Equipment Operator Jr to Unit Operator

Job Posting End Date 09-17-2026 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, Maintenance or Coal Yard). Job Description Please note this position is posted in a range from Equipment Operator Jr to Unit Operator Equipment Operator Jr: What you’ll do: Essential Job Functions & Tasks Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service strainers, heat exchangers and dust collectors. Operate, clean, service and lubricate portable power driven tools and equipment. Maintain tools, equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition. Utilize portable meters, analyzers and equipment to conduct tests and monitoring. Lubricate and check lubrication equipment; adjust packing glands as necessary and perform necessary operative maintenance, using appropriate hand tools. Operate oil filtering equipment. Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on bottom ash and flyash handling equipment, including associated pumps, piping and valves. Monitor and inspect all plant equipment for normal operation. Identify and report abnormal conditions to the proper authority and write work orders. Perform simple disassembly and assembly work, clean and recondition parts, lubricate, bolt, unbolt, wire brush and open and close inspection doors. Prepare equipment work surfaces and areas by removing insulation guards and simple housings; remove pipe covering and insulation and prepare such surfaces for recovering. Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging. Perform minor maintenance work on heating and plumbing systems such as repair valves, repair and replace fittings and short sections of piping; clean and replace traps. Load, unload, move and handle materials, supplies and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags and other materials. Operate material handling equipment including hoists, fork-lift trucks, skid steer loaders, small tractors and automotive equipment and their associated equipment and perform duties incidental to the operation of such equipment. Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas, as assigned. Clean oil igniters and nozzles. Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service.Monitor coal feed to mills and burners and observe conditions of fires and furnaces. Hand lance slag in boilers, hand- operating soot blowers, unplugging ash lines, disposing of clinkers and other similar work. Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and equipment and revise these prints as required. Make required equipment checks and assist in performing tests and preparing related reports, graphs and curves. Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, operating regulations and practices and report unsafe conditions and practices. Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency response programs as required. Perform similar or less skilled work as assigned. What we’re looking for: Education requirements are listed below: Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology; OR Associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related Education requirements are listed below: Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology; OR Associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related work experience; 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. Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below: Possess a valid State driver's license. Other preferences: Physical demand level is Medium and requirements details are listed below: Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours. Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) and the Plant Maintenance Selection System (MASS) tests are required for this position. A review of Employment Testing Information, Test-Taking Tips, together with the POSS and MASS Practice Tests may be helpful. A link to these materials may be found at Careers by selecting Employment testing. A physical abilities assessment is also required for this position. 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, Maintenance Mechanic-Junior, Coal Handler (depending on the line-of-progression) or vacate the Equipment Operator-Junior classification. This includes 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. Able to work rotating shifts. As part of the selection process, candidates are required to complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a "recommended" result. Additional information and preparation resources can be found in the Employment Test Prep section of our website: Employment Test Preparation Resources . Equipment Operator: 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 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 material conveying equipment for such items as: hot bearings, plugged chutes and equalization of material on belts where applicable. Operate, close, inspect, clean and make minor repairs and adjustments to pulverizers, feeders, fans, dampers, registers, burners, air heaters, oil lighters, ignitors, sootblowers, 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: See details listed under “Education”. 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. Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below: Possess a valid State 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. As part of the selection process, candidates are required to complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a "recommended" result. Additional information and preparation resources can be found in the Employment Test Prep section of our website: Employment Test Preparation Resources . Unit Operator: What you’ll do: Essential Job Functions & Tasks Perform the necessary operating, regulating and adjusting duties in maintaining proper control of water levels, pressures, temperatures, draft conditions and output of steam generators and boilers, including the operation of the pumps for feed water, fans, pulverizers and other related accessory and auxiliary equipment to ensure maximum efficiency and correct output of the unit. Control, operate and synchronize turbines, condensers, generators, transformers and other auxiliary equipment. Regulate unit output in accordance with requirements and plant conditions. Operate, regulate and adjust auxiliary equipment with local controls including pumps, valves, screens, strainers, water treating plant equipment, filters and demineralizes for condensate clean-up, oil purifying and filtering equipment and similar equipment.Operate, regulate and adjust auxiliary equipment with local controls including pumps, valves, screens, strainers, water treating plant equipment, filters and demineralizes for condensate clean-up, oil purifying and filtering equipment and similar equipment. Perform such duties as operate oil-purifying and filtering equipment; check and adjust water flow to coolers, bearings and heat exchangers; operate water treating plant equipment; operate ash removal and conveying equipment; check the operation of flyash disposal system; run pyrites and clean strainers.; operate water treating plant equipment; operate ash removal and conveying equipment; check the operation of flyash disposal system. Prepare and maintain records and reports using the applicable software. Record periodic readings form indicating and recording instruments; change charts on graphic instruments and have a working knowledge of plant electrical prints. Interpret readings and indications and troubleshoot plant systems based on the information provided. Control and operate switching equipment in plant and switch yard. Issue clearances, clear and tag equipment as assigned in plant and switch yard. Place equipment in or remove from service and operate associated equipment in accordance with established procedures. Conduct interlock tests and perform functional tests on control systems and instrumentation. 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. Perform highly skilled work that is necessary in operating environmental controls and related auxiliary and accessory equipment. Perform highly skilled work that is necessary in operating environmental controls and related auxiliary and accessory equipment. Assist in training on plant systems and Control room operation. What we’re looking for: Education requirements are listed below: Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology; OR Associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related work experience; 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. Work Experience requirement listed below: Must have performed the duties of, and maintained all the qualifications of Equipment Operator. Required License(s)/Certification(s) are listed below: Posses a valid State Stationary Engineer's license, as required by state. Possess a valid State driver's license. Other preferences: Physical demand level is Medium and requirements details are listed below: Exert up to 50 lbs of pressure to manually turn off valves.Exert up to 50 lbs of pressure to manually turn off valves. Stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours. Analyze and interpret instrument readings and indications and take preventive and corrective measures. Working knowledge of layout, functions and principles for the operation of boilers and turbo-generators, their auxiliaries and accessories; working knowledge of the boiler turbine and auxiliary control, protective systems and operation; working knowledge of the operating characteristics of the boilers, turbines and their auxiliaries. Working knowledge of the heat balance systems and the effect of unbalances on operating efficiency. Working knowledge of all applicable unit operating instructions and procedures. Ability to lead and direct other employees and coordinate the work involved including continual improvement processes. Read, interpret and work from moderately complex prints and specifications. Knowledge of the plant historian/DCS software for analysis of plant operating systems and equipment. Must be available to work rotating shifts. As part of the selection process, candidates are required to complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a "recommended" result. Additional information and preparation resources can be found in the Employment Test Prep section of our website: Employment Test Preparation Resources . Compensation Data Compensation Grade: U004-575 Compensation Range: $25.76 - $51.49 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. Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one. 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.