Dairyland is proud of our People First culture centered around appreciation, celebrating wins and collaboration. We’ve worked hard to ensure alignment between our culture and our processes and systems, learning and development and rewards and recognition programs. 

As a team, we work together to leverage the team’s diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences to deliver nothing less than the best. We are collaborative, transparent and committed to our People and their work experience, growth and professional development.

The purpose of the Plant Operator Trainee position is timely completion of all training requirements, while performing the essential job functions of steps as completed. 

The Impact You'll Make in this Role

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
This list is developed to demonstrate the level of duties normally performed by this classification. This list is not an all-encompassing list of duties. 
1. Perform maintenance during outages. 
2. Perform housekeeping activities to keep the plant clean, orderly, and free from hazards. 
3. Perform other duties as assigned. Attain a thorough working knowledge of equipment, procedures, policies, and safety rules by active participation in training programs. 
4. Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area III and be responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation and surveillance of designated turbine/generator auxiliaries, steam generator auxiliaries and other assigned plant auxiliary equipment in accordance with Operator training program. Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area II and be responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient operation and surveillance of the turbine/generator, steam generator and other assigned plant auxiliary systems in accordance with Operator training program. Complete requirements as Plant Operator Trainee Area I and be responsible for the coordinated operation of the turbine generator and steam generator in a safe, reliable and efficient manner in accordance with Operator training program. 
5. Required to be capable of performing the following operational functions: Operate manual automatic valves that could range in size from ¼” to 24” and range in pressure from negative to 6000 PSI. Be able to distinguish colors, especially the difference between red, green, and yellow. Be able to use tools such as long handled scrapers to clean coal systems. Basic understanding of computers and their operation. Must be able to identify differences in sound levels to determine equipment problems, during surveillance of plant areas. Operate electrical switches and breakers up to 24,000 volts. 
6. Initiates maintenance work request for repair of equipment. 
7. As you become qualified, rotate through the operating areas routinely to maintain knowledge of plant systems. 
8. Assist with drafting and updating operating procedures, plant blueprints, work schedules, schematics, technical manuals and equipment files by reviewing, editing and initiating as needed. 
9. Responsible for understanding and complying with DPC policies, plant operating policies and procedures, lockout/tagout procedure, environmental guidelines, safety practices, Hazardous Substance Emergency Plan and all state and federal reporting and permit requirements. 

Your Skills and Expertise

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience

• (Internal Candidates) - Associate degree in electrical, instrument, mechanical, or power plant related field or two (2) year related military education/training program plus high school diploma. Candidate must complete a state approved apprenticeship program within three (3) years of entering the position. 
• (External Candidates) – Associate degree in electrical, instrument, mechanical, or power plant related field. Preference giving to applicants that have completed power plant related degree. Candidate must complete a state approved apprenticeship program within three (3) years of entering the position. 
• Must possess a high degree of manual dexterity and mature judgment. 
• Must be able to read and understand procedures, blueprints, and technical information and become knowledgeable of account numbers. 
• Must be computer literate and be able to navigate through windows-based programs. 

Physical Demands
Sitting, standing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, twisting upper body, walking, bending, reaching, stretching, writing, hearing, speaking, seeing, fingering, grasping, climbing (stairs, ladders, sky climber, confined spaces), pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 75 pounds; 40 pounds frequently). Become trained and operate overhead cranes, Hijackers, Bobcat, Endloader Vacuum Truck as required. Must have the ability to wear protective equipment (safety glasses, hard hat, respirators, etc.). Must have the ability to become respirator certified. 

Environmental Demands
Work indoors and outdoors, occasionally in extreme cold, heat, and temperature swings, and frequently in extreme noise. Work around mechanical and electrical hazards, and occasionally work around fumes/odors, dust, chemical and toxic waste hazards. 

Other Job Characteristics
Team-oriented crews working rotating shifts. Off-duty availability. Frequent interaction with co-workers. Work overtime as required. 

Support Your Well Being

•  Health & disability benefits (medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability) 
•  Life insurance Generous 401(k) and Pension Plans 
•  Generous Paid Time Off Plan 
•  Robust Wellness Program
•  New Flexible Work Program
•  Tuition Reimbursement 

And so much more! 

About Dairyland Power Cooperative

Dairyland is proud of its history as a pioneer in rural electrification. The generation and transmission cooperative formed in 1941, bringing light and power to the homes and farms in “America’s Dairyland.” Specifically serving rural communities and countryside, Dairyland continues to ease work conditions and improve quality of life for residents by delivering a safe, reliable supply of energy in its four-state service territory.

Connections working at Dairyland Power Cooperative