External - Posting Description Coal Student Generating Plant Operator (SGPO) – Job # 517590 This is a paid training program leading to the position of Assistant Unit Operator (AUO) at a coal-fired power plant. Organization:
Generation
Department:
Coal Operations
Location:
Training will take place at Cumberland Fossil Plant in Cumberland City, Tennessee. Upon completion of training, the employee may be transferred to a different work location.
Relocation benefits are not offered. Local candidates may be preferred.
Posting Open:
9/2/2025
Posting Close:
9/8/2025 at 11:59pm EST
Starting Salary: $82,205
Pay will increase incrementally as trainees progress through the training program. Upon successful completion of the training program, Assistant Unit Operator salary is $105,390.
Description
This is a 12 to 18-month training program leading to the position of Assistant Unit Operator (AUO) at a coal-fired power plant. The training consists of a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction:
- 50 weeks of classroom, observation, and computer-based training in electrical and mechanical components and systems
- 7 weeks to complete Performance Check Cards
- 22 weeks of on-the-job training
- Must receive a qualifying score on the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) pre-entrance exam.
- Will be required to progress satisfactorily on periodic examinations throughout the program.
- Must meet all qualification requirements established in the training plan.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have at least a
2-year technical degreefrom a regionally accredited educational institution OR:
- College math (6 semester or 9 quarter credit hours) at least algebra level or two years of high school mathematics with one year at least algebra level, AND one of the following equivalencies:
- At least 43 semester credit hours (65 quarter credit hours) of coursework from a regionally accredited college or university;
- Two or more years' work experience and training in the field of power generation or ship propulsion while a member of the armed forces;
- Two or more years' work experience and training in power plant operations/generation while a member of a utility or industrial environment;
- Completion of an Electrician Apprenticeship sponsored by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
- Be sure to answer all job-related screening questions in the application process.
- Transcripts must be provided in the application process.
- Unofficial transcripts are fine.
- In addition to college transcripts, provide high school transcripts if that is where you obtained the required math.
- If possible, put your transcripts in the same document as your resume (not as a separate attachment).
- Please monitor your email frequently and respond promptly.
- The hiring process for TVA training programs involves several steps. Below is the target timeline for filling this position (subject to change based on business needs):
- EEI Testing – October 2025
- Interviews – November 2025
- Offers – December 2025 (please note that candidates who receive an offer will be expected to accept or decline within three (3) days)
- Target Start Date – January 2026
- password: recruit
Equal Employment Opportunity
TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA’s Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Drug-Free Workplace
All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing. Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace . TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
How To Claim Vet Preference
If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office. The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position.
How To Submit Documentation
- Upload documents in Step 7 of the application process.
- Email documents to [email protected]
More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference . If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email [email protected] .