Power Plant Operator Trainee – Auxiliary Operator Career Path
Relevant experience may include plant operator, process operator, boiler operator, utilities operator, stationary engineer, production technician, wastewater operator, industrial maintenance technician, heavy-equipment operator, military power production, or other industrial operations.
- La Grange, North Carolina
- No prior power-plant experience required
- Paid power-plant training
- Starting range of $21–$24 per hour
- Rotating 12-hour schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Overtime available
- Full benefits
- Career path to Senior AO at $23–$27 and CRO at $30–$42
- Expected time or qualification requirements for advancement
The defined AO trainee program
AO Trainee-- Entry $21–$22 -- Orientation, safety, basic systems and supervised rounds
Junior AO-- Developing -- $22–$23 -- Demonstrates defined system knowledge and operating tasks
Junior AO-- Qualified -- $23–$24 -- Qualified to perform the complete AO role independently
Senior AO -- $24–$27 -- Advanced systems knowledge, proven performance and training capability
CRO Development -- $30+ -- Selected for control-room qualification
The precise timing will depend on demonstrated qualification rather than tenure alone. Each trainee will receive:
- A written training checklist
- An assigned operator mentor
- Scheduled 30-, 60-, and 90-day reviews
- Monthly qualification progress reviews
- Defined pay increases tied to major qualification milestones
- A clear description of what is required to move toward CRO
As an Auxiliary Operator (AO), you will keep our power plant running smoothly and efficiently. In this role, you’ll operate and maintain boilers, turbines, dryers, fans, pumps, motors, chemical systems, and other essential plant equipment. You’ll be part of a close-knit team that values safety, reliability, and technical excellence.
What You’ll Do
- Monitor, operate, and maintain plant and auxiliary equipment to ensure safe and reliable performance.
- Perform routine boiler chemistry sampling and make operational adjustments as directed.
- Handle chemicals and fuel safely, including receiving deliveries and material handling.
- Operate and maintain chemical pumping systems, water treatment systems, and fuel/dryer operations.
- Assist with preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
- Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for equipment maintenance.
- Support emergency operations and respond quickly to plant issues.
- Conduct operational rounds and keep accurate logs.
- Work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support 24/7 plant operations.
What We’re Looking For
- Knowledge: Boilers, turbines, dryers, combustion principles, steam production, and water treatment.
- Skills: Mechanical/electrical aptitude, ability to read gauges/alarms, interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams, and perform minor maintenance.
- Requirements: Valid driver’s license, ability to work rotating shifts and periodic on-call duty.
- Physical: Capable of lifting 50 lbs., climbing ladders/stairs, working at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying temperatures.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
Be part of a safety-first culture where your well-being comes first.
Gain hands-on experience with a variety of plant systems and equipment.
- Work with a supportive team that values training, growth, and reliability.
Additional Requirements
Must pass a pre-employment physical exam and drug screening; subject to random testing thereafter.
- Commitment to following all safety procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.