Power Plant Operator - Apprentice Level 1

Camstex; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

LTD

STD

Life insurance

401k

Flex spending accounts

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

CAMS is seeking an Apprentice I Operator at Conemaugh Generating Station, a 2-Unit, 1700-MW coal-fired plant. This apprenticeship begins the path toward the Power Plant Operator position, with in-depth learning of the Bottom Ash and Pyrite Removal System, Pulverizers, and Generator Auxiliary Systems, plus general equipment knowledge and safety practices.

You will perform daily rounds, inspect boilers and turbine support equipment, respond to alarms, and apply lockout/tagout procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; technical degree preferred.
• Successful completion of EEI POSS test and entry-level operator exam.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to prioritize tasks.
• Commitment to a four-year tenure in Operations after achieving full operator status.
• Working knowledge of station systems and safety protocols.
• Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate, lubricate, and inspect boilers and turbine auxiliary equipment.
• Perform daily equipment rounds and inspections using handheld data collectors.
• Execute equipment isolation and tagging per safety standards.
• Monitor safe operation of generation units during start-up/shutdown.
• Respond to alarms and troubleshoot issues within assigned areas.
• Apply safety procedures including confined space entry and lockout/tagout.
• Maintain alertness and situational awareness during shifts.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Safety procedures

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Two-year technical degree or military experience

Job description

Conemaugh Generating Station is a 2-Unit, 1700-MW rated coal-fired power plant. The Apprentice I Operator is the first of four progressions to the Power Plant Operator position. A fully qualified Apprentice 1 is responsible for in depth knowledge of the following equipment: the Bottom Ash and Pyrite Removal System, the Pulverizers, the Generator Auxiliary Systems in the basement and the Auxiliary Boilers. The Apprentice 1 must also have a basic knowledge of all other equipment including equipment layout; nomenclature and purpose; and inspection guidelines for equipment located in the basement area of the plant. Understanding of Unit start-up, shut-down, normal operation as well as alarm response to all equipment in this area is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate, lubricate, and inspect boilers and turbine auxiliary equipment.
• Perform daily equipment rounds and inspections (boiler, turbine, cooling towers, ash removal systems) using handheld data collectors.
• Execute equipment isolation and tagging in compliance with safety standards.
• Monitor and ensure safe operation of generation units during normal, start-up, and shutdown conditions.
• Respond to alarms and troubleshoot issues within assigned areas.
• Apply and adhere to all safety procedures, including confined space entry and lockout/tagout.
• Maintain alertness and situational awareness throughout shifts.

Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or GED required; two-year technical degree or relevant military experience preferred.
• Successful completion of EEI POSS test and entry-level operator classification exam.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to organize and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Commitment to a four-year tenure in Operations upon achieving full operator status.
• Working knowledge of station systems and safety protocols.
• Solid problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and apply cause-and-effect logic.

Must be willing to work weekends, holidays, off shifts, and outages.

Other Desirable Skills

• Proficiency in computer applications and data entry tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to varied outdoor environments, including extreme weather conditions, high noise levels, hazardous areas, and diverse work surfaces.
• Frequent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high-voltage protective gear.
• Working near high-voltage equipment and operating heavy machinery, with proper training and safety protocols.
• Entry into confined spaces and potentially hazardous environments, often accompanied by exposure to loud machinery and equipment.
• Physical activities including walking, standing for extended periods, crawling, stooping, sitting, climbing vertical and inclined ladders/stairs, operating large valves, and performing tasks requiring up to 50 lbs. of pulling, turning, lifting, or carrying.
• Exposure to extreme heat and cold.
• Visual acuity requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Participation in a post-offer physical examination and drug screening, as well as ongoing random drug testing.
• Compliance with strict smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

$34.25 - $34.25 an hour

Applicants must possess avalid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record, as this position requires occasional travel for company business. Candidates should be comfortable operating a vehicle as part of their job responsibilities and must meet any applicable company and insurance requirements.

CAMS offers a variety of excellent benefits. Full-time employees are offered the following: medical, dental, vision, LTD, STD, and Life insurance plans. You can even select additional “al la carte” benefits to meet all your needs. You can also enroll in our 401k, flex spending accounts for medical and childcare needs, and participate in our employee referral and tuition reimbursement programs.

Qualified Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States. Qualified Applicants will not require employer sponsored work authorization now or in the future for employment in the United States.