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Volunteer Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$26.82 - $44.26/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by ...

Job Summary and Responsibilities As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by ...

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$101K - $120K/yr

Voluntary vision, life, accident, critical illness and long- term disability insurance * Medical ... for the Power Plant Operator position. * At least (2) two years of progressively responsible ...

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$101K - $120K/yr

The Pasadena Water and Power Department is seeking a Power Plant Operator to perform journey-level duties in the safe and efficient operation of simple and combined cycle gas turbines, main and ...

Power Plant Operator

Winnemucca, NV · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

... power plants. Geothermal energy experience a plus, however, excellent work ethic, reliability ... Used prescribed plant operating procedures to conduct efficient and effective plant uptime while ...

Power Plant Operator - CRC

Franklin, WI · On-site

$32.01 - $48.01/hr

Power Plant Operator Department: Community Reintegration Center Full-time, Hourly Hourly Range $32.01 - $48.01/hr Job Summary: The Power Plant Operator ensures an efficient and safe operation of the ...

Power Plant Operator - CRC

Franklin, WI · On-site

$32.01 - $48.01/hr

Power Plant Operator Department: Community Reintegration Center Full-time, Hourly Hourly Range $32.01 - $48.01/hr Job Summary: The Power Plant Operator ensures an efficient and safe operation of the ...

Power Plant Operator

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

Power Plant Operator

Westbrook, ME · On-site

$38.32 - $47.90/hr

Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states ... operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis ...

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Volunteer Power Plant Operator information

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$20

$44

$63

How much do volunteer power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer power plant operator in the United States is $44.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $58.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer power plant operator?

Volunteer Power Plant Operators are individuals who offer their time and skills, typically without pay, to assist in the operation and maintenance of power plants. They may support routine monitoring, basic maintenance tasks, and help ensure the facility runs efficiently and safely. While not all power plants use volunteers, some community-based or educational facilities may engage them to provide hands-on experience, supplement staff, or support outreach programs. Volunteers usually receive necessary training and work under the supervision of licensed professionals to comply with safety and regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer power plant operator?

To thrive as a Volunteer Power Plant Operator, you generally need a basic understanding of electrical and mechanical systems, safety protocols, and relevant technical training or coursework. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance tools, and safety certification (such as OSHA) is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations, minimizing risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

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

Volunteer Power Plant Operators often face challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, quickly learning technical procedures, and managing responsibilities alongside other commitments. Working in a power plant environment requires attention to detail, the ability to follow operational guidelines, and effective communication with the supervising staff. To address these challenges, volunteers should actively participate in training sessions, seek mentorship from experienced operators, and maintain open communication with their team to ensure safe and efficient plant operations.

What is the difference between Volunteer Power Plant Operator vs Power Plant Technician?

AspectVolunteer Power Plant OperatorPower Plant Technician
Required CertificationsBasic safety training, possibly state-specific licensesTechnical certifications, such as HVAC, electrical, or plant-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentVolunteer settings, often community or nonprofit facilitiesIndustrial power plants, utility companies, or manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofit, community-based projects, or small-scale facilitiesCommercial power generation, utility companies, industrial plants

Volunteer Power Plant Operators typically perform basic operational tasks in volunteer or community settings with minimal certifications, while Power Plant Technicians work in industrial environments requiring technical certifications and specialized skills. Both roles involve operating equipment, but the scope and environment differ significantly.

Are volunteer power plant operators in high demand?

Volunteer power plant operators are generally in low demand because the role is often part-time or seasonal and typically requires specific technical skills and certifications. Most opportunities are limited to community or nonprofit projects, making full-time demand uncommon in the industry.

How hard is it to become a volunteer power plant operator?

Becoming a volunteer power plant operator typically requires basic technical knowledge of plant systems, safety procedures, and sometimes a background in engineering or related fields. Training is usually provided on-site, and volunteers may need to pass safety certifications or background checks, but the overall entry barrier is lower than paid positions, focusing on safety and operational understanding.

How to get hired as a volunteer power plant operator?

To become a volunteer power plant operator, you typically need relevant technical knowledge of electrical systems and safety procedures, often gained through training or certifications such as OSHA safety courses. Volunteer roles may require background checks and a commitment to working during specific hours, with some positions offering on-the-job training to develop necessary skills.

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Power Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Power Plant Operator job openings:

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

The most popular types of Power Plant Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Power Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Power Plant Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Power Plant Operator jobs?

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

Power Plant Operator

Umatilla, OR • On-site

US Department of the Army
National Security • 10K+ employees

$69.15/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Operate and maintain the hydropower facility, including restoring turbines to service after major overhauls.

  • Respond to system plant disturbances under supervision to ensure proper performance.

  • Perform physical tasks such as operating valves, lifting equipment, and working in various environmental conditions.


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 495 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 50 rated military and defense


Job description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: This position is located at McNary Dam, Umatilla, OR, a multi-purpose hydropower project, with missions that include operation/maintenance of the facility for flood control, hydroelectric power generation. Employees working at McNary and living in WA are exempt from OR state tax.Qualifications:Who May Apply: US Citizens
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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
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 Power Plant Operator without more than normal supervision. You must have the ability to ability to perform common journey-level Power Plant Operator duties in a power plant. (Example: Ability to restore a 12 megawatt or larger turbine generator to service after major overhaul in a large power plant with my work checked by my supervisor or another journey-level Power Plant Operator.) You must be able to respond to system plant or disturbances under close 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.
  • Physical Efforts: Eye and hand coordination is required to operate switches and controls. Job requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs. Is required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches and other jobs requiring pulling or turning force. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies frequently up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. Work requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, pushing, and kneeling.
  • Working Conditions: Works on a rotating shift, inside, in well-lighted work area. Works outdoors for short periods with exposure to climate extremes. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Incumbent is often exposed to equipment and machinery noises and outside the control room employee will be subject to the discomfort of wearing safety equipment such as hard-hats, earplugs, and respirators. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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