Job Description

Applications are being accepted through: 4/22/26

• If no date is displayed, applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis; however, this job posting may close at any time after a minimum of 5 days of being posted.

Power Plant System Operator (Apprentice OR Journey Level)

Do you have experience with, or an interest in, working in power plants and maintaining and monitoring plant equipment and assets? If so, this is the opportunity for you! We are hiring a Journey Plant System Operator or Apprentice , depending on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Our Plant System Operators are responsible for maintaining, stopping, and monitoring equipment, as well as performing routine maintenance tasks in and around our power plants.

Our team is responsible for the safe and reliable operation of a number of plants around Colorado Springs, including the Nixon Power Plant, South Plant Natural Gas Generators, Front Range Combined Cycle Power Plant, and our Remote Energy Plants (Hydroelectric Plants, Birdsall Power Plant, and the Propane Air Plant). This job will challenge and expand your skill set while working in different generation environments that our team operates.

Please note that the incumbent in this position will work rotating 12-hour shifts as required to operate the plant on a 24/7 basis.

This position will be filled at one of the following levels based on the qualifications of the successful candidate:

• Plant System Operator (Journey Level) - Starting pay rate of $44.12/hour followed by an increase to $46.33/hour after completing probation (typically six months).
• Plant System Operator (Apprentice) - Starting pay rate of $34.28/hour followed by pay increases at each step progression of the apprenticeship, with a journey turnout rate of $46.33/hour.

As a Journey Plant System Operator , you will:

• Conduct routine operational checks and readings on plant equipment and adjust, regulate, and maintain oil levels, water levels, temperatures, and flows at required specifications
• Perform preventative maintenance on plant equipment as scheduled and assist with maintenance during plant outages
• Perform basic mechanical maintenance tasks, inspections, and perform troubleshooting as needed
• Perform chemical analysis and chemical control on steam, cooling, and condensate systems, and maintain chemistry logs
• Handle and transfer bulk chemicals properly
• Handle inert and explosive gases properly (e.g. H2, N2, O2 ,CO2, and acetylene)
• Inspect the plant site for security, safety, and environmental issues
• Maintain shift operating logs and records
• Perform housekeeping activities necessary to operate safely and maintain facility cleanliness and appearance
• Monitor computer screens, gauges, and meters

The successful Journey Plant System Operator candidate will have...

• Completed an auxiliary operator or power generation apprenticeship or related training program
• Experience working in a power platn environment, preferably combined cycle, coal, natural gas-fired, and/or hydro
• Skill in performing inspections of outside plant equipment and facilities; performing chemical tests; reading gauges and meters; and troubleshooting plant equipment and systems
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license; this job requires operating Colorado Springs Utilities' vehicles

As a Plant System Operator Apprentice , you will gain knowledge and experience in the following:

• Conducting routine operational checks, reading plant equipment, adjusting, regulating, and maintaining oil levels, water levels, temperature, and flows at required specifications
• Assisting with preventative maintenance on plant equipment as scheduled
• Helping inspect the plant site for security, safety, and environmental issues
• Assisting with maintenance during plant outages
• Learning assigned roles to maintain safety and prevent catastrophic failure
• Monitoring computer screens, gauges, and meters
• Helping test protection systems for plant equipment and facilities
• Assisting in the starting up and shutting down of generation equipment and entire generating units; shutting down equipment to prevent catastrophic failure
• Monitoring boiler furnace and HRSG conditions
• Assisting to pull tramp iron and bottom ash for the safe operation of the pulverizer
• Helping ensure the fly ash system is operating properly
• Assisting water plant chemistry checks and adding chemicals to plant water systems, as necessary
• Assisting with opening and closing valves when requested or as needed
• Maintaining all Plants for cleanliness, organization and overall operational readiness

The successful Plant System Operator Apprentice candidate will have...

• Knowledge of power plant processes
• Knowledge of basic chemistry, electricity, and mathematical principles
• A commitment to performing work safely and bringing safety hazards to the attention of leadership
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing to convey information and provide direction
• The ability to respond calmly and think clearly in emergency situations
• Basic computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Products, Access, etc.)
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license; this job requires operating Colorado Springs Utilities' vehicles

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Exerts 20-50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work. Positions in this class typically require exposure in all weather conditions

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness

ATTENTION

• All positions will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days.
• Starting pay will be based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate; if there is a single pay rate posted, the job starts at that rate.
• Colorado Springs Utilities does not sponsor work visas of any kind, including H-1B, TN, or F-1 student visas (with or without OPT or STEM work authorization), or any other employment-based visas. All eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, and work authorization must not be based on employer sponsorship of a work visa.

Colorado Springs Utilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity in accord with Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, 38 U.S.C. § 4212, as amended (VEVRAA), and § 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (§ 503). In addition, no person shall be unlawfully discriminated against because of race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis protected under state or federal law. Human Resources shall assure Colorado Springs Utilities’ benefits, classification, compensation, employee development, employee relations, and employment programs, conform to current legal and regulatory requirements and the provisions of Colorado Springs Utilities’ Affirmative Action Plan in accordance with VEVRAA and § 503.

Accessibility Accommodations . If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting us at accessibility@csu.org or by calling 719-668-7500. This option is reserved for individuals who are unable to use or require assistance with the online tools as a result of a disability and is not intended for other purposes.

E-Verify and Right to Work Notice . Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Colorado Springs Utilities participates in E-Verify. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit: If you have a legal right to work in the United States, there are laws to protect you against discrimination in the workplace. You should know that no employer can deny you a job or fire you because of your national origin. Unless mandated by law or government contract, employers cannot require you to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident or refuse any legally acceptable documents. If any of these things have happened to you, you may have a valid charge of discrimination that can be filed with the OSC. Contact the OSC for assistance in your own language. Call 1-800-255-7688. TDD for the hearing impaired is 1-800-237-2515. In the Washington, D.C., area, please call 202-616-5594, TDD 202-616-5525 Or write to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20530.

Have a question? If you have a question about a position or need assistance from a recruiter, email us at ***email_hidden*** or call 719-668-7500.

Job Type: Skilled Trades & Craft

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Contract work, Temporary work, Apprenticeship, H1b, Work at office, Remote work, Trial period, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Flexible hours, Shift work, Rotating shift

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