Plant Operator Trainee

Dairyland Power; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairyland Power Cooperative is seeking a Plant Operator Trainee in Alma, WI. The role focuses on completing training requirements while performing essential plant operations to support safe, reliable power generation.

Expect hands-on involvement in outages, equipment operation, and adherence to safety rules as you progress through the trainee program. Successful candidates will rotate through operating areas, participate in training programs, and work under strict environmental and safety

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 2-year diploma in a directly related field or equivalent combination of education and experience; apprenticeship within 3 years.
• Ability to read, understand procedures, blueprints and technical information; basic mechanical skills.
• Must be computer literate and able to navigate Windows-based programs; strong reading and comprehension skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance during outages.
• Operate valves, switches and equipment; monitor plant systems.
• Maintain housekeeping and safety in the plant.
• Assist with drafting and updating operating procedures as needed.

Skills

Read & interpret procedures

Computer literacy & Windows navigation

Education

Associate degree or 2-year diploma

State-approved Plant Operator apprenticeship within 3 years

Job description

PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE (ALMA, WI)

The Plant Operator Trainee is responsible to timely complete all training requirements leading to the Plant Operator position, while performing the essential job functions of steps as completed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Perform maintenance during outages.
• Perform housekeeping activities to keep the plant clean, orderly, and free from hazards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Attain a thorough working knowledge of equipment, procedures, policies, and safety rules by active participation in training programs.
• Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area III and be responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and surveillance of designated turbine/generator auxiliaries, steam generator auxiliaries and other assigned plant auxiliary equipment per the Operator training program.
• Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area II and be responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and surveillance of the turbine/generator, steam generator and other assigned plant auxiliary systems per the Operator training program.
• Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area I and be responsible for the coordinated operation of the turbine generator and steam generator in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner per the Operator training program.
• Required to be capable of performing the following operational functions: Operate manual and automatic valves that could range in size from ¼” to 24” and range in pressure from negative to 2,000 PSI. Be able to distinguish colors, especially the difference between red, green, and yellow. Be able to use tools such as long handled scrapers to clean coal systems. Must be able to identify differences in sound levels to find equipment problems. Operate electrical switches and breakers up to 24,000 volts.
• Initiates maintenance request for repair of equipment.
• As you become qualified, rotate through the operating areas routinely to maintain knowledge of plant systems.
• Assist with drafting and updating operating procedures by reviewing, editing and initiating as needed.
• Responsible for understanding and following DPC policies, plant operating policies and procedures, lockout/tagout procedure, environmental guidelines, safety programs, Hazardous Substance Emergency Plan and all state and federal reporting and permit requirements.

Your Experience and Expertise:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• (Internal Candidates) - Associate Degree or two (2) year diploma in directly related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered. Applicant must have a background in industrial operations, computer software, maintenance, electrical or instrumentation and possess basic mechanical, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Applicant must complete a state-approved Plant Operator apprenticeship program within three (3) years of entering the position.
• (External Candidates) - Associate Degree or two (2) year diploma in directly related field or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered. Applicant must have a background in industrial operations, computer software, maintenance, electrical or instrumentation and possess basic mechanical, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Applicant must complete a state-approved Plant Operator apprenticeship program within three (3) years of entering the position.

Skills:

• Must be able to read and understand procedures, blueprints, and technical information.
• Must be computer literate and be able to navigate through windows-based programs.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license.

Physical Demands:

Sitting, standing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting upper body, walking, bending, reaching, stretching, writing, hearing, speaking, seeing, fingering, grasping, climbing (stairs, ladders, sky climber, confined spaces), pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 75 pounds; 40 pounds frequently). Become trained and operate scissor lifts and forklifts as required. Must have the ability to wear protective equipment (safety glasses, hard hat, respirators, etc.). Must have the ability to become respirator certified.

Environmental Demands:

Work indoors and outdoors, occasionally in extreme cold, heat, and temperature swings, and often in extreme noise. Work around mechanical and electrical hazards, and occasionally work around fumes/odors, dust, chemical and toxic waste hazards.

Other Job Characteristics:

• Team-oriented crews working rotating shifts.
• Off-duty availability.
• Frequent interaction with co-workers.
• Work overtime as required.

With headquarters in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland is a generation and transmission cooperative that provides wholesale energy for 24 electric distribution cooperatives and 17 municipal utilities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois.
At Dairyland, we know that happy employees are the backbone of any good organization. By offering an excellent compensation and benefits package, opportunities for career growth and a supportive environment, Dairyland helps ensure a quality business and premier workplace.