Operator Helper

American Electric Power; Lawton (OK); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking an entry-level Plant Operator trainee in Lawton, OK. Under supervision, perform semi-skilled manual work in power plant operations and learn to assist equipment operators across multiple plant systems.

Responsibilities include isolating equipment, maintaining and testing plant equipment, and supporting boiler preparation and safety procedures. Requires a two-year associate degree related to power plant technology and a valid state driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Education: Two year Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, engineering technology or equivalent.
• Possess a appropriate State driver's license.
• Must satisfactorily complete, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to Equipment Operator.

Responsibilities

• Assist equipment operators while learning the following job duties: Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service plant equipment.
• Isolate equipment and place/remove clearance tags in the plant and switchyard.
• Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on plant auxiliary systems.
• Monitor and inspect all plant equipment for normal operation.
• Identify and report abnormal conditions to the proper authority and write work orders.
• Operate oil filtering equipment.
• Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging.
• Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas, as assigned.
• Load, unload, move and handle materials, supplies and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags and other materials using material handling equipment.
• Monitor water chemistry as required. Maintain water pH and follow EPA guidelines as applicable.
• Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service.

Education

Two year Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, engineering technology or equivalent

Job description

Job Posting End Date 09-07-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary Under supervision, perform semi-skilled manual work in connection with an entry level position in power plant operation.

What you’ll do

• Assist equipment operators while learning the following job duties: Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service plant equipment.
• Isolate equipment and place/remove clearance tags in the plant and switchyard.
• Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on plant auxiliary systems.
• Monitor and inspect all plant equipment for normal operation.
• Identify and report abnormal conditions to the proper authority and write work orders.
• Operate, clean, service and lubricate portable power driven tools and equipment.
• Maintain tools, equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition.
• Utilize portable meters, analyzers and equipment to conduct tests and monitoring.
• Lubricate and check lubrication equipment; adjust packing glands as necessary and perform necessary operative maintenance, using appropriate hand tools.
• Operate oil filtering equipment.
• Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging.
• Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas, as assigned.
• Load, unload, move and handle materials, supplies and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags and other materials using material handling equipment.
• Monitor water chemistry as required. Maintain water pH and follow EPA guidelines as applicable.
• Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service.
• If applicable, monitor coal feed to mills and burners and observe conditions of fires and furnaces.
• Hand lance slag in boilers, hand- operating soot blowers, unplugging ash lines, disposing of clinkers and other similar work.
• Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and equipment and revise these prints as required.
• Make required equipment checks and assist in performing tests and preparing related reports, graphs and curves.
• Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, operating regulations and practices and report unsafe conditions and practices.
• Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency response programs as required.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

What we’re looking for

• Education: Two year Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, engineering technology or equivalent.
• Experience: Equivalent would include: Associates degree in another discipline and two years of related work experience, OR high school diploma with four years of related work experience OR high school diploma with two years of related military experience.
• Related experience is listed under Principal Accountabilites.
• Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) is required for this position. A review of Employment Testing Information, Test-Taking Tips, together with the POSS Practice Tests may be helpful. A link to these materials may be found at AEP.com Careers by selecting Employment testing.
• Possess a appropriate State driver's license.
• Must satisfactorily complete, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to Equipment Operator. This includes the ability to gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures.
• Must successfully qualify for Equipment Operator 1st Yr. within three months.
• Must be available to work rotating shifts. Holidays and weekends as required.
• Must be available for call-out.

Other requirements

• Climb ladders & stairs a number of times each day.
• Use fine dexterity to move switches & controls to precise locations.
• Detect color on alarms, equipment & other devices.
• Hear announcements on the Plant PA system, and to hear abnormal sounds of plant equipment.
• Communicate plant information by phone, in person or by radio.
• Work on heights, grating, platforms and catwalks.
• Exert up to 50 lbs of pressure to manually turn off valves.
• Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 8 hours.

Compensation data

• Compensation Grade: U070-964
• Compensation Range: $30.76 - $30.76

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M – Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.

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