How to hire a turbine operator

How to hire a turbine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step turbine operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a turbine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new turbine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your turbine operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a turbine operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   Hiring the perfect turbine operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   The following list breaks down different types of turbine operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Turbine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Turbine Operator	Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.	$16-35
   Control Room Operator	A control room operator is a professional who works in the control room of a power plant to monitor the operations of the plant as well as ensures that everything is properly working. By using computer controls, control room operators must monitor and maintain plant equipment and indicators for proper operation... Show more	$14-29
   Power Plant Operator	A power plant operator is primarily in charge of controlling and maintaining machinery that generates and distributes electricity. Their responsibilities typically include monitoring charts and sensors, gathering and analyzing data, detecting errors and inconsistencies, maintaining daily logs and records of all progress, and performing adjustments as needed... Show more	$16-32

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Control Room
   • Electrical Systems
   • Water Systems
   • Safety Standards
   • Water Chemistry
   • Outage
   • Condensers
   • LOTO
   • Plant Equipment

   Responsibilities:

   • Use TAGLINK to prepare LOTO for the equipment to be repair.
   • Job require yearly training in first aide, CPR and fire fighting.
   • Perform routine maintenance on pumps, valves, exchangers, air compressors, and condensers.
   • Identify parameters indicative of an emergency condition and initiate designated actions, execute terminal shutdown and start-up procedures upon approval.
   • Inspect and maintain fire and distribution pumps, turbines, boilers, and demineralizers.
   • Operate and monitor the reverse osmosis water purification system and mix bed demineralizers.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your turbine operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A turbine operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, turbine operators' average salary in florida is 34% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level turbine operators 53% less than senior-level turbine operators.
   • Certifications. A turbine operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a turbine operator's salary.

   Average turbine operator salary

   $50,567yearly

   $24.31 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level turbine operator salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a turbine operator job description

   A turbine operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a turbine operator job description:

   Turbine operator job description example

   At NAES, you'll find engaging and challenging career opportunities in the power generation, renewable energy and industrial construction industry. At every level of the company, we share a common goal: To instill confidence in our clients through our steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work.
   
   NAES is the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, operating more than 190 power plants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the UK that span all technologies and provide over 50 GW of capacity. With the strength of 4000 people, our growing family of companies now encompass the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
   
   NAES is committed to supporting a culture with unique perspectives and backgrounds. We value individual differences in each other in an effort to create a brighter future in the power generation industry. We strive to attract and retain employees by offering an inclusive work environment, competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including retirement) and promotional opportunities.
   
   The CT Operator/Technician is responsible for proper, safe and efficient start up, operation, shutdown and maintenance of ten (10) GE LM6000 combustion turbines across 6 different sites. The CT Operator/Technician adheres to all safety and environmental rules and regulations to protect employees and the public. Frequently communicates with the assigned Remote Control Operator for personal, personnel safety and other management as required.
   
   CT Operator/Technician maintains, troubleshoots and repairs mechanical electrical, instrumentation and controls equipment. This equipment includes, but is not limited to, gas turbines, auxiliary components, gas compressors, motors, pumps, PLC's and other auxiliary equipment.
   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
   
   When at a plant site, may be required to start-up, operate & shutdown combustion turbine(s) & auxiliary equipment when required. In addition, reads meters, gauges, or monitors automatic devices to record data such as equipment operating temperatures, vibration, operating hours, pressure & fluid levels to verify operating conditions. Observes, records & evaluates system conditions. Maintains & reviews operational & maintenance reporting logs and keeps management fully informed of unusual conditions. During maintenance & overhaul periods, may be required to report progress of work as it relates when not on an assigned shift and working maintenance. Reads P&ID's and utilizes facility operating procedures & equipment technical manuals to maintain, troubleshoot & repair facility equipment. Ensures equipment is operated within operating range. Overhaul & repair of plant equipment such as combustion turbines & generators, pumps, fans, motors, gas compressors, water treatment systems etc. as required. Records maintenance actions taken on Work Order forms. Fully supports the use of a Computerized Maintenance Management System (Maximo) by displaying a proficiency in using the system and dedication to the facility maintenance philosophy. Reads, understands & complies with all regulatory procedures and facility safety standards. Takes on specific tasks/responsibilities assigned in these areas. Performs duties related to handling hazardous materials & wastes and spill prevention & control, as directed by Facility Management in accordance with applicable regulations. Initial orientation and annual classroom training are provided together with on-the-job-training to demonstrate understanding of essential information for regulatory compliance and documentation. Work shift hours, overtime or irregular hours as needed to support reliable operation of the facility. Keeps all training requirements current, i.e. First Aid, CPR, OSHA. Uses Web Based GPi Learn and other available training modules, seminars & courses as available, and offered by NAES Corporation. When assigned to the control room, CT Operator/Technician is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis. Ensures that alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared by taking appropriate corrective actions. Executes plant shutdown & start-up procedures as required. Ensures that the plant meets its generating requirements while operating in a safe & efficient mannerwithin environmental regulations (federal, state and local). Operates from established & well-known procedures under general directions and minimum supervision. Has the authority to control the operation of the plants and must do so in a safe manner, always resulting in no recordable accidents in compliance with all environmental permits. Decisions are made within prescribed operating guidelines. Conduct periodic log & record review to ensure that lock out tag out procedures, equipment status and designated administrative systems are functioning effectively. Participate in the administrative maintenance of plant operating manuals, technical references, prints & diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records Actively support the field technicians in the execution of maintenance plans by providing support (Lockout/Tagout), equipment identification, troubleshooting, work request preparation or other areas as needed Fully support and actively participate in NAES Safety & Regulatory Compliance Programs
   
   NAES SAFE
   
   Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee's performance.
   
   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
   
   Physical requirements include standing on feet for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facilities.
   
   JOB QUALIFICATIONS
   
   HS diploma or equivalent required Five years experience in maintenance and/or operations is desired Associate Degree in a technical field desirable Theoretical and practical knowledge of gas turbine operations desirable LM6000 experience desirable Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls desirable Extensive working knowledge of power plant industry desirable Must have excellent oral and written communication skills Must have excellent organizational skills Valid driver's license required
   
   NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.

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5. Post your job

   To find turbine operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any turbine operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level turbine operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your turbine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit turbine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with turbine operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new turbine operator

   Once you've found the turbine operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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