Assistant Unit Operator (AUO) - Probationary - 518904

Tennessee Valley Authority; Cumberland City (TN); On-site; USD 92,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

Tennessee Valley Authority seeks a Probationary Assistant Unit Operator at the Cumberland Fossil Plant in Cumberland City, TN. You will support routine and emergency operations, follow established procedures, and assist with training of students and new operators.

Position reports to unit operator and shift operations supervisor and requires knowledge of steam plant systems, with duties across boiler, turbine, condenser areas and plant safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Must have fundamental knowledge of power plant systems and operations.
• Must be able to apply this knowledge in emergencies as well as routine operations.

Responsibilities

• Operates and inspects plant equipment under supervision.
• Assists in operation of turbine units and related equipment.
• May train student operators and new staff in plant safety and operation rules.
• Conducts routine inspections and maintains cleanliness of assigned areas.

Job description

External - Posting Description

Probationary Assistant Unit Operator (AUO) - 518904

Organization: Generation

Department: Coal Operations

Work Location*: Cumberland Fossil Plant-Cumberland City TN

Relocation benefits are not offered. Local candidates may be preferred.

Posting Open: 9/27/2026

Posting Close: 9/29/2026 at 11:59 PM EST

Salary: $104,830

DUTIES

The incumbent follows established operating procedures and does not deviate from those procedures during normal operating conditions except as directed. Performs assigned routine inspections and manipulative operations without close supervision. Performs as directed the more difficult manipulative operations under the observation of or during direct communication with the unit operator or other supervision. The incumbent performs assigned duties, makes routine inspections, and assists in the operation of plant equipment and other operational assignments, as directed, or according to well established procedure. Incumbent may be required to respond and participate as a qualified member of the plant fire brigade and hazardous material response team. The incumbent will assist in the operation of and perform work requirements on one or more turbo generator units and appurtenant equipment within well defined operation areas, such as the boiler room, turbine room, condenser room, screen, and pump house. At the pumping station, the incumbent is directly responsible to plant supervision for the operation of all equipment located at the station. All equipment in the pump house or filter plant will be operated either from a central control board or from local manual and automatic control stations which are located at the station. At the direction of the unit operator, or unit supervision, the incumbent may be assigned to work in other plant or fuel handling departments. The incumbent may be assigned other duties such as supporting outage activities, preventive/predictive activities, and procedure writing. All equipment must be periodically checked and inspected, and it is the duty of the incumbent to make routine inspection tours of the equipment in assigned area. A portion of the incumbent's time will be spent in wiping, cleaning, and assisting in maintaining assigned area in a clean and orderly condition. The incumbent will assist in the instructing and training of student operators, trainees, or others assigned to the working area. The incumbent will assist in breaking in new operators. The incumbent instructs these in plant safety and ensures that they learn plant safety rules. As occasion and opportunity arise, the incumbent will teach operators of lower grade the technical aspects of plant operation. The incumbent will document daily activities and assist in recording all instrument readings necessary for plant operation records. As part of the TVA clearance process, the incumbent will be responsible for placing protective tags and performing electrical and mechanical switching and valving in all areas of the powerhouse or other assigned areas.

Qualifications

Candidates selected for this position will have a probational period of 18 months. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the position:

• Must have fundamental knowledge of power plant systems and operations.
• Must be able to apply this knowledge in emergencies as well as routine operations
• Must have at least 3 years of steam plant operating experience in a position similar to TVA's assistant unit operator or operator.
• Training and education should be similar as outlined in Joint Training Program and differences to be assessed by Joint Training Team.
• Must satisfactorily complete the Assistant Unit Operator Clearance and Tagging Training in accordance with he recognized operator’s training plan.
• Must be qualified to TVA standards that ensure all regulatory requirements of the electric utility business are satisfied and may be required to respond and participate as member of the fire brigade, first responder, and hazardous material response team.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The assistant unit operator is under the immediate supervision of the unit operator and under the general supervision of the shift operations supervisor.

Supervision Over Others

The incumbent supervises the work of one or more students, trainees, and other employees as assigned.

SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

This position requires a general knowledge of the construction and characteristics of steam turbo generators and steam generators, including principles of combustion, their related auxiliary equipment, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the correct procedure to be followed in all emergencies as well as in routine operation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA's Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Drug-Free Workplace

All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace . TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).