Power Plant Operator (Entry-level) - Hayden, CO

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy. 

Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.

 

 

We are looking for one or more Power Plant Operator (technical title Plant Specialist B 1st Year) in Hayden, Colorado at Hayden Station.

Summary
Operates, inspects, monitors, and performs minor maintenance on Power Plant Equipment (boilers, turbines, auxiliary equipment, and other systems) as qualified and assigned. Actively participates in hands-on training, required classroom training, and computer interactive training programs to learn power plant operations. Will require the completion of all training requirements for a Plant Specialist B, including those specific to the plant at which the position is located. Performs equipment operational checks that include startup, shutdown, equipment tests, and operating adjustments. Responds to plant emergencies, unit upsets, and changing operating conditions. Assists and supports all Control Specialist, Maintenance Specialist, and/or Management as assigned. Isolates all potential power sources to achieve clearance in preparation for inspection, testing, or maintenance. Operates and performs maintenance on equipment and directs/trains others in performing these activities. Monitors and records operating conditions of equipment. Recognizes abnormal equipment operation and initiates trouble reports. Work will include an 12 hour shifts, rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and require overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Must have successfully passed the Edison Electric Institute Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator selection exams
• Prefer post secondary technical training in a related area
• Must have valid driver's license
• Prefer previous experience as an operator in a power plant and familiarity with power generation, but not required
• Applicant is required to successfully pass the Xcel Energy screening requirements, which include a drug test and security clearance
• May have to drive off site to assist other plants, which may include using personal vehicle. Personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursed

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds safely
• Work in inclement weather
• Must be qualified to wear all required PPE (including respirator qualified)
• Will be required to perform duties when necessary from scaffolds and catwalks in high and confined spaces
• Must be able to work overtime and various shifts as required
• Environmental Exposure
• Works around energized, rotating, vibrating, & automatic start equipment; confined spaces; heights; ladders & scaffolding; noise levels requiring hearing protection; presence of dust requiring use of respiratory protection
• Outdoor work on uneven & wet surfaces, with temperatures ranging from -20 to above 100 degrees F

 

Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.

Our Values

Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe

Our Employee Commitments

• Work that makes a difference
• A team you can count of
• Opportunities to grow
• Rewards that help you thrive

 

Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. 

Bargaining

 

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $41.78 per hour

 

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Personal Leave, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)

 

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation.  You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

 

Deadline to Apply: 10/09/26

 

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Accessibility Statement

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.