Power Plant Operator (Entry-level) - Hayden, CO

Xcel Energy; Hayden (CO); On-site; USD 74,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

401(k) plan

Vacation

Holidays

Sick Time

Tuition reimbursement

Pension

Employee recognition program

Job summary

Xcel Energy is hiring at Hayden Station in Colorado for a Plant Specialist B (1st Year) role. The position involves operating and maintaining boilers, turbines, and auxiliary equipment, with an emphasis on hands-on training and safety.

You will participate in classroom and computer-based training to qualify for the Plant Specialist B level while supporting multiple plant systems. Shifts are 12 hours with rotating schedules, including weekends and holidays, and overtime may be required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have passed Edison Electric Institute Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator exams.
• Must pass Xcel Energy screening including drug test and security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, monitor, and perform minor maintenance on power plant equipment.
• Perform startup/shutdown tests and operating adjustments; monitor conditions.
• Respond to plant emergencies and unit upsets; document and report issues.
• Train and support Control/ Maintenance/Management as assigned; ensure safety protocols.

Skills

Power Plant Ops

Shift Work

Safety Training

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.We are looking for one or more Power Plant Operator (technical title Plant Specialist B 1st Year) in Hayden, Colorado at Hayden Station.SummaryOperates, inspects, monitors, and performs minor maintenance on Power Plant Equipment (boilers, turbines, auxiliary equipment, and other systems) as qualified and assigned. Actively participates in hands-on training, required classroom training, and computer interactive training programs to learn power plant operations. Will require the completion of all training requirements for a Plant Specialist B, including those specific to the plant at which the position is located. Performs equipment operational checks that include startup, shutdown, equipment tests, and operating adjustments. Responds to plant emergencies, unit upsets, and changing operating conditions. Assists and supports all Control Specialist, Maintenance Specialist, and/or Management as assigned. Isolates all potential power sources to achieve clearance in preparation for inspection, testing, or maintenance. Operates and performs maintenance on equipment and directs/trains others in performing these activities. Monitors and records operating conditions of equipment. Recognizes abnormal equipment operation and initiates trouble reports. Work will include an 12 hour shifts, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and require overtime.Minimum RequirementsHigh School Diploma or equivalentMust have successfully passed the Edison Electric Institute Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator selection examsPrefer post secondary technical training in a related areaMust have valid driver's licensePrefer previous experience as an operator in a power plant and familiarity with power generation, but not requiredApplicant is required to successfully pass the Xcel Energy screening requirements, which include a drug test and security clearanceMay have to drive off site to assist other plants, which may include using personal vehicle. Personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursedPhysical RequirementsAble to lift up to 50 pounds safelyWork in inclement weatherMust be qualified to wear all required PPE (including respirator qualified)Will be required to perform duties when necessary from scaffolds and catwalks in high and confined spacesMust be able to work overtime and various shifts as requiredEnvironmental ExposureWorks around energized, rotating, vibrating, & automatic start equipment; confined spaces; heights; ladders & scaffolding; noise levels requiring hearing protection; presence of dust requiring use of respiratory protectionOutdoor work on uneven & wet surfaces, with temperatures ranging from -20 to above 100 degrees FOur culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.Our ValuesConnected, Committed, Trustworthy, SafeOur Employee CommitmentsWork that makes a differenceA team you can count ofOpportunities to growRewards that help you thriveXcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $41.78 per hourThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Personal Leave, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.Deadline to Apply: 10/09/26EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.Accessibility StatementXcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.