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Steam Plant Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... Steam and Electrical power at the location. Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 7.8 MW ... Develop operating and safety procedures along with all other administrative tasks associated with a ...

Production Operator

Columbus, IN

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

... and steam treatment. Operators play a vital role in ensuring product quality, safe operation, and efficient production flow. Key Responsibilities: Safety * Follow all plant safety policies and ...

Production Operator

Columbus, IN · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

... and steam treatment. Operators play a vital role in ensuring product quality, safe operation, and efficient production flow. Key Responsibilities: Safety * Follow all plant safety policies and ...

SUMMARY The Utility Operator provides technical operations and maintenance support for the ... steam systems, turbines, cooling towers, and water distribution systems. * Monitor, operate ...

It is the first DOC-owned, privately managed correctional facility in Indiana and has been operated ... NCF is unique in its on-site steam plant/boiler operations, giving you the chance to learn ...

Showing results 21-40

Steam Plant Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$10.5K

$35.7K

How much do steam plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for steam plant operator in Indiana is $33,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,400.00 and $35,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a steam plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Steam Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, thermodynamics, and boiler operations, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, instrumentation, and safety protocols, as well as relevant certifications such as a boiler operator license, are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of steam-generating equipment essential for facility operations.

What does a steam plant operator do?

Steam plant operators are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining boilers and other equipment that generate steam for power, heating, or industrial purposes. Their duties include monitoring gauges and meters, adjusting controls to regulate steam pressure and temperature, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They also troubleshoot equipment issues, conduct inspections, and keep detailed operational records. Steam plant operators play a critical role in keeping facilities running efficiently and safely.

What is a steam plant operator?

As a steam plant operator, you observe, monitor, maintain, and operate various boilers and related equipment, including a computerized boiler control system. Other equipment you may be responsible for include boiler feed tanks, feed pumps, water softeners, steam traps, heat exchangers, motors, and controls. Many jobs require you to conduct water chemistry testing and adjust chemical treatment rates. You must also perform preventative and corrective maintenance on a regular basis to keep the machinery functioning properly. Other duties can include repairing steam piping, such as steam valves and condensate pumps, while documenting all maintenance work you complete. Additional responsibilities include keeping temperatures balanced and starting and stopping boilers and pumps when needed.

What is the difference between Steam Plant Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectSteam Plant OperatorBoiler Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state licensing or certificationOften requires boiler operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentOperates and maintains steam plants, power plants, or industrial facilitiesManages boilers in industrial, commercial, or power plant settings
Industry UsageCommon in power generation, manufacturing, and energy sectorsCommon in manufacturing, energy, and building management

Both roles involve operating and maintaining boilers and steam systems, often requiring similar certifications. The main difference lies in the scope: Steam Plant Operators typically oversee entire steam or power plants, while Boiler Operators focus specifically on boiler systems within various facilities. Both positions are essential in industries that rely on steam and power generation, with overlapping skills and responsibilities.

What are some common challenges faced by steam plant operators and how can they be addressed?

Steam Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent system pressures, troubleshooting mechanical or control system malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. These can be addressed through regular preventative maintenance, ongoing technical training, and clear communication with maintenance and engineering teams. Effective documentation and adherence to standard operating procedures also help operators manage unexpected issues efficiently, ensuring smooth plant operations and compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
What job categories do people searching Steam Plant Operator jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Steam Plant Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Steam Plant Operator jobs in IN? For Steam Plant Operator jobs in IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Steam Plant Operator job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,634 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Power Plant Manager

DTE Energy

Indianapolis, IN

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


DTE Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

DTE is one of the nation's largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer's homes and Michigan's progress for more than a century. And as Michigan's largest source of renewable energy, we're creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We're also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.  But we're more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities.  When you join us, you'll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone's health, safety, and wellbeing.  Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

Job Summary
Location: Indianapolis, IN

This position is responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing the day-to-day operation and maintenance activities for utility and energy-related assets within the newly constructed Cogeneration facility (cogen) located at the Ingredion facility located in Indianapolis Indiana. along with all other associated distribution infrastructure needed to supply Steam and Electrical power at the location.

Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 7.8 MW Solar Taurus 70 Gas Turbine Generators with associated 130 KPPH Heat Recovery Steam Generator's with Duct Burners economizers, deaerators, boiler feed water pumps, and condensate pumps. Balance of plant equipment includes air compressors, water treatment systems, pumps, filters, instrumentation, PLC controls and 15/5 kV, 480 V and 125 VDC electrical systems.

Upon Commercial Operation, the Plant Manager will be responsible for performing difficult and complex services requiring a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. Work is mainly self-directed, with work results reviewed through the achievement of set goals and adherence to policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will be eligible for a $10,000 signing bonus.

Key Accountabilities
  • Provide weekly updates to the Regional Manager and Director of Operations throughout the cogen Startup process
  • Lead the interviewing and hiring of the site operations staff
  • Develop operating and safety procedures along with all other administrative tasks associated with a new plant startup
  • Participate in daily construction team meetings and oversee the quality of the cogen construction with an emphasis on the long-term operation of the facility
  • Ensure all appropriate commissioning and testing activities have been performed on the cogen's systems to facilitate a safe and efficient turnover from construction to operations
  • Work with the Controls Integrator and Commissioning Agents to optimize and tune the highly automated facility for reliable and efficient operation
  • Ensure that the utility assets are operated in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner while ensuring all contract deliverables are met
  • Supervise and direct the daily activities of all plant staff, including the hourly workforce consisting of 4 Operating Engineers, and a Lead Operating Engineer
  • Directly manage 3rd party vendors and contractors
  • Understand and adhere to all commercial and contractual obligations
  • Act as the onsite liaison between the Company and the Customer
  • Ensure that all financial goals are met while maintaining a high level of plant reliability
  • Develop and manage annual O&M budget and cost-saving measures
  • Conduct employee safety training
  • Develop and maintain a close working relationship with all stakeholders including key customer personnel
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
  • High School Diploma or equivalent and at least 7 years supervisory or managerial experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of powerhouses, utility systems, chemical processes, or similar plant assets, or
  • Associate's degree or industry-recognized certificate (i.e., the completion of a core group of course designated by the institution) in a related discipline and at least 5 years supervisory or managerial experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of powerhouses, utility systems, chemical processes, or similar plant assets, or
  • Bachelor's degree in a related discipline and at least 3 years supervisory or managerial experience in the operation, maintenance and administration of powerhouses, utility systems, chemical processes, or similar plant assets
Other Qualifications
  • An understanding of the technology utilized by the customer and how it relates to the commodities and services provided by DTE Vantage
  • Knowledge of the regulatory processes under which the facility operates
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
  • Working knowledge of powerhouse equipment and systems, including but not limited to, gas turbines, steam boilers, , electrical distribution, heat exchangers, hot water distribution, chemical treatment equipment, transformers, motors, pumps, piping/valves, instrumentation, control systems, etc.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to communicate effectively at all levels of staff and management.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
  • Ability to develop and manage operating & maintenance budgets
  • Promote and maintain strong, positive relationships with coworkers, suppliers, contractors, vendors, and customers
Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:

  • Occasionally reach with hands or arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, taste and smell
  • Frequently, the employee is required to stand, walk, and sit
  • Use hands and fingers and handle and talk and hear
  • Occasionally lift objects of up to 40 pounds in weight
  • Vision requirements for this position include close, distance and peripheral vision, along with depth perception

Work both in a business office setting and a plant site. Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. Be in a work environment that is usually moderate but may become loud at the plant site.


Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.


PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS 
 

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.


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