Equipment Operator Junior - Coal Equipment Operator

American Electric Power Co.; West Virginia; Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power Co. in New Haven, WV, is seeking an Equipment Operator Junior to operate coal handling and related equipment across unloading, storage and plant intake processes.

The role requires appropriate education or military experience, valid driver’s license, and ability to work up to 12 hours on rotating shifts, with strict adherence to safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Associate degrees or high school diplomas with related work experience are required.
• Experience in coal handling or heavy equipment is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain required licenses and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Operate coal conveying and related equipment from unloading to storage and plant intake.
• Operate mobile equipment (tractors, bulldozers, stacker-reclaimer) for storage and reclaiming.
• Coordinate coal supply distribution with other coal-handling operations and report conditions.
• Perform routine maintenance, lubrication, and safety checks on equipment.

Education

Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology

Associate degree in another discipline + 2 years related work experience

High school diploma + 4 years related work experience

High school diploma + 2 years related military experience

Job description

## Equipment Operator Junior - Coal Equipment OperatorApply: New Haven, WV: Full time: Posted Today: End Date: October 23, 2026 (10 days left to apply): R19935**Job Posting End Date**10-23-2026Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date**Job Summary**Responsible for the proper operation of equipment such as conveyors, tractors, stacker-reclaimer, power crane, shovel, main line railroad locomotive, car dumper and other equipment in handling of coal and other materials.**Job Description****Equipment Operator Junior - Coal Equipment Operator:** **What You'll Do:** * Operate coal conveying and associated equipment in the handling of coal (or other materials) from unloading locations, to and from storage and into the plant.* Operate mobile equipment such as tractors, carryall, bulldozer, stacker-reclaimer, or other equipment in storing and reclaiming coal and in leveling, scraping, cleaning, packing and moving other materials and debris or in performing any other duties within the capabilities of the equipment.* Operate locomotive and associated equipment in conjunction with receiving rail coal or other materials.* Clean and perform lubrication on equipment, assist in making cable replacements and other repairs and adjustments to large unloading equipment, harbor boat, barge movers, conveyors, bulldozers, tractors and other coal handling equipment.* Coordinate the work of distributing coal supply with the work of other coal-handling operations and report operating conditions to appropriate supervision.* Clear and tag coal conveyor equipment to be removed from service.* Perform or assist in performing maintenance work on railroad tracks, conveyors, coal handling and yard equipment; perform yard maintenance work.* When required, move tie-up and make secure coal and fuel oil barges for safe unloading and docking, and operate barge moving equipment and bilge pumps as required.* Perform or assist employees who operate the harbor boat in cleaning, supplying fuel, changing oil and lubrication of boat; changing winch cables and make rope splices as required.* Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, operating regulations and practices, and report unsafe conditions and practices. Direct the work of employees assigned to assist. Report unsafe conditions and practices and must be able to lead HPI activities and conduct safety meetings.* Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency response programs as required.* Perform similar or less skilled work as assigned. **What We're Looking For:****Equipment Operator Jr.****Education and Work Experience*** Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology; **or** Associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related work experience.**OR*** High school diploma with four (4) years of related work experience; **or** high school diploma with two (2) years of related military experience. Related experience is listed under Principal Accountabilities.**Required License / Certifications*** Must possess a valid State driver's license.**Additional Requirements*** Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.* As part of the selection process, candidates are required to complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a “recommended” result. Additional information and preparation resources can be found in the Employment Test Prep section of our website: https://www.aep.com/careers/testprep/.* A physical abilities assessment is also required for this position.* Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit competency, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to the Equipment Operator, Maintenance Mechanic-Junior, Coal Handler (depending on the line-of-progression) or vacate the Equipment Operator-Junior classification. This includes the ability to gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures.* Must be able to learn the rules, safety practices, and procedures applicable to the work.* Must be able to learn the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work.* Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints and specifications and have the ability to gain a working knowledge of OSHA and Environmental guidelines.* Must be able to work rotating shifts.**Coal Handler****Education and Work Experience*** 2-year technical degree**OR*** High school diploma and two (2) years related military and/or electric utility technical experience.**Required License / Certifications*** Must possess a valid State driver's license.**Additional Requirements*** Must have performed the duties of and have maintained all the qualifications and current certifications of Equipment Operator Junior, and must be able to pass an examination and/or demonstrations as determined by the Company.* Must satisfactorily complete, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to the Coal Equipment Operator classification or vacate the Coal Handler classification.* Ability to operate heavy equipment, use motorized equipment and hand tools.* Waking, standing, and working in hazardous terrain and extreme weather conditions.* Climb ladders and onto equipment, climb stairs, etc.* Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push /pull up to 50 pounds, and work in awkward body positions.**Coal Equipment Operator****Education and Work Experience*** Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology; **or** Associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related work experience;**OR*** High school diploma with four (4) years of related work experience; **or** high school diploma with two (2) years of related military experience.**Required License / Certifications*** Must possess a valid State driver's license.**Additional Requirements*** Must also have performed the duties of and have maintained all the qualifications of the line-of-progression starting with Equipment Operator Jr. and coal yard-line-of-progression and Coal Handler.* Must be able to pass examinations where required.* Through a combination of education and/or experience must have sufficient knowledge and skills to perform the duties and/or responsibilities listed above.* Must have a thorough working knowledge of the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work and a working knowledge of equipment clearance procedures and the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work.* A thorough working knowledge of the location, layout, functions and operation of the coal and ash handling facilities and must have a thorough working knowledge of the special phase of operation and work involved in the barge unloader equipment.**Other Requirements*** Must be able to climb ladders & stairs several times each day.* Must be able to use fine dexterity to move switches & controls to precise locations* Must be able to detect color on alarms, equipment & other devices* Must be able to hear announcements on the Plant PA system, and to hear abnormal sounds of plant equipment* Must be able to communicate plant information by phone, in person or by radio* Must be able to work on heights, grating, platforms and catwalks.* Must be able to exert up to 50 lbs. of pressure to manually turn off valves.* Must be able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.* Must have the ability to operate heavy equipment, use motorized equipment and hand tools.**What You'll Get:****Equipment Operator Jr** - $25.76 – $33.33**Coal Handler** - $33.44 – $35.81**Coal Equipment Operator -** $38.12 - $45.82