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Power Plant Operator Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Dillard Powerhouse - Operator

Dillard, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... operator is responsible for the distribution of the 12,500 Volt and 4160 Volt electrical load to ... plant to "Island Mode" if loss of power occurs from PP&L. This position monitors BAS (building ...

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Anaerobic Digester Operator 1

Junction City, OR · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Anaerobic Digester Operator plays a central role in the day-to-day operation of our anaerobic ... Perform routine inspections and preventative maintenance on plant equipment, including grinders ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

$118K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants * Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems * Engineering analyses and evaluations to support ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

$118K - $180K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants * Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems * Engineering analyses and evaluations to support ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer 2 - Nuclear

$100K - $152K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants * Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems * Engineering analyses and evaluations to support ...

Showing results 21-40

Power Plant Operator information

See Oregon salary details

$21

$47

$67

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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 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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,332 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Plant Support (Crew D) Ontario, OR

Simplot

Ontario, OR

$21.02/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


J.R. Simplot rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.

Summary

This position is responsible for work in production areas and performing a variety of jobs and tasks required to maintain smooth operation of the production lines and to assist when specific needs arise. This position exists to ensure product quality and production levels are achieved and sustained within the production areas. It is imperative that the person conducts themselves in a manner that ensures alertness and constant awareness of the safe operation of equipment and its surroundings.

Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain Company standards for safety, quality, food safety, sanitation and GMPs
  • Will work in production areas and perform a variety of jobs and tasks required to maintain smooth operation of the production lines and to assist when specific needs arise.
  • Ensure necessary level of communication is maintained with the appropriate personnel.
  • Utilize computer and computer programs to communicate, document, and track shift information and ensure that all documents and reports are completed accurately in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Maintain food safety standards by inspecting raw and finished product.
  • Strip and slip case product safely, efficiently, and correctly.
  • Rework held pallets safely, efficiently, and correctly.
  • Build, break down, re-line, and maintain tote supply safely, efficiently, and correctly.
  • Hand case and palletize safely, efficiently, and correctly.
  • Complete major clean up, daily cleaning, and start up duties safely, efficiently, and correctly.
  • Operate the compactor safely, efficiently, and correctly.
  • Proper food safety sanitation and cleaning procedures of all packaging equipment and tools.
  • Create work orders for equipment needing work during downtime or is not operating correctly.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work with maintenance to perform preventative maintenance.
  • Additional accountabilities required by management are handled in a manner necessary while representing the company.
  • Will assist in training other plant personnel.
  • Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Incumbent must obtain and maintain a valid equipment operator’s license with a Lift Truck and platform/Scissor Lift endorsement within 30 days of starting the bid.
  • Must be able to read, understand, and communicate in a manner to successfully perform the job duties.
  • Must have basic computer skills.
  • Must have manual dexterity in both hands.
Other Information

No relocation assistance offered for this role.

Shift: 6:00pm-6:00am, "Pitman Shift" Style

Pay: $21.02 p/hr + Nights Diffferential

Job Requisition ID: 26842

Travel Required: None

Location(s): GF Plant - Ontario 

Country: United States


**The Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status. 

If the Simplot Company decides to offer you this position, such offer will be conditioned on your satisfactory completion of a post-offer criminal background check. For Washington Job Applicants, see the Washington State Attorney General’s Washington Fair Chance Act Guide and RCW 49.94.010 for more information.**


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About Simplot

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boise, ID, US

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