Power Plant Trainee/Apprentice

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Position Purpose: 

The power plant trainee is an apprenticeship position that will undergo a structured training program aimed at developing proficiency in the operation and maintenance of the cogeneration facility. This entry-level role involves assisting experienced plant engineers, I&C and electrical personnel in daily tasks, learning to monitor equipment, and ensuring the efficient and safe production of energy and overall operation of the facility.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Monitor and report on performance metrics of plant equipment, including engines, pumps, chillers, boilers, backup generators and heat recovery systems.
• Record operational data such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates in logs.
• Support start-up and shutdown operations under engineers' supervision.
• Assist in detecting and responding to abnormal operating conditions, alarms, or deviations from standard performance.
• Assist in lubrication, cleaning, and basic maintenance of key mechanical components like generators, compressors, pumps and boilers to say the least.
• Conduct initial visual inspections of plant electrical panels, control systems, piping and overall plant equipment for wear or faults.
• Participate in predictive maintenance activities assigned by the engineers and or management.
• Handle safe disposal of waste generated during maintenance activities.
• Strictly adhere to lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance.
• Ensure PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is used properly at all times.
• Participate in company safety meetings, training and computer base learning.
• Learn emergency response procedures and assist in plant drills.
• Maintain familiarity with plant compliance standards.
• Collect and organize data for analysis by senior technicians or engineers.
• Generate daily and shift logs for plant management review.
• Report anomalies in operations, recommending actions where appropriate.
• Engage in mentorship and shadowing opportunities with senior engineers and technicians.
• Participate in formal learning sessions on plant systems, energy production principles, and maintenance best practices.
• Develop a working understanding of plant instrumentation and distributed control systems (DCS).
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Assist with site security measures, such as monitoring access to restricted areas.
• Support facility audits and inspections by preparing documentation and assisting visiting personnel and contractors.
• Cover shifts as needed and be available to work additional hours if needed, work weekends.

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Basic mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn complex systems.
• Ability to work within a team and follow detailed instructions.
• Comfortable working in various environmental conditions, including heights and noisy areas.
• Basic math skills, including algebra and geometry.
• Basic computer skills.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Technical or vocational training in a related field is a plus.
• Able to obtain and hold NYFD Refrigeration License within a reasonable time frame.
• Able to obtain and hold NY State EPA DEC CFC License within a reasonable time frame.
• Able to obtain and hold FNDY COF’s as requested by management within a reasonable time frame.

Physical Requirements:

• The job can be physically demanding involving movement of heavy equipment and carrying materials up and down stairs. Candidates should be able to lift a 50-lb load.
• Requires ability to stand frequently and to sit occasionally for extended periods of time, climb ladders and stairs, effectively work in high places; periodically bending and twisting and frequently apply a moderate amount of force to lift, carry push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be physically capable of passing a respirator physical and respirator fit test.

Pay Range: $18.00 to $20.00 per hour.

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.