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Power Plant Operator Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Americold

Forklift Operator

Zumbrota, MN · On-site

$22/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold Logistics, Inc.

Forklift Operator

Zumbrota, MN · On-site

$22/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold Logistics, Inc.

Forklift Operator

Zumbrota, MN · On-site

$22/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold

Forklift Operator

Zumbrota, MN · On-site

$22/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Americold Logistics

Forklift Operator

Zumbrota, MN

$22/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Geotek LLC

Composite Technician

Stewartville, MN · On-site

Follows written work instructions and standard operating procedures * Actively participates in ... Performs other duties, in any area of the plant, as directed Job Requirements * A two-year degree ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Preston, MN

$102K - $122K/yr

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Dover, MN

$99K - $118K/yr

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Elgin, MN

$96K - $115K/yr

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Kasson, MN

$99K - $119K/yr

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Rochester, MN

... powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ... safe and reliable nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical ...

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All JobsPower Plant Operator JobsPower Plant Operator Jobs in Rochester, MN

Power Plant Operator information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$20

$45

$64

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Rochester, MN is $45.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $59.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a Power Plant Operator worth it?

Power Plant Operators manage and control the systems that generate electricity, requiring technical skills and often certifications. The job offers stable employment with competitive wages, but it involves shift work and safety risks due to high-voltage equipment and hazardous environments.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Power plant operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are usually lower, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily include specialized roles such as certain surgeons, corporate executives, or highly experienced consultants, but these are not related to power plant operations. Achieving such high daily earnings generally requires advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience in specialized fields.

What are Power Plant Operators?

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 does an operator do at a power plant?

A power plant operator controls and monitors the equipment that generates electricity, ensuring safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, and other machinery. They perform routine inspections, respond to alarms, and maintain records, often working in shifts and requiring technical skills and certifications. Their role is essential for maintaining continuous power supply and safety standards.

What Does a Power Plant Operator Do?

As a power plant operator, your duties are to operate and maintain equipment that generates power and regulate these generators to control the output and storage of energy. You also manage the proper flow of electricity and voltage based on consumer demands. At a nuclear power plant, for example, you adjust control rods which generate power, and monitor the reactors, wind turbines, and cooling systems to ensure they operate within specified parameters. At a solar installation, your responsibilities are to monitor heat transfer and position and adjust solar panels or mirrors based on meteorological conditions.

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 is the highest salary for a plant operator?

Power plant operators can earn high salaries, with the top earners making over $100,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand regions. Factors such as certifications, shift work, and the complexity of the plant can influence salary levels.
More about Power Plant Operator jobs
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Power Plant Operator job openings:
Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,538 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Forklift Operator

Forklift Operator

Americold

Zumbrota, MN • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Americold Logistics rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 113 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 340 rated logistics

Job description

Primary Responsibility:
Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment.
What You'll Do:
Efficiently and safely load and unload freight using proper equipment to move products to storage throughout facility.
Effectively stack and store merchandise, pick and assemble orders for shipment, check freight for accuracy, damage, and infestation, while labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as directed by management.
In compliance with OSHA standards, operate equipment (sit down and stand-up forklifts, high-reach forklifts, stand-up straddle trucks, walk behinds, single/double pallet jacks and RF scanners) in a manner that promotes safety.
Must be able to meet production standards while maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
Perform other duties such as inventory, cleaning, or forklift battery changes and may be required to perform other duties outside of normal responsibilities as needed.
What Experience and Education You Need:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred.
Three (3) months of related work experience preferred.
What Could Set You Apart:
An ability to work independently.
Ability to work overtime, evenings, or weekends to complete work or to attend meetings as assigned, and the ability to adhere to attendance policies by showing up to assigned shift on time.
Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to details and meet deadlines.
Physical Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions for this position and meet the physical requirements needed to perform them, including but not limited to frequently requiring the ability to drive a forklift, sit, hear, or talk, use close vision, use hands to grasp, handle or feel objects, and type and manipulate controls. Employees are occasionally required to use distance vision, stand, kneel, or crouch. Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. While performing the essential functions of this job, the associate:
Must be able to work in spaces with 55 inches of headroom.
Must be able to tolerate working environment with inside controlled temperatures varying from32 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as outside ambient temperatures (including heat, cold and precipitation).
Must tolerate heights up to 30 ft. and be able to access elevated products from inside safety cage.
May stand to rebuild pallets with products. Requires tolerance of standing posture up to 5 hours, over an 8-10-12 hour shift. Occasionally required to walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Must be able lift boxes of varying weights from 10 lbs. up to 55 lbs. from ground level to 80 inches in height and up 70 lbs. to 50 inches in height rebuilding pallets without assistance. Must be able to lift and carry product a distance of 6 ft. without mechanical assistance.
Wear clothing,boots, headgear, and gloves that protect against the cold.
Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards/requirements.
The Company's good-faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting for this position is $22.00 hourly.
Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with applicable employment laws.
EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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