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Plant Operator

Vistra


Job Location:

Oak Grove, MN - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 15 October 2026 (2 days ago)
Application Deadline: 12 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

If you have what it takes to become part of the Vistra family and would like to start a promising career with a global leader take a look at the exciting employment opportunities that are currently available and apply online.

Job Summary

The Plant Operator is responsible for the safe compliant reliable and efficient operation of two supercritical lignite-fired generating units. This role operates monitors and controls boiler turbine-generator balance-of-plant and lignite fuel-delivery systems from the control room.
The Plant Operator responds to changing unit conditions alarms equipment issues and system disturbances; coordinates unit startups shutdowns load changes equipment clearances and switching activities; and works closely with field operators Shift Supervision maintenance engineering and fuel-handling personnel. The role promotes safe environmentally responsible and reliable generation in accordance with approved procedures and applicable requirements.

Job Description

Key Accountabilities

  • Operate and monitor two supercritical lignite-fired generating units from the control room.
  • Maintain safe stable and efficient operation of the boiler turbine-generator and associated balance-of-plant systems.
  • Monitor DCS indications alarms trends process conditions equipment performance and operating parameters.
  • Make timely operating decisions in response to changing unit conditions equipment issues system disturbances and abnormal operating situations.
  • Execute and coordinate unit startups shutdowns load changes equipment clearances and switching activities in accordance with approved procedures.
  • Work closely with field operators to verify equipment conditions and safely execute operating instructions.
  • Operate and monitor lignite fuel-delivery systems including rail unloading conveyors transfer equipment bunkers feeders and associated controls.
  • Monitor lignite inventory fuel flow conveyor performance feeder operation and material-handling alarms to maintain a reliable fuel supply to the generating units.
  • Coordinate with fuel-handling personnel and Shift Supervision regarding train deliveries unloading priorities fuel inventory levels and lignite-system operating conditions.
  • Support the safe startup shutdown isolation clearance and restoration of lignite fuel-handling equipment.
  • Identify abnormal equipment behavior developing process issues and fuel-handling concerns before they become significant operating or reliability problems.
  • Communicate equipment conditions operational risks and plant-status changes clearly to the Shift Supervisor maintenance personnel engineers fuel-handling personnel and other plant personnel.
  • Maintain accurate operating logs records and documentation including unit operating status fuel-delivery activity train deliveries fuel inventory and lignite-system conditions.
  • Support troubleshooting incident reviews and root-cause identification following equipment process or fuel-system issues.
  • Follow all applicable safety environmental operating and regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in emergency response drills training procedure reviews and continuous-improvement activities.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by plant management.

Education Experience and Skill Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum of six years of related experience.
  • High school diploma GED or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated experience operating utility-scale generating equipment from a control room.
  • Understanding of supercritical steam generation and turbine-generator systems.
  • Strong knowledge of DCS-based control and monitoring systems.
  • Understanding of boiler combustion steam-water systems turbine operation electrical generation and major auxiliary systems.
  • Ability to interpret trends alarms operating parameters equipment indications and process data to identify developing equipment or process issues.
  • Ability to make sound decisions under pressure in a fast-paced dynamic operating environment.
  • Demonstrated effective oral and verbal communication skills and the ability to work successfully as part of a shift team.
  • Ability to follow approved procedures while recognizing equipment or process conditions that are not behaving as expected.
  • Strong commitment to safety environmental stewardship regulatory compliance and reliable generation.
  • Ability to maintain accurate operating logs and other required documentation.
  • Ability to work without direct supervision in unit upset conditions.

Pre-Employment Assessment

All applicants must be successful candidates on the Plant Operator Selection System/Power Plant Operations and Maintenance (POSS/MASS) program to be considered for this position. POSS/MASS examinations are administered as needed. Communication regarding testing will be sent to the email address provided by the candidate during the application process.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Power plant operator or control room operating experience.
  • Experience operating supercritical generating units.
  • Experience operating or monitoring lignite fuel-delivery and material-handling systems.
  • Experience using the PI System to evaluate operating equipment-performance and process trends.
  • Experience with Foxboro control systems.
  • Understanding of lignite fuel-handling systems including rail delivery and unloading conveyors transfer equipment bunkers feeders and associated process controls.
  • Relevant technical training associate degree technical degree or equivalent industry experience.
  • Applicable power plant operator certifications or qualifications.

Work Schedule and Physical Requirements

This is a 24/7 power-generation operation. Shift work including nights weekends holidays and overtime is expected.

The successful candidate must be able to respond calmly and think clearly during emergency or abnormal operating conditions. The position may require access to all areas of the plant including elevated areas hot areas and confined spaces as needed to support assigned responsibilities. The candidate must be able to read and respond to computer-generated data instrumentation gauges and readouts; operate keyboards controls pushbuttons dials and valves; and perform other physical activities required to safely complete assigned work.

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to provide a comprehensive list of all activities duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned as operational needs require.

Job Family

Plant Operations

Company

Oak Grove Management Co LLC

Locations

Franklin Texas

Texas
We are a company of people committed to: Exceeding Customer Expectations Great People Teamwork Competitive Spirit and Effective Communication. If this describes you then apply today!

If you currently work for Vistra or its subsidiaries please apply via the internal career site.

It is the policy of the Company to comply with all employment laws and to afford equal employment opportunity to individuals in all aspects of employment including in selection for job opportunities without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity pregnancy national origin age disability genetic information military service protected veteran status or any other consideration protected by federal state or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance submitting an application or would like to request an accommodation please email usmake a request.


Required Experience:

IC