Job Ref: # 2425591
Date Posted: 10/5/2026
Location: Dresden, NY
Salary (USD): $40 - $50
Description
The Plant Operations & Maintenance Technician Trainee supports the daily operation and maintenance of a power generation facility while completing structured training to become a fully qualified Operations/Maintenance Technician. Working under the supervision of qualified personnel, the trainee will develop hands-on experience operating, monitoring, inspecting, and maintaining power generation equipment while following established safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
The trainee will gain experience with boilers, turbines, generators, auxiliary equipment, natural gas systems, water treatment, chemical processes, emissions controls, and Distributed Control Systems (DCS). Responsibilities include assisting with plant rounds, startup and shutdown activities, emergency operations, routine maintenance, equipment inspections, and required qualification training.
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid New York State driver's license
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Ability and willingness to learn power plant operations and maintenance processes
- Ability to read and interpret gauges and meters
- Ability to read and interpret schematics and technical manuals
- Basic computer literacy
- Ability to learn Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and other plant monitoring technologies
- Ability to assist with monitoring, controlling, and recording plant operating conditions
- Ability to conduct plant rounds and equipment inspections
- Ability to identify and report abnormal equipment or operating conditions
- Ability to support routine mechanical maintenance tasks, including lubrication, cleaning, and equipment checks
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures
- Ability to follow safety and environmental compliance requirements
- Ability to understand and follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Strong communication skills
- Willingness to complete required training modules and qualification requirements
- Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays
- Ability and willingness to respond to call-outs
- Ability to successfully pass a DOT drug test and pre-employment physical
- Ability to comply with ongoing DOT random drug-testing requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, climb, and perform manual tasks for extended periods
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work in hot, cold, noisy, outdoor, high-voltage, and chemical environments
- Ability and willingness to work at heights
- Ability and willingness to work in confined spaces with appropriate training and PPE
Nice-to-Have Skills:
- Associate degree or technical training in power engineering, mechanical systems, or electrical systems
- Power generation experience
- Industrial operations or maintenance experience
- Basic knowledge of electricity
- Basic knowledge of thermodynamics
- Industrial equipment experience
- Boiler operations experience
- Steam turbine experience
- Generator experience
- Auxiliary power plant equipment experience
- Distributed Control System (DCS) experience
- Natural gas system or pipeline experience
- Water treatment experience
- Chemical handling or chemical process experience
- Emissions control experience
- Preventive maintenance experience
- Mechanical maintenance experience
- Electrical maintenance experience
- Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) experience
- Experience working in an industrial, utility, or power plant environment
- Military power generation, mechanical, electrical, nuclear, or engineering experience
Job Posting
