Operator Helper - Equipment Oper 1St Yr

aep; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP in Tulsa, OK is hiring for an entry‑level Plant Operator Helper. Under supervision you will assist equipment operators, learn to isolate and maintain plant equipment, and help with testing, cleaning and minor maintenance across plant systems.

The role requires an Associate degree or equivalent experience, willingness to work rotating shifts, and completion of required safety trainings. The job includes training for operator progression and adherence to EPA water chemistry guidelines.

Qualifications

• Education: Two year Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, engineering technology or equivalent.
• Experience: 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.
• Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) is required for this position.
• Must be able to gain a working knowledge of operating instructions and procedures; must be able to qualify for Equipment Operator 1st Yr within three months.
• Must be available to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends, and be available for call-out.

Responsibilities

• Assist equipment operators while learning duties: isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service plant equipment.
• Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on plant auxiliary systems.
• Monitor and inspect plant equipment for normal operation and report abnormal conditions.
• Write work orders and assist in tests and reports.
• Load, unload, move and handle materials; perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment.
• Monitor water chemistry and follow EPA guidelines; assist in preparing boilers for operation.
• Hand lance slag in boilers, operate soot blowers, and manage ash lines as required.
• Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and revise as needed; train in firefighting and first aid as required.

Job description

Job Summary

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

Job Description

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 You'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 Accountabilities. Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) is required for this position.

This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Plant Operations Worker Virtual Job Tryout. This assessment is completed online, is untimed, and typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. Please refer to the Employment Test Prep section of our website https://www.aep.com/careers/testprep/

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

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

Where You'll Work

Tulsa, OK

What You'll Get For A Operator Helper

$30.76

What You'll Get For A Plant Operator 1St Yr

$35.80

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well‑being of our employees. Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company - we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and c