ€ข Ensures a continuous supply of steam is safely delivered to host Collins in the most economical method practicable.
โ€ข Has a leadership role in plant safety program and at times participates in knowledge sharing with other operational groups such as the wind and gas storage businesses.
โ€ข Ensures the plant-wide computerized maintenance management system is utilized by plant operations.
โ€ข Coordinates plant staff, outside contractors and OEM's to minimize O&M costs and optimize plant availability and reliability.
โ€ข Responsible for operations coordination of scheduled and unscheduled outages.
โ€ข Assists in the planning and execution of the operations portion of the facility O&M budget and provides input to the plant maintenance budget.
โ€ข Responsible for the monitoring of facility heat rate, operating performance of plant equipment, and taking action when necessary to optimize overall facility performance.
โ€ข Responsible for identification and cost-benefit analyses of plant betterment projects that improve plant efficiency, reduce O & M costs, or both.
โ€ข Provide input for modifications and alterations that are required to conform to new or unique demands by corporate, plant requirements or regulatory agencies.
โ€ข Assist in the addition or modification of computer controls to improve operational functionality of the facility.
โ€ข Plans, manages and executes the design, engineering, procurement and construction of new projects.
โ€ข Takes manager on call duties on a rotating basis.
โ€ข Additional Responsibilities
โ€ข Perform as team leader and be responsible for the safe and proper operation of the plant. Some duties include: work order oversight, coordination of maintenance activity, efficient operation of the plant, maintaining proper water chemistry and supervising Operations Technicians.
โ€ข Responsible for the operations activities for environmental permit compliance.
โ€ข Continually evaluate and prioritize plant conditions (steady- state, transient, & upset) and act to control, contain, and restore plant operations in a safe, appropriate, and environmentally compliant manner.
โ€ข Monitor and interpret plant emissions and discharges and act to maintain compliance with all applicable laws, permits, provisions and orders.
โ€ข Responsible for analyzing individual performance of Operations Technicians and providing guidance and feedback.
โ€ข Develop a fundamental understanding of the merchant power business, and utilize that knowledge in decision-making, suggesting changes, or improvements to the overall plant operation.
โ€ข Communicate regularly with Avangrid Power energy and asset management representatives, and on-site staff to optimize plant generation and achieve heat rate targets.
โ€ข Responsible for capturing, analyzing, validating, interpreting and reporting all production data and statistics, both internal and external, as required.
โ€ข Other duties as required
Required Qualifications
โ€ข Bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
โ€ข Minimum 3 years management experience in power generation or related field required.
โ€ข Experience in power plant combined cycle operations is required.
โ€ข Management skills including the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities, implement mission-critical programs, set expectations for and follow up with staff, recommend and oversee improvement of plant specific processes and systems.
โ€ข Ability to perform and coordinate root cause analysis of plant/equipment problems and to implement corrective action, in a timely, safe and cost-effective manner.
โ€ข Experienced in contract management and administration.
โ€ข Ability to fulfill all customer expectations in an economical manner.
โ€ข Ability to solicit and utilize 360ยฐ input, get buy-in, and, at times, be able to make decisions alone with the commensurate degree of urgency while maintaining an overall sense of ownership and teamwork within the organization. This includes being in the "Manager-on-call" rotation.
โ€ข Decisions regularly affect the achievement of plant objectives, efficiency, morale, and financial performance.
โ€ข Possess a high level of system and integrated process knowledge of power generation equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
โ€ข Minimum 7 years power plant experience, 10 or more years is preferred.
โ€ข 10 years power plant experience.
โ€ข Computerized maintenance management systems.
โ€ข Plant and turbine distributed control systems.
โ€ข Boiler and Cooling Tower water chemistry.
โ€ข Environmental Permits, regulations and compliance reporting.
โ€ข Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Access, Outlook).
Additional Success Factors
โ€ข Ability to foster and participate in a productive team environment by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, customers, contractors, and vendors.
โ€ข Ability to analyze project risks and proactively identify solutions with a flexible, creative, and solution-focused outlook on problem solving.
โ€ข Maintains effectiveness during procedural/organizational changes and when dealing with varying personality styles and tasks.
โ€ข Effectively provides and receives information orally in individual and group situations. Written expression is clear, concise, and conveys the desired message.
โ€ข Ability to navigate and succeed in a highly matrixed reporting structure, preferably at an international company.
Competencies
โ€ข Growth & Continuous Improvement
โ€ข Initiative & Change
โ€ข Focused on Results
โ€ข Customer Centric (internal and/or external)
โ€ข Communication
โ€ข Collaboration
โ€ข Leadership (people managers/leaders)
Disclaimer
AVANGRID is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. AVANGRID is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, gender, gender identification, gender expression, race, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other characteristics or conditions protected by law.
Click here for Additional Disclaimer Information
Avangrid employees may be assigned a system emergency role and in the event of a system emergency, may be required to work outside of their regular schedule/job duties. This is applicable to employees that will work in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within AVANGRD Network and Corporate functions. This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power.
#LI-TI1
Company:
PPM TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC
Mobility Information
Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country.
At Avangrid we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tool to search for or to apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our People and Organization department at careers@avangrid.com.
Avangrid employees may be assigned a system emergency role and in the event of a system emergency, may be required to work outside of their regular schedule/job duties. This is applicable to employees that will work in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate functions. This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power.
Avangrid employees may also be assigned a NERC Reliability Standards compliance role supporting Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and/or Operations and Planning (O&P) responsibilities. This is applicable to employees that will work in electric transmission, operations, and cyber security business areas in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate business areas. NERC Reliability Standards compliance roles and responsibilities may include additional access protections, training, audit engagement, and required evidence retention, and will be communicated by the employee's management.
Job Posting End Date:
September-25-2026