Power Plant Operator - Senior

Wisconsin Department of Corrections; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 38,448; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Substantial leave time

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

Exceptional pension plan

Job summary

A state department in Wisconsin is hiring a Power Plant Operator - Senior to manage the operations of a centralized power plant. This full-time position involves operational oversight of high-pressure gas boilers and maintenance of related equipment. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of boiler operations and safety protocols. Benefits include substantial leave and health coverage. Those interested must apply before April 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of high pressure water tube boilers and steam turbines.
• Ability to operate all plant equipment in emergencies.
• Willingness to work under unpleasant conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor power plant equipment and systems.
• Maintain logs and records of operations.
• Clean and service power plant equipment.

Skills

Knowledge of gas and oil operated boilers

Understanding of electrical generators

Ability to perform water testing

Skill in using safety devices

Physical ability to perform manual labor

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Power Plant Operator - Senior role at Wisconsin Department of Corrections

Position Summary

This position operates the centralized power plant as the only employee on shift and is responsible for complete operation of a full range of equipment used in the generation of steam heat by high pressure gas fueled boilers; performs other maintenance duties as assigned.

Duties

• Adjust controls to provide correct operating level/conditions.
• Monitor control systems and watch for changes in pressures, temperatures, steam flow, air flow, water levels, etc.
• Take readings from charts, meters, gauges, etc., record information, maintain logs and records.
• Operate and service auxiliary equipment such as steam driven turbines, air compressors, boiler feed pumps, condensate pumps, condensate receiver storage, deaerating heater, make-up water system, chemical pumps, coal handling equipment, ash removal systems, over fire air, forced draft fans.
• Test water for chemical treatment, and adjust dosage of chemicals to maintain proper level.
• Maintain all power plant equipment.
• Clean power plant and equipment including boilers, turbines, generators, switch gear, shop, equipment operating areas, and locker room.
• Use emergency Power Plant operation procedures.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule/range 03-15 with a starting pay rate of $27.91/hour, plus excellent benefits. A twelve-month probationary period is required.

Benefits

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax-advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well-being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Please click here for a summary of State of Wisconsin employment benefits or click here to explore employment benefits on the website.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting. The Department of Corrections may conduct pre-employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre-employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency to employment. Applicants who fail or refuse the drug screen will not be given further consideration for employment.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the operation of gas and oil operated high pressure water tube boilers, water pumps, steam turbines, pressure gauges, temperature gauges, flow meters, feed water heaters, diesel engines, reverse osmosis, and softeners.
• Knowledge of electrical generators, electric control panels and electrical distribution.
• Knowledge of water testing and water treatment.
• Knowledge of power plant occupational hazards and safety precautions for high pressure power plant operation.
• Ability to operate and make minor repairs and maintain all power plant equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation and use of safety devices and Personal Protective Equipment.
• Skill in making repairs and adjustments on all power plant equipment.
• The ability to accept training and constructive criticism in a mature manner and ability to get along with fellow employees.
• Ability to operate all plant equipment in case of emergency.
• Willingness and adaptability to work under unpleasant conditions such as: dust, dirt, and extreme temperatures.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor, climb, bend, crawl, etc.
• Knowledge of OSHA, DIHLR, DNR regulations pertaining to power plant operations and maintenance.
• Work within a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Work areas are occasionally noisy. Works in close physical proximity to persons in our care and other staff members.

How to Apply

To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered. Questions can be directed to Coral Nelson, Human Resources Assistant at [e-mail].

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. We anticipate using this Job Opening Until: April 15th, 2026. At that time, we anticipate creating a new job opening to continue recruiting for this classification, and individuals will need to reapply to be considered. The first review of applications will occur on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025. Applications will then be processed weekly, usually on Thursdays.

Equal Opportunity

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affiantative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. Qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability should send their cover letter, resume, DD-214, and documentation of their service-connected disability rating (dated within 12-months) to the recruiter noted above. Current State employees are not eligible for non-competitive appointment.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Government Administration