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Power Plant Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Job Summary As a Mechanic Trainee, you will learn to perform maintenance on power station ... Journeyman craftsman experience and/or candidates who have power plant/power generation maintenance ...

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 ...

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ ยท 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 ...

DOD Skillbridge Internship - Patrol to Power

Thompsons, TX ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Plant Operator Trainee * I&C Apprentice Essential Duties/Responsibilities: * Recognizes safety ... Learn power plant layout and system operations. * Continually updates knowledge of plant systems ...

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ ยท 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 Sep 13, 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Power Plant Trainee jobs?

For Power Plant Trainee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Trainee job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,040 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Plant Operator Trainee

Alma, WI โ€ข On-site

Dairyland Power Cooperative
Utilitiesย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE (ALMA, WI)
The Plant Operator Trainee is responsible to timely complete all training requirements leading to the Plant Operator position, while performing the essential job functions of steps as completed.
The Impact You'll Make In This Role:
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
This list is developed to show the level of duties normally performed by this classification. This list is not an all-encompassing list of duties.
1. Perform maintenance during outages.
2. Perform housekeeping activities to keep the plant clean, orderly, and free from hazards.
3. Perform other duties as assigned. Attain a thorough working knowledge of equipment, procedures, policies, and safety rules by active participation in training programs.
4. Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area III and be responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and surveillance of designated turbine/generator auxiliaries, steam generator auxiliaries and other assigned plant auxiliary equipment per the Operator training program.
5. Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area II and be responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and surveillance of the turbine/generator, steam generator and other assigned plant auxiliary systems per the Operator training program.
6. Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area I and be responsible for the coordinated operation of the turbine generator and steam generator in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner per the Operator training program.
7. Required to be capable of performing the following operational functions: Operate manual and automatic valves that could range in size from ยผ" to 24" and range in pressure from negative to 2,000 PSI. Be able to distinguish colors, especially the difference between red, green, and yellow. Be able to use tools such as long handled scrapers to clean coal systems. Must be able to identify differences in sound levels to find equipment problems. Operate electrical switches and breakers up to 24,000 volts.
8. Initiates maintenance request for repair of equipment.
9. As you become qualified, rotate through the operating areas routinely to maintain knowledge of plant systems.
10. Assist with drafting and updating operating procedures by reviewing, editing and initiating as needed.
11. Responsible for understanding and following DPC policies, plant operating policies and procedures, lockout/tagout procedure, environmental guidelines, safety programs, Hazardous Substance Emergency Plan and all state and federal reporting and permit requirements.
Your Experience and Expertise:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience: (Internal Candidates) - Associate Degree or two (2) year diploma in directly related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Applicant must have a background in industrial operations, computer software, maintenance, electrical or instrumentation and possess basic mechanical, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Applicant must complete a state-approved Plant Operator apprenticeship program within three (3) years of entering the position.
(External Candidates) - Associate Degree or two (2) year diploma in directly related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
Applicant must have a background in industrial operations, computer software, maintenance, electrical or instrumentation and possess basic mechanical, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Applicant must complete a state-approved Plant Operator apprenticeship program within three (3) years of entering the position.
Skills: Must be able to read and understand procedures, blueprints, and technical information. Must be computer literate and be able to navigate through windows-based programs.
Licenses and Certifications: Valid driver's license.
Physical Demands: Sitting, standing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting upper body, walking, bending, reaching, stretching, writing, hearing, speaking, seeing, fingering, grasping, climbing (stairs, ladders, sky climber, confined spaces), pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 75 pounds; 40 pounds frequently). Become trained and operate scissor lifts and forklifts as required. Must have the ability to wear protective equipment (safety glasses, hard hat, respirators, etc.). Must have the ability to become respirator certified.
Environmental Demands: Work indoors and outdoors, occasionally in extreme cold, heat, and temperature swings, and often in extreme noise. Work around mechanical and electrical hazards, and occasionally work around fumes/odors, dust, chemical and toxic waste hazards.
Other Job Characteristics: Team-oriented crews working rotating shifts. Off-duty availability. Frequent interaction with co-workers. Work overtime as required.