Power Plant Operator / Apprentice

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

Benefits offered by this job

Union wages under IBEW 1547

Insurance - health, dental, vision

Retirement savings

Paid time off & holidays

Training & apprenticeship programs

Work supporting Alaska communities

Job summary

Alaska Power & Telephone Company seeks a Power Plant Operator to support safe, reliable electric generation in the communities served. This role operates, monitors, maintains, and repairs power generation equipment and low-voltage systems, upholding AP&T's employee-owner culture and commitment to excellence.

Candidates not yet meeting journeyman qualifications may join AP&T's four-year Power Plant Operator Apprenticeship Program.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 equipment.
• Conduct inspections, preventative maintenance, testing, and operational checks.
• Record equipment performance, maintenance activities, and operational data.
• Travel occasionally to support projects and emergency response efforts.

Skills

Electrical safety

Mechanical aptitude

Driver's license

On-call ability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

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

• 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.