Assistant Power Plant Operator

• Transition from trades or engineering into operational leadership at Eraring Power Station 
• Take control of critical infrastructure and build expertise in large-scale power generation 
• Lake Macquarie based

Join a team that's All Kinds of Useful

At Origin, being useful is more than a tagline - it’s how we approach work every day. As a collective, we’re a team that thrives on finding better ways, working together, and owning our impact. From powering homes to delivering award-winning internet and helping to lead Australia’s energy transition. If you’re driven by purpose and excited to be part of something bigger, we’d love to have you on the journey.

Are You Ready to Transition into Operational Leadership? Eraring Power Station is launching a targeted recruitment pathway for motivated tradespeople and engineers ready to leverage their technical foundations in a high-impact operational career.

If you are a qualified electrician, mechanical fitter, boilermaker, instrumentation technician, or engineer (mechanical, electrical, or process), an Assistant Power Plant Operator (APPO) role offers a direct path to mastering large-scale asset architecture. You will step off the tools/desks and into the driver’s seat of one of the nation's most critical infrastructure assets.

About the role:

Working within our close-knit 24/7 shift teams, you will apply your trade background to safely operate, isolate, test, and maintain our core generation units, auxiliary equipment, and infrastructure systems. This role bridges the gap between hands-on engineering and real-time commercial energy dispatch.

Why this role matters?

• Operational Conversion: Train to safely operate and monitor heavy thermal, mechanical, and high-voltage electrical generation plant.
• Routines & Asset Health: Execute structured site inspection rounds utilizing modern mobility tracking platforms to guarantee strict compliance and defect identification.
• Safety & Isolation Governance: Master the Permit to Work system, executing high-discipline equipment isolations and safety-device verifications.
• Team Synergy: Support fault-finding workstreams and work collaboratively across shift cycles to maximize plant reliability.

What will you bring?

• A formal Trade or Engineering qualification in a relevant heavy industry discipline (e.g., Electrical, Mechanical, Instrumentation).
• Minimum of 2 years post-qualification experience navigating heavy industrial, marine, mining, or manufacturing environments.
• A powerful fault-finding mindset, natural mechanical/electrical curiosity, and an appetite for continuous professional development.
• Strong communication skills and a desire to succeed within a disciplined, rotating 24/7 shift structure.

So, why join us?

• The Station School Framework: Access to a fully structured, world-class operational training academy designed to convert your trade background into a fully qualified power plant operator baseline.
• High-value competitive salary packaging, shift allowances, and a robust long-term career runway in the energy sector.
• A dynamic team culture built on mutual trust, psychological safety, and clear operational pride.
• Thrive in a culture of personal and professional growth.
• Purchase up to four additional weeks of leave annually.
• Engage in opportunities through the Origin Foundation to support your community.
• Powering your career with unbeatable perks - Get discounted electricity, gas, and internet as an Origin employee.
• Explore unique and cost-effective employee EV Car subscriptions.

For more information, please contact Kelly Hansen - , quote Requisition ID 90094 or apply now.

Origin - Where good change happens

At Origin, we’re powered by people who believe in creating change.

We are committed to fostering a diverse, gender equitable workforce, where everyone is welcome, and all applications are evaluated on merit and potential. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, people living with disabilities, culturally diverse people, any stage in life, people with intersex variations and people within LGBTQ+ communities, including trans and gender diverse. 
 

Enjoy a challenging career in an exciting industry where you can grow and explore your potential. If you think you have transferable skills, an appetite to learn and would be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. 

Here's a little about us: https://www.originenergy.com.au/about/careers/

Background checks may be required to determine your suitability for this position as part of the recruitment process and during your employment. These checks may include police checks, AusCheck, medical assessment and/or drug and alcohol testing.

Please note unsolicited CVs from agencies will not be accepted.

Origin recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.