Power Plant Operator Jobs
Power plant operator jobs are open across utilities, nuclear energy, fossil fuel generation, and industrial facilities, at every level from entry-level trainee to senior control room operator, with specializations in nuclear operations, combined-cycle gas turbine systems, and boiler operation. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Power Plant Operator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Power Plant Operator jobs
- 20002340
- Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
- Business Services
- Facilities / Skilled Trades
- Full-Time (Salaried)
- James Madison University
Working Title: Power Plant Operator / Mechanic
State Role Title: Trades Technician III
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Business Services
Department: 100264 - Power Plant E&G
Pay Band: 3
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $48,000 - $54,000 annually / $23.08 - $25.96 hourly
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/13/2026
About JMU:
Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
- Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
- Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
- Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
- Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information:
The Facilities Management Department at James Madison University is currently seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Power Plant Operator / Mechanic. Applicants must be available to work all shifts.
This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. $1,000 will be paid out after completing six months in the position and the remaining $1,000 will be paid out after completing 12 months in the position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Installs, modifies, overhauls, repairs, and maintains boilers and associated auxiliary equipment, steam distribution, and condensate return lines throughout the university.
- Prepares accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of actions taken and assures documentation is properly signed and coordinated in a timely manner.
- Troubleshoots problem areas and inspects for defective equipment and faulty components. Tests system operation and detects component malfunctions.
- Operates boilers and auxiliary equipment within designed parameters to ensure proper operation, efficiency, and safety of the plant.
- Utilizes safe practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations.
- Trains and teaches other employees about proper procedures, repair techniques, and safety issues.
The employee in this role will be required to work a variety of shift schedules as a primary operator/maintenance mechanic within a centralized steam generation/chiller plant production facility. JMU will provide all training required to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Working skills include the use of hand and power tools, welding, and cutting equipment.
- Mechanical abilities including:
- maintaining and repairing power plant and related equipment;
- troubleshooting and diagnosing a variety of mechanical problems;
- ability to read and interpret gauges, recorders, and monitoring equipment.
- Ability to perform simple record-keeping tasks.
- Valid driver’s license.
Additional Considerations:
- A current Facilities Operator Engineer certification (1st, 2nd, or 3rd class) or the willingness to obtain the certification.
- Competitive candidates should possess knowledge of all aspects of operation, repair, and maintenance procedures to power plant equipment: boilers, pumps, valves, chillers, cooling towers, controls, 3-phase electric motors, and steam distribution systems.
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and an acceptable MVR.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
- 20002340
- Harrisonburg, Virginia, United States
- Business Services
- Facilities / Skilled Trades
- Full-Time (Salaried)
- James Madison University
Working Title: Power Plant Operator / Mechanic
State Role Title: Trades Technician III
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Business Services
Department: 100264 - Power Plant E&G
Pay Band: 3
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $48,000 - $54,000 annually / $23.08 - $25.96 hourly
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? No
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No
Beginning Review Date: 10/13/2026
About JMU:
Why Work at JMU?
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:
- Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.
- Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.
- Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.
- Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.
At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information:
The Facilities Management Department at James Madison University is currently seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Power Plant Operator / Mechanic. Applicants must be available to work all shifts.
This position is eligible for a $2,000 sign-on bonus. $1,000 will be paid out after completing six months in the position and the remaining $1,000 will be paid out after completing 12 months in the position.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Installs, modifies, overhauls, repairs, and maintains boilers and associated auxiliary equipment, steam distribution, and condensate return lines throughout the university.
- Prepares accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of actions taken and assures documentation is properly signed and coordinated in a timely manner.
- Troubleshoots problem areas and inspects for defective equipment and faulty components. Tests system operation and detects component malfunctions.
- Operates boilers and auxiliary equipment within designed parameters to ensure proper operation, efficiency, and safety of the plant.
- Utilizes safe practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations.
- Trains and teaches other employees about proper procedures, repair techniques, and safety issues.
The employee in this role will be required to work a variety of shift schedules as a primary operator/maintenance mechanic within a centralized steam generation/chiller plant production facility. JMU will provide all training required to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Working skills include the use of hand and power tools, welding, and cutting equipment.
- Mechanical abilities including:
- maintaining and repairing power plant and related equipment;
- troubleshooting and diagnosing a variety of mechanical problems;
- ability to read and interpret gauges, recorders, and monitoring equipment.
- Ability to perform simple record-keeping tasks.
- Valid driver’s license.
Additional Considerations:
- A current Facilities Operator Engineer certification (1st, 2nd, or 3rd class) or the willingness to obtain the certification.
- Competitive candidates should possess knowledge of all aspects of operation, repair, and maintenance procedures to power plant equipment: boilers, pumps, valves, chillers, cooling towers, controls, 3-phase electric motors, and steam distribution systems.
Additional Posting Information:
Conditions of Employment:
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and an acceptable MVR.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
See All 7 Power Plant Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Power Plant Operator JobsPower Plant Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in power plant operator jobs.
- High school diploma or GED with two or more years of plant operations experience
- NERC System Operator certification for transmission or generation control roles
- State-issued stationary engineer or boiler operator license at the required grade
- Demonstrated experience operating distributed control systems or plant control boards
- Ability to pass a background check, drug screen, and physical fitness evaluation
- Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays
Tips for Your Power Plant Operator Job Search
List every license and certification you hold
Power plant employers screen heavily on credentials before reading anything else. Your resume should list your NERC certifications, state boiler operator licenses, and any plant-specific qualifications in a dedicated section at the top, not buried in a job description.
Tailor your resume to the generation type
A nuclear plant and a natural gas combined-cycle facility look for different technical backgrounds. Highlight turbine or reactor experience that matches the specific generation type in each posting, and mirror the equipment names the employer uses, since screening tools match on exact terminology.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists power plant operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for scenario-based technical questions
Interviewers at power facilities routinely walk candidates through abnormal operating conditions, such as a sudden load rejection or a feedwater pump trip. Practice talking through your decision process step by step, referencing the procedures and control systems you've actually used.
Get verified on plant simulator hours if possible
Many employers, especially utilities hiring for control room positions, want to see documented simulator training hours in addition to field time. If your previous employer logged those hours, request a formal record before you leave, since it's difficult to reconstruct after the fact.
Follow up after the technical assessment
Power plant hiring often includes a written or hands-on technical assessment before the final interview. After completing one, send a brief note confirming your interest and referencing a specific piece of equipment or procedure from the assessment to show your engagement is genuine.
Power Plant Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most power plant operators?
The companies hiring the most power plant operators right now include BJC HealthCare, James Madison University, and Luminant Power, with the largest share of openings in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Utility companies and independent power producers consistently account for the majority of active postings.
How do you become a power plant operator?
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, then pursue an associate degree in power plant technology or a related field if possible. Entry-level candidates typically begin as plant helpers or auxiliary operators, logging supervised hours on actual equipment. Earning a state boiler operator license and, over time, a NERC certification significantly expands the roles you're eligible for.
Can you get hired as a power plant operator with little or no experience?
Yes, some utilities and industrial facilities hire candidates with no direct plant experience into entry-level auxiliary or helper roles, particularly if you have a technical degree, military experience in a related rating such as machinist's mate or electrician's mate, or vocational training in boilers, turbines, or electrical systems. Demonstrating mechanical aptitude and shift-work availability helps your application stand out at the entry level.
What does the power plant operator interview process look like?
Most power plant operator hiring processes include an initial screening call, a written technical assessment covering thermodynamics, electrical fundamentals, or plant-specific systems, and a panel interview with operations supervisors. Some employers add a simulator walk-through or a plant tour where you're asked to identify equipment and describe startup or shutdown sequences. Background checks and physicals follow a conditional offer.
Where can I find and apply to power plant operator jobs?
You can find and apply to power plant operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, certifications, and preferred location, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 7 Power Plant Operator Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Power Plant Operator Jobs