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Power Plant Operator Jobs in Sun Prairie, WI (NOW HIRING)

Sanimax Industries, Inc.

Plant Operator

De Forest, WI · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Sanimax is seeking a Plant Operator to join our DeForest Team! Schedule: Monday to Friday, 4:00 AM - 12:30 PM. Starting Pay: $22-$25/hour, based on experience, Why join Sanimax? * Competitive pay ...

Didion, Inc.

Plant Operator

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

As a Soy Plant Operator, youll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency. This hands-on role offers you the chance to be cross-trained in ...

Didion, Inc.

Plant Operator

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

As a Soy Plant Operator, youll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency. This hands-on role offers you the chance to be cross-trained in ...

Didion Inc.

Plant Operator

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

As a Soy Plant Operator, you'll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency. This hands-on role offers you the chance to be cross-trained in ...

Didion, Inc.

Plant Operator

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

As a Soy Plant Operator, you'll be at the heart of our operations, ensuring safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency. This hands-on role offers you the chance to be cross-trained in ...

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Power Plant Operator information

See Sun Prairie, WI salary details

$19

$43

$61

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Sun Prairie, WI is $43.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.23 and $57.07 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

What cities near Sun Prairie, WI are hiring for Power Plant Operator jobs?

Cities near Sun Prairie, WI with the most Power Plant Operator job openings:

Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Sun Prairie, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,488 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Plant Operator

De Forest, WI • On-site

Sanimax Industries, Inc.
See more jobs at Sanimax Industries, Inc.external

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Your professional transformation starts here
Looking for a work environment that's as safe as it is friendly? How about a stable job that offers excellent advancement opportunities, all while helping build a greener future?
This job is for you!
Your professional transformation starts here
Looking for a work environment that's as safe as it is friendly? How about a stable job that offers excellent advancement opportunities, all while helping build a greener future?
This job is for you!
Sanimax is seeking a Plant Operator to join our DeForest Team!
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 4:00 AM - 12:30 PM.
Starting Pay: $22-$25/hour, based on experience,
Why join Sanimax?
  • Competitive pay
  • Full-time permanent position
  • Complete benefits package
  • 3% quarterly CODA bonus
  • 401(k) with 5% company match
  • Green company with strong values and years of established growth and stability
  • Supportive and flexible team environment

As a Plant Laborer you will be responsible for:
  • Receive and transfer incoming liquid materials into the plant for processing.
  • Operate and monitor plant equipment and mechanical separation systems.
  • Move raw and finished product through the production process safely and efficiently.
  • Perform routine quality checks and basic sampling/testing as required.
  • Load finished product for shipment and operate forklifts or similar equipment (training provided).
  • Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment while following established procedures.
  • Complete production documentation accurately and support general plant labor tasks as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)
  • Experience in a plant, industrial, or production environment (asset)
  • Forklift or heavy-equipment experience (asset; training provided)
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs comfortably and perform physical work
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Able to work independently with minimal supervision while contributing to a team environment

Give meaning to your career and help us make a difference: become a transformation champion!
At Sanimax, we see strength in diversity, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer
Give meaning to your career and help us make a difference: become a transformation champion!
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Thank you for your interest in joining our team. Please note that we will only contact those whose applications are being considered.
At Sanimax, we see strength in diversity, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer

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