Power Plant Journeyman Operator

Gainesville Regional Utilities; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is seeking a Power Plant Journeyman Operator at our Deerhaven Generation Station to monitor, control, and maintain electric power generation equipment. The role emphasizes safety, reliability, and efficient operation in a fast-paced utility environment.

Rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays are required, with progression through training essential. Responsibilities include monitoring plant systems, responding to alerts, starting and

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent and completion of all requirements for the Power Plant Operator Apprentice progression.
• Incumbents must meet minimum Craft and Safety Training requirements in the progression program.
• Failure to complete progression requirements within stated timeframes can lead to termination.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, control, and maintain plant equipment to generate electric power.
• Operate, monitor, and record equipment and systems for air quality control and related auxiliaries.
• Perform routine inspections and tests; respond to system alerts and abnormal conditions.
• Open/close valves and switches during startup and shutdown sequences.
• Work rotating shifts and participate in emergency response and safety procedures.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Electrical aptitude

Reading schematics

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Progression-Through-Training requirements

Job description

Career Opportunities: Power Plant Journeyman Operator (797)

Application Deadline: Applications must be received by 11:59pm EDT, Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is seeking to fill a Power Plant Journeyman Operator position located at our Deerhaven Generation Station. We are looking for a safety-driven, technically skilled professional to join our power production team. In this role, you will help ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of power generation equipment and auxiliary systems that support essential utility services for our community.

As a Power Plant Journeyman Operator, you will monitor plant systems, analyze equipment performance respond to changing operating conditions, and support equipment startup and routine inspections. These position also play an important role in maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and operating standards while supporting air quality control systems, plant housekeeping, and emergency response activities.

We are looking for candidates with strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, sound technical judgment, and the ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and plant drawings. Ideal candidates will bring a commitment to safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement in a fast paced operational environment.

Rotating shift work (include nights, weekends, and holidays) and emergency response availability are required. Successful progression through training is required.

FLSA Exemption Status

Non-Exempt

Summary

The Power Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining equipment that generates electric power. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of power generation systems, including turbines, boilers, generators, and auxiliary equipment. Operators must adhere to strict safety and environmental regulations while responding to system alerts and performing routine inspections. The power plant operator works rotating shift work.

Examples of Work

Safety must be held as a core value. Employees must be able to recognize hazards and address through proper mitigation. Employee must be able to recognize when he/she needs additional training or is unfamiliar with a task. He/she must be willing and able to challenge others to work safely and to stop any observed unsafe work practice or condition to resolve the issue promptly. Observes, adheres to OSHA standards and performs permits for items such as proper lockout/tag out, confined space, hot work etc. of plant equipment and systems in accordance with plant procedures, policies, and practices. This position requires making safety sensitive decisions that affect the safety of the employee as well as other employees or contractors working with and around this employee or cause catastrophic failure of major equipment.

Monitors, observes, and maintains conditions that affect operation of the plant and auxiliary systems and monitoring equipment for soot blowing, fuel handling, and equipment monitoring.

Monitors, observes, and analyzes equipment and systems’ characteristics. Take actions required to correct or change a condition as needed.

Operates, monitors and records operation of equipment for controlling the air quality and air quality support equipment, including but not limited to, precipitator, urea to ammonia and lime hydration systems, fluidized bed dry scrubber, selective catalytic reactor and baghouse.

Performs routine periodic equipment checks and tests in accordance with standard operating practices, policies, and procedures. Detects evidence of operating problems and initiates response.

Opens and closes valves and switches in sequence to startup and shutdown equipment.

Examples of Work (continued)

Required to respond in emergency conditions.

May be required to be trained for and perform duties in emergency egress, accidental spill incidents, and other safety-related emergencies.

Assists with cleaning of plant facilities and equipment and general housekeeping.

Rotating shift work is required.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, and completion of all requirements as established in Progression-Through-Training program(s) for Power Plant Operator Apprentice.

Progression-Through-Training Requirements:

Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum Craft and Safety Training requirements established in the Power Plant Operator Progression-Through-Training program.

Failure to complete the Power Plant Operator - Journey Level Progression-Through-Training program requirements within the timeframes established in the program will be grounds for termination of employment.

Experience

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Accountability & Dependability

Contributes to a Positive Work Environment

Safety

Certifications

Valid Florida Class E Driver's License required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws and their interrelationships and applications to understand fluid, material and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, and electrical structures and processes.

Thorough knowledge of startup, operation, and shutdown procedures and practices of electric generating station steam and combustion turbine generators and auxiliary systems.

Thorough knowledge of theory and practice of combustion of fossil fuels in high pressure, high temperature utility steam generators (boilers).

Skill and Proficiency in using control systems and monitoring software.

Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude skills.

Ability to read and comprehend technical bulletins, manufacturers’ operating instructions, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), electrical drawings and information dealing with power plant principles and practices.

Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics

Ability to perform arithmetic calculations involving algebra, geometry, and statistics. Ability to calculate, understand, and evaluate equipment performance including heat transfer, fuel combustion, equipment efficiencies, water quality, and other related parameters.

Ability to keep and maintain work records and make reports.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (continued)

Physical Requirements

Sitting - Continually

Speaking - Often

Stooping, Kneeling, or Crawling - Occasionally

Reaching Above Shoulder Level - Often

Standing or Walking - Continually

Near Visual Acuity - Often

Peripheral Vision - Often

Pushing or Pulling > 50 lbs. - Occasionally

Hearing - Often

Gross Manipulation - Often

Foot or Leg Controls - Often

Fine Manipulation - Often

Far Vision Acuity - Often

Driving - Often

Climbing - Occasionally

Keyboarding - Often

Lifting or Carrying>50 lbs. - Occasionally

Reaching Overhead-Often

Required to work during emergency conditions.