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Power Plant Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SRP

Operations Specialist Trainee (West Valley)

Glendale, AZ · On-site

$51K - $68K/yr

Previous experience as an power generation plant control room operator or control room operator trainee is highly preferred. Operations Specialist Trainee (OST) duties are: Satisfactory completion of ...

APS

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

Arizona Public Service

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

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Power Plant Trainee information

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$10

$32

$71

How much do power plant trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant trainee in the United States is $32.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $42.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Power Plant Trainees during their initial training period?

Power Plant Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning complex technical systems, and managing shift work schedules. The role requires quick learning to understand the operation of various plant equipment and adherence to detailed operational procedures. Trainees may also find the pace of on-the-job learning demanding, as they must absorb both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills under the supervision of experienced operators. However, most plants provide structured training and mentorship to help new hires succeed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Plant Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Trainee, you typically need a background in mechanical or electrical engineering, basic knowledge of power generation principles, and a high school diploma or relevant technical degree. Familiarity with control room systems, safety protocols, and maintenance tools is important, and some companies may require OSHA or other industry certifications. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe operations, quick adaptation to complex systems, and effective teamwork in a highly regulated environment.

What are Power Plant Trainees?

Power Plant Trainees are entry-level employees who receive on-the-job training to learn the operations, maintenance, and safety procedures of power plants. Their responsibilities typically include observing experienced staff, assisting with equipment monitoring, and learning how to operate machinery under supervision. The goal of a trainee program is to prepare individuals for more advanced roles within the plant by providing them with practical skills and knowledge about power generation processes, safety regulations, and troubleshooting techniques.

What is the difference between Power Plant Trainee vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectPower Plant TraineePower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsTypically a diploma or degree in engineering or related field; training certificationsRelevant certifications; extensive on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, offices, and plant facilities during internshipOperational control rooms and plant facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level training programs in power plantsFull-time operational staff managing plant functions
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles and training programsUnderstanding operational responsibilities and career progression

In summary, a Power Plant Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, often during training programs. In contrast, a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for managing plant operations. The trainee role prepares individuals for the operator position through hands-on training and certifications.

More about Power Plant Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Power Plant Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Power Plant Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Plant jobs? The most popular types of Power Plant jobs are:
What states have the most Power Plant Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Power Plant Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Trainee jobs are:
Power Plant Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,040 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Power Plant Trainee

US Department of the Army

Warsaw, MO

$37.72/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position: Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): ability to do the work of a Power Plant Trainee I - without more than normal supervision. Candidates must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Power Plant Trainee, such as assist in basic welds, soldering, and reading precision tools like micrometers, blueprint drawings and calipers, assisting of journeymen mixing and pouring concrete. must have the ability to work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Physical Effort: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and some stooping, bending, kneeling, and crawling. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions which may require the physical endurance to work under poor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and twisting objects frequently weighing up to and occasionally over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. Must have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read fine calibrations; glasses permitted. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. An amputation of arm, hand, leg or foot will normally disqualify an applicant for appointment. Any physical condition which would cause the applicant to be a hazard to his/herself or to others is disqualifying.
  • Working Conditions: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however the work area may include intake structures, and spillway areas. Work is principally indoors in a well heated, lighted and ventilated environment, but occasional outdoor work exposes employee to usual climate extremes. Exposed to equipment and machinery noises, heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes, and moving and/or energized equipment. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats and ear plugs. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements, including pulmonary capacity and other routine occupational and pre-employment medical examinations.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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Arlington, VA, US

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