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Power Plant Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Instructor evaluates trainee performance on-the-job and in the simulator when applicable ... Candidates should possess expertise/familiarity with power plant operations. Technical expertise in ...

The Instructor evaluates trainee performance on-the-job and in the simulator when applicable ... Candidates should possess expertise/familiarity with power plant operations. Technical expertise in ...

The Instructor evaluates trainee performance on-the-job and in the simulator when applicable ... Candidates should possess expertise/familiarity with power plant operations. Technical expertise in ...

Sr Leadership Instructor

Welch, MN · On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

... from trainees, leaders, and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement. * Respond to ... Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to a nuclear power plant. * NANT qualified ...

Sr Leadership Instructor

Monticello, MN · On-site

$59K - $78K/yr

... from trainees, leaders, and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement. * Respond to ... Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to a nuclear power plant. * NANT qualified ...

Sr Leadership Instructor

Welch, MN · On-site

$57K - $75K/yr

... from trainees, leaders, and other stakeholders to drive continuous improvement. * Respond to ... Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to a nuclear power plant. * NANT qualified ...

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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 Minnesota?

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

What job categories do people searching Power Plant Trainee jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Power Plant Trainee jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Power Plant Trainee job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Nuclear Technical Instructor or Senior Nuclear Technical Instructor

Xcel Energy

Welch, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.
Nuclear Technical Instructor Position Summary
This position is responsible for utilizing a systematic approach to training to conduct Initial and continuing training for maintenance and technical personnel. Continually evaluates and improves training to result in maximum effectiveness of the training program.
Sr Nuclear Technical Instructor Position Summary
Experienced trainer with in-depth technical knowledge, and proficiency in the application of systematic approach to training (SAT) principles. Conducts analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation activities for accredited training programs. Provides coaching and feedback to station workers to improve their performance in classroom, laboratory, and on the job settings. Supports activities necessary to maintain accreditation of the operator training programs. Possess the knowledge and skills and may be assigned to be a program lead.
Nuclear Technical Instructor Essential Responsibilities
  • Provide initial and continuing training in classroom and laboratory environments. Provide just in time training as needed to support plant operational requirements. Coordinate training from equipment vendors and outside training organizations.
  • Create/modify lesson plans, practical exercises, and multimedia training materials for effective delivery to maintenance and technical personnel. Develop and administer exams to validate knowledge of training materials. Develop technical "mock up" equipment for hands-on training experience.
  • Receive and evaluate training feedback from numerous resources, including trainees, management, and industry. Participate in various training committees to ensure training effectiveness.
  • Design training and establish specific measurable behaviors for task-oriented maintenance and technical training. Construct effective measures to verify trainee comprehension of training materials.
  • Provide training expertise during analysis of performance problems. Perform assessment of training request for management and training program owner. Evaluate maintenance tasks to determine the standards for performance.
  • Respond to emergent training needs and performance issues. Maintain short-range and long-range training schedules. Schedule and notify personnel of training through the Learning Management System. Verify records of conducted training and attendance. Maintain records of personnel qualifications. Maintain updated qualification manual and associated task lists. Participate in periodic assessments to validate training program.

Sr Nuclear Technical Instructor Essential Responsibilities
  • Design Training and establish specific measurable behaviors for task-oriented training. Provide Initial and Continuing training in classroom and laboratory environments. Receive and evaluate training feedback from numerous sources, including trainees, management, and industry. Respond to emergent training needs and performance issues
  • Conducts needs assessments, analyzes jobs/tasks to design, develop and implement training for specified technical training programs. Can lead and/or assist with self-assessments and other evaluations of the various training programs.
  • Coordinates, leads, and conducts training in the classroom and/or laboratory for specified technical training programs per applicable codes, ACADs, and regulatory requirements. Manages program administrative requirements including performance indicators. Can develop and administer examinations in the classroom, laboratory, or in the plant for specified training programs.
  • Continuously pursues and maintains personal development, learning and qualifications to support the various training programs such as general instructor, advanced instructor, and those requirements of a Principal Technical Instructor.
  • Leads the training department in developing programs to support the safe operations of the plant by exercising expertise in their particular program(s).
  • Supports plant refueling outages and site Emergency Response Organization (ERO), as needed.

Nuclear Technical Instructor ($84,900-$120,567)
Minimum Requirements
  • 5 years of related work experience required.
  • Knowledge and/or experience in the troubleshooting process and/or power plant equipment.
  • Performed installation, maintenance, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, configuration, and repairs of Power Plant.
  • Knowledge in use of a systematic approach to training.
  • Must effectively communicate ideas and concepts through written and verbal communications.
  • Knowledgeable in use of computer software: i.e. Word, Excel, Power Point.
  • Previous experience in development and delivery of training.

Preferred Requirements
  • Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school
  • Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university
  • Previous Power Plant or Nuclear Navy background
  • Previous experience with Radiation Protection or Mechanical Maintenance

Sr Nuclear Technical Instructor ($97,600-$138,600)
Minimum Requirements
  • Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to nuclear power plant is required.
  • Diploma or GED, plus Associate's degree or equivalent is required. This can be any combination of instructional or work experience related to the operation of a commercial or military nuclear facility.
  • Requires 5 or more years of related work experience, including 3 years of training related experience. Any combination of work experience a related technical discipline, providing training/education in the technical discipline, comparable journeyman/military experience; military or commercial instructor, public education or college/technical school teacher, or qualified in-plant trainer.National Academy of Nuclear Training (NANT) qualified instructor required or obtain qualification within 1-year of assignment.
  • Must be familiar with SAT principles and regulatory requirements associated with assigned discipline.
  • Must be familiar with requirements to maintain accreditation of the maintenance and technical training programs.

Preferred Requirements
  • Previous power plant or Nuclear Navy background is preferred.
  • Experience in performance analysis is preferred.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $84,900.00 to $138,600.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 09/18/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Xcel Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909