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Power Plant Trainee Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

ECC Transmission Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18.50 - $22.50/hr

Summary The ECC Transmission Operator Trainee is expected to complete qualifications within ... High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ...

In addition to his power plant duties, this may include regular O&M duties at the site, including ... The successful completion of all training curriculum defined by the Operations Specialist Trainee ...

New

... plant, machines and equipment. Best is: * Loyal and growing customers that consider us the best ... Power) * Learning useful new skills in technically driven environment * Highly educational

Operations Intern PV

Tonopah, AZ · On-site

$14.75 - $19.25/hr

... Power Plant Operations tasks of limited scope and complexity. The intern receives training and ... Trainee. Minimum Requirements High School graduate or GED. At least 18 years of age. Current ...

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Power Plant Trainee information

What is a power plant trainee?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power plant trainee?

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 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 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.

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

The most popular types of Power Plant jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Power Plant Trainee jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Power Plant Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Trainee job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

ECC BA Operator Trainee

APS

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Atlanta Public Schools rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 638 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.  

Summary

APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is responsible for maintaining generation-load-frequency control, ensuring accurate transmission scheduling and participating in the Energy Imbalance Market. 

We would like to speak with you if you have : 

  • Experience operating a Balancing Authority and making real-time control decisions to maintain system reliability within design limits.

  • Knowledge of FERC, NERC, and WECC policies, and a proven track record of adhering to regulatory procedures in power system operations.

  • Authority and confidence to initiate emergency load reduction when energy resources fall short of demand, ensuring grid stability under pressure.

  • Expertise in monitoring generation and reserves, and ensuring compliance with interconnected system agreements and power pool criteria.

  • Strong communication and coordination skills with system marketers, especially around unit commitment, plant status, and Energy Imbalance Market operations.

The ECC BA Operator Trainee is expected to complete qualifications within assigned time frames.

* This position works on rotating 12 hours shifts 

Minimum Requirements
  • High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations, system electric field work or other electric operations work OR BS/BA/AA in related technical field or operations/business management and two (2) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations, system electric field work or other electric operations work management
  • Ability to obtain the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) certification within six (6) months of hire and to complete all continuing education as required by NERC and the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC).
  • Continue educational and professional development beyond the level of basis (entry level) training.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts.

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:

  • Two years' experience as a NERC certified operator within the WECC.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of basic algebra and trigonometry; demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills; PC literate.
Major Accountabilities

1) Analyze conditions; take control action to operate the APS Balancing Authority within design limits.

2) To follow all FERC, NERC and WECC operating policies and procedures.

3) Exercise full authority to implement emergency load reduction when energy resources cannot meet load requirements.

4) Continually monitor on-line generation to ensure required system operating reserves; and ensure the interconnected system and associated power pool operating agreements, criteria and guidelines are met.

5) Interface with system marketers to ensure proper communications with regard to power plant status and generating unit commitment, and Energy Imbalance Market activities.

6) Provide complete and accurate documentation of all system events, problems, transactions, commitments, and communications relating to real time system operations, generation and scheduling of APS and interconnected system energy resources. Documentation is for management, state and federal regulatory review.

7) Update available transmission postings, process requests for transmission service, and implement transmission and energy interchange schedules in computer.

Export Compliance / EEO Statement

This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.

For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.

CIP Requirement:

This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.

Location-Based Role:
This position requires employees to work at the (Location), with some flexibility. Flexibility will be determined with the hires employee and leadership, but the ultimate decision is the company's.

Testing Information

Tests are only administered to referred candidates. More information about our tests and the testing process can be found HERE. 

A written [paper and pencil] test will be administered.
A test using a computer with keyboard will be administered.

E-mail will be the method of contact with job applicants for test scheduling.  Please be sure to check your e-mail regularly so that you receive scheduling notifications for testing and updated job information.


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