Power Plant Operator Trainee – Auxiliary Operator Career Path

La Grange, North Carolina – No prior power-plant experience required. Paid power-plant training provided.

About the role

As an Auxiliary Operator (AO), you will keep our power plant running smoothly and efficiently. In this role, you’ll operate and maintain boilers, turbines, dryers, fans, pumps, motors, chemical systems, and other essential plant equipment. You’ll be part of a close-knit team that values safety, reliability, and technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain plant and auxiliary equipment to ensure safe and reliable performance.
• Perform routine boiler chemistry sampling and make operational adjustments as directed.
• Handle chemicals and fuel safely, including receiving deliveries and material handling.
• Operate and maintain chemical pumping systems, water treatment systems, and fuel/dryer operations.
• Assist with preventive maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
• Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) for equipment maintenance.
• Support emergency operations and respond quickly to plant issues.
• Conduct operational rounds and keep accurate logs.
• Work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support 24/7 plant operations.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to work rotating shifts and periodic on-call duty.
• Capable of lifting 50 lbs., climbing ladders/stairs, working at heights, in confined spaces, and in varying temperatures.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical exam and drug screening; subject to random testing thereafter.
• Commitment to following all safety procedures and maintaining a clean work environment.

Qualifications

Relevant experience may include plant operator, process operator, boiler operator, utilities operator, stationary engineer, production technician, wastewater operator, industrial maintenance technician, heavy-equipment operator, military power production, or other industrial operations.

• Knowledge: Boilers, turbines, dryers, combustion principles, steam production, and water treatment.
• Skills: Mechanical/electrical aptitude, ability to read gauges/alarms, interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams, and perform minor maintenance.

Career Path & Training

The defined AO trainee program includes:

• A written training checklist.
• An assigned operator mentor.
• Scheduled 30-, 60-, and 90-day reviews.
• Monthly qualification progress reviews.
• Defined pay increases tied to major qualification milestones.
• A clear description of what is required to move toward CRO.

Stage Illustrative rate Requirements AO Trainee—Entry $21–$22 Orientation, safety, basic systems and supervised rounds Junior AO—Developing $22–$23 Demonstrates defined system knowledge and operating tasks Junior AO—Qualified $23–$24 Qualified to perform the complete AO role independently Senior AO $24–$27 Advanced systems knowledge, proven performance and training capability CRO Development $30+ Selected for control-room qualification

The precise timing will depend on demonstrated qualification rather than tenure alone.

Pay

Starting range of $21–$24 per hour. Overtime available.

Schedule

Rotating 12-hour schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Benefits

• Full benefits package.
• Be part of a safety-first culture where your well-being comes first.
• Gain hands-on experience with a variety of plant systems and equipment.
• Work with a supportive team that values training, growth, and reliability.