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Power Plant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

These facilities operate as a flexible dispatch combined cycle merchant plant and a fast start peaking plant supplying power to California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as steam to the adjacent ...

These facilities operate as a flexible dispatch combined cycle merchant plant and a fast start peaking plant supplying power to California and the Pacific Northwest, as well as steam to the adjacent ...

Our Central Power Station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Major assets that we operate, maintain, and repair include: 10MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant 2 ...

Utility Plant Operator

Eugene, OR · On-site

$40.03 - $61.37/hr

Our Central Power Station is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Major assets that we operate, maintain, and repair include: • 10MW combined heat and power (CHP) plant ...

$110K - $133K/yr

You will work on major systems, equipment and plant process in the following areas: * Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry. * Interface with clients and project ...

Plant Maintenance Tech 2-3 hours a week of plant maintenance. Includes watering, dusting, trimming and occasional repotting of plants. Potential for more hours in the future. Starting rate $20 an ...

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Power Plant information

See Oregon salary details

$27

$41

$57

How much do power plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant in Oregon is $41.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.35 and $48.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a power plant?

A Power Plant job involves operating, maintaining, and overseeing equipment that generates electricity. Workers in this field ensure the plant runs efficiently, conduct routine inspections, and troubleshoot issues to prevent downtime. Positions can vary from plant operators and technicians to engineers and maintenance personnel. These roles require technical knowledge, adherence to safety protocols, and sometimes specialized certifications or training.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a power plant operator?

Power Plant Operators are responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment to generate and distribute electric power, performing routine inspections, and responding to alarms or operational anomalies. They carefully log operational data, conduct safety checks, and coordinate with maintenance teams to address equipment issues. Operators may also assist with periodic testing, equipment startups or shutdowns, and adhere strictly to regulatory and safety protocols. This hands-on, technical role involves both independent tasks and regular collaboration with engineers and technicians to maintain optimal plant performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the power plant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, often supported by a relevant technical degree or vocational training. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA software, and industry certifications such as NERC or EPA qualifications are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help operators excel in dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environments. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable power generation at all times.

How can I work at a power plant?

To work at a power plant, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and relevant technical training or certifications such as a boiler operator license or electrical certification. Employers often require safety training and may prefer candidates with experience in mechanical, electrical, or industrial fields. Job roles include operators, maintenance technicians, and engineers, and some positions may require shift work or working in hazardous environments.

How much do power plant workers get paid?

Power plant workers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and specific roles, but the median annual wage is around $70,000. Skilled positions such as plant operators and technicians often earn higher wages, especially with certifications and experience in safety protocols and control systems.

Is it hard to get a job at a power plant?

Getting a job at a power plant can be competitive and often requires relevant technical skills, certifications, and experience in areas such as electrical, mechanical, or environmental systems. Entry-level positions may be easier to obtain with proper training, but higher-level roles typically demand specialized knowledge and safety training, such as OSHA certifications.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Power Plant jobs in Oregon?

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

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

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

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Power Plant jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Power Plant job openings:

Infographic showing various Power Plant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,292 per year, or $42 per hour.

Power Plant Mechanic

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The Dalles, OR • On-site, Remote

$69.15/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 6 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary
About the Position: The Dalles Lock and Dam is 192 miles upriver from the mouth of the Columbia River and two miles east of the city of The Dalles, Oregon and Dallesport, Washington. Construction of The Dalles Lock and Dam started in 1952 and was completed in 1957 at a cost of $299 million. Since its construction, the dam has generated more than 9.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity and passes up to 10 million tons of river cargo annually.
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Duties
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  • You will serve as a fully qualified Power Plant Mechanic performing a combination of shop, plant and outside work as a multiple purpose hydroelectric power project.
  • Perform general powerhouse mechanical equipment maintenance.
  • Duties include identification and correction of problems causing mechanical equipment malfunctions, as well as performing periodic and unscheduled maintenance/repair of equipment common to hydroelectric facilities
  • Perform a variety of types of welding (oxygen-acetylene, shielded metal-arc, TIG, MIG), cutting (oxygen-acetylene, carbon arc), brazing, and soldering operations.
  • Perform other support duties such as installing and repairing piping systems where pipefitter and plumbers' skills are required in conformance with applicable standards

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

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.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic without more than normal supervision. Without more than normal supervision, you must have the ability to perform the common tasks of a journeylevel mechanic in diagnosing, repairing, adjusting, maintaining, and lubricating bearings, gears, engines, compressors, and hydraulic equipment. You must be able to operate the machine tools and equipment necessary to produce products within tolerances and surface roughness. This work is performed 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.
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The position Without More Than Normal Supervision

  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent handles heavy parts and equipment and works in cramped quarters in tiring positions. Physical effort requires climbing stairs and ladders, and lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and twisting objects frequently weighing up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. A high degree of concentrated mental and visual attention is necessary to determine cause of trouble and to plan and carry out corrective action; to interpret complex drawings; and to coordinate a high degree of manual dexterity with close visual attention for sustained periods. Ability to distinguish colors is essential.

  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in the project powerhouse, other structures, and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, extremes of heat or cold, dirt, oils, greases, dust, energized equipment, moving machinery, odors and fumes. Works around and over water, in damp drafty areas, and at various heights. May work with a variety of toxic or caustic materials. Required to work in concrete structures. There is a possibility of cuts, burns, falls, and electrical shock. Must wear all appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a(n) Material Maintenance Management Career Field position.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
  • The following incentives may be authorized to a highly qualified candidate: Recruitment, Relocation, Advance in Hire, Student Loan Repayment, and/or Advanced Leave Accrual.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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About Army Corps of Engineers

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US