Power Plant Operator (1st or 2nd Class Power Engineer)

TransAlta Corporation; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Company-matching pension plan

Flexible health benefits for you and你的

Job summary

TransAlta Corporation is seeking a Power Plant Operator (1st or 2nd Class) for Keephills Thermal Plant, located 70 kilometers west of Edmonton. You will lead shift operations, monitor boilers, turbines, and balance-of-plant systems to ensure safe, reliable generation.

This union, safety-sensitive role requires 8–10 years of power generation experience and Alberta certification. You will mentor junior operators, coordinate with maintenance, and support outages and start-up activities, while

Qualifications

• Power Engineer certification required.
• 8–10 years of power generation or large industrial plant operating experience.
• Knowledge of thermal power generation systems and plant equipment.
• Experience with safety programs, permit-to-work, lockout/tagout, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Providing leadership on shift during normal, abnormal, and emergency operating conditions.
• Monitoring and operating boilers, turbines, generators, water treatment, and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Coordinating daily operating activities with maintenance, engineering, contractors, and leadership teams.
• Supporting startup, shutdown, commissioning, outages, and return-to-service activities.
• Troubleshooting operational issues and recommending reliability improvements.
• Maintaining accurate logs, reports, and shift turnover documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Power generation knowledge

Safety programs

Regulatory compliance

DCS operation

Education

Alberta 1st or 2nd Class Power Engineering Certificate

Tools

DCS

Job description

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Date: Oct 1, 2026

Location: Wabuman, AB, CA

Company: TransAlta

Job Type: Full time - Hourly

Work Arrangement: Full Time On-Site

POWER PLANT OPERATOR (1ST OR 2ND CLASS POWER ENGINEER)

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t justgenerate electricity-we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy - we’ll provide the platform.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re looking for a Power Plant Operator - 1st or 2nd Class Power Engineer to join our team at our Keephills Thermal Plant in Keephills, Alberta. In this role, you’ll play a key part in the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant equipment and systems while providing operational leadership on shift.

This is a full-time, safety sensitive position based at our Keephills Thermal Plant, located 70 kilometers west of Edmonton, Alberta. Successful completion of pre-employment testing is a condition of employment.

This is a union position, covered under the terms of the Collective Agreement with the IBEW, Local 254.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced Power Engineer who enjoys hands‑on operations, solving complex plant issues, supporting safe and reliable generation, and helping develop the next generation of operators.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Providing leadership and guidance to operating personnel during normal, abnormal, and emergency operating conditions.
• Monitoring and operating boilers, turbines, generators, water treatment systems, balance‑of‑plant equipment, and auxiliary systems.
• Supporting safe and efficient startup, shutdown, commissioning, outage, and return-to-service activities.
• Troubleshooting operational issues and recommending improvements that support reliability, availability, and plant performance.
• Coordinating daily operating activities with maintenance, engineering, contractors, and leadership teams.
• Reviewing and supporting permits, isolation plans, lockout/tagout requirements, field inspections, and hazard assessments.
• Maintaining accurate operational logs, reports, and shift turnover documentation.
• Mentoring, coaching, and supporting the development of Power Plant Operators and junior team members.

ABOUT YOU

• Valid Alberta 1st or 2nd Class Power Engineering Certificate.
• Minimum 8 to 10 years of power generation or large industrial plant operating experience.
• Strong knowledge of thermal power generation systems, plant equipment, and operating procedures.
• Experience with plant safety programs, permit-to-work systems, lockout/tagout practices, regulatory requirements, and permit office.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and experience using distributed control systems, DCS, and control room operations in a power generation or large industrial environment.
• Experience in coal, natural gas, combined‑cycle generation, repowering projects, outage planning, or shift leadership would be considered an asset.

THE PERKS

• Competitive wages
• Company‑matching pension plan
• Flexible health benefits for you and your family

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us?

Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. ‘Safety sensitive positions’ will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.