Process Equipment Operator JR to Equipment Operator

American Electric Power; Cleveland (VA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Career progression

Job summary

American Electric Power in Virginia is seeking an entry-level plant operator to perform semi-skilled maintenance and operating duties in support of power plant operations. The role offers progression to an Equipment Operator once competency is achieved.

Responsibilities include preparing and monitoring plant equipment, responding to alarms, performing minor repairs, and reading simple instructions. A valid driver's license and ability to work rotating shifts are required, with a comprehensive

Qualifications

• Associate in Applied Sciences or equivalent engineering/energy tech preferred.
• High school diploma with 4 years related work experience, or 2 years military experience.
• Must learn OSHA/safety practices and read simple prints.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing, checking, operating, isolating, monitoring, and servicing plant equipment.
• Respond to emergency alarms; participate in firefighting, first aid, and safety programs.
• Inspect plant equipment for leaks, hot bearings, and other issues; perform minor repairs.
• Operate and adjust fans, dampers, burners, and related equipment; test heat exchangers and systems.
• Dismantle and inspect small motors, pumps, and electrical systems; report findings.

Skills

Safety awareness

Reading prints

Shift work

Valid driver’s license

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree in engineering/energy tech

High school diploma + 4 years related work

High school diploma + 2 years military

Job description

Job Posting End Date

10-02-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date

Job Summary

Perform semi-skilled manual work, maintenance and operating duties in connection with power plant operation, as assigned. Job duties may vary, depending on the line-of-progression (Operations,). This is an entry level position with the requirement to progress to an Operations Equipment Operator once competency has been achieved.

Job Description

What you’ll do

Essential Job Functions & Tasks

• Assist in preparing, checking, operating, isolating, monitoring operating conditions and putting in or taking out of service, plant equipment. This includes equipment in isolated locations and in all weather conditions. Place Clearance Tags as directed. Evaluate plant and equipment conditions by touch, sight, smell, sound and instrumentation indications. Record and diagnose all problems and record and diagnose all problems and report them to the supervisor.
• Answer emergency alarms and fire alarms, as assigned. Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency programs as required. Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, OSHA regulations, operating regulations and practices.
• Patrol and inspect plant equipment for such items as: hot bearings, plugged cooling water lines, and leaks in piping, where applicable.
• Operate, close, inspect, clean and make minor repairs and adjustments to fans, dampers, registers, burners, air heaters, ignitors, oil filtering and purifying equipment and similar plant equipment.
• Test heat exchangers and other plant equipment and systems for leaks, locate and repair leaks, if no welding is involved.
• Dismantle, inspect, clean, reassemble and make minor repairs to small motors, pumps, fans, defects in electrical systems and similar plant equipment.
• Assist employees as required and perform similar or less skilled work as assigned.

What we’re looking for

Education

• Associate in Applied Sciences Degree (Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology preferred);
• OR high school diploma with four (4) years of related work experience;
• OR high school diploma with two (2) years of related military experience. Related experience is listed under Principal Accountabilities.

Experience

• Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit competency, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to the Equipment Operator in the Operations Line of Progression. Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit the ability to gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures. Must be able to learn the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work. Must be able to learn the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work. Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints and specifications and have the ability to gain a working knowledge of OSHA and Environmental guidelines. Must be able to work rotating shifts. Must hold a valid driver’s license.

Other preferences

• Climb ladders & stairs a number of times each day.
• Use fine dexterity to move switches & controls to precise locations
• Detect color on alarms, equipment & other devices
• Hear announcements on the Plant PA system, and to hear abnormal sounds of plant equipment
• Communicate plant information by phone, in person or by radio
• Work on heights, grating, platforms and catwalks.
• Exert up to 50 lbs of pressure to manually turn off valves.
• Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.

Compensation Grade

U006-595

Compensation Range

$25.66 - $42.63

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company - we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M - Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.