Power Plant Operator / Apprentice

Alaska Power & Telephone; Klawock (AK); On-site; USD 66,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union wages under IBEW 1547

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

Retirement savings opportunities

Paid time off & holidays

Paid training & apprenticeship

Work that directly supports Alaska"s"

Job summary

Alaska Power & Telephone is seeking a Power Plant Operator to monitor and operate diesel generation equipment and related low-voltage systems in communities served by AP&T.

You will perform dispatching, maintenance, inspections, and data recording, while supporting on-call rotations and emergencies. Apprenticeship opportunities and wage progression are available, with entry through AP&T's structured program.

Qualifications

• Five years of diesel engine maintenance experience (preferred).
• Five years of experience in power generation, mechanical, or electrical systems (preferred).
• Completion of a Power Plant Operator apprenticeship or similar utility apprenticeship program (preferred).
• Experience operating diesel generators and utility equipment (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor diesel generation systems and related utility equipment.
• Perform dispatching, switching, and system operating functions.
• Troubleshoot, repair, overhaul, and maintain generation and low-voltage utility equipment.
• Conduct inspections, preventative maintenance, testing, and operational checks.
• Record equipment performance, maintenance activities, and operational data.
• Read meters, manage fuel inventories, and support fuel handling operations.
• Assist with plant facility maintenance, grounds upkeep, and snow removal.
• Support line crews with low-voltage components of utility equipment.
• Participate in on-call rotations and respond to outages and emergencies.
• Process inventory, maintain tools and equipment, and complete fleet inspections.
• Mentor and assist apprentices as assigned.
• Travel occasionally to support projects and emergency response efforts.

Skills

Diesel engine maintenance

Power generation systems

Electrical systems

Education

Power Plant Operator apprenticeship or similar utility apprenticeship program

Job description

Join AP&T's Power Operations Team

Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T) is seeking a Power Plant Operator to support safe, reliable electric generation in the communities we serve. This position is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing power generation equipment and utility low-voltage systems. The successful candidate will play a critical role in keeping power systems running safely and reliably while supporting AP&T's employee-owner culture and commitment to operational excellence.

Candidates who do not yet meet journeyman-level qualifications may be considered for entry into AP&T's four-year Power Plant Operator Apprenticeship Program.

What You'll Do

• Operate and monitor diesel generation systems and related utility equipment.
• Perform dispatching, switching, and system operating functions.
• Troubleshoot, repair, overhaul, and maintain generation and low-voltage utility equipment.
• Conduct inspections, preventative maintenance, testing, and operational checks.
• Record equipment performance, maintenance activities, and operational data.
• Read meters, manage fuel inventories, and support fuel handling operations.
• Assist with plant facility maintenance, grounds upkeep, and snow removal.
• Support line crews with low-voltage components of utility equipment, including regulators, reclosers, and capacitor banks.
• Participate in scheduled on-call rotations and respond to outages and emergency situations.
• Process inventory, maintain tools and equipment, and complete fleet inspections.
• Mentor and assist apprentices as assigned.
• Travel occasionally to support projects and emergency response efforts throughout AP&T service areas.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely work around electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain required job-related certifications.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation and work overtime as needed.

Preferred

• Five years of diesel engine maintenance experience.
• Five years of experience in power generation, mechanical, or electrical systems.
• Completion of a Power Plant Operator apprenticeship or similar utility apprenticeship program.
• Experience operating diesel generators and utility equipment.

Apprenticeship Opportunity

This position may be filled as an Apprentice Power Plant Operator. The apprenticeship program is a structured four-year training program with progressive wage increases and hands‑on experience in power generation and utility operations.

AP&T may grant advanced standing based on relevant education, certifications, military experience, previous apprenticeships, or directly related utility experience.

Wages

Qualified Power Plant Operator starting wage of $51/hour

Power Plant Operator Apprentice starting wage $31.60/hour

Certifications Preferred

The following certifications are beneficial but may be obtained after hire:

• Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
• First Aid/CPR
• Forklift Certification
• Flagging Certification
• HAZWOPER Training
• Other utility-related certifications

Working Conditions

This position works in both indoor and outdoor environments and may involve:

• Exposure to loud noise, moving machinery, and adverse weather conditions.
• Working at heights, in confined spaces, and around energized equipment.
• Standing, walking, climbing, crouching, and lifting up to 70 pounds.
• Occasional travel by aircraft, boat, ferry, ATV, or other transportation common in rural Alaska.
• Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• On-call response and overtime work, including evenings, weekends, and emergencies.

Why AP&T?

• Competitive union wages under the IBEW 1547 Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Retirement savings opportunities
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Paid training and apprenticeship opportunities
• Work that directly supports Alaska communities

AP&T is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.