Jobseekers looking for entry-level positions in the electrical generation industry could consider a couple of positions at Xcel Energy: Plant Specialist C (in the Energy Supply Department) and Utilityworker C (in the Utility Service Department).
These two entry level positions offer excellent opportunities for those with the right skills & competencies, positive work attitudes, and excellent work ethics, to learn new skills while receiving good pay (starting pay is about $17 per hour, plus benefits). To see a list of specific skills/competencies, work attitudes, and work ethics, refer to this pdf poster.
Here is some information about the Plant Specialist C, to give you a general idea of what this job entails:
Position Summary:
- Performs general housekeeping and custodial functions as assigned.
- Performs outdoor yard and grounds maintenance, including lawn care, weed control, general cleanup and trash removal, snow and ice removal etc.
- Stocks various cabinets, dispensers, etc with materials and supplies as required. Performs painting of plant facilities and equipment as assigned.
- Assists with general facility maintenance and operations as assigned.
- Actively participates in hands-on training, required classroom training, and computerbased training programs, as directed by plant management.
Environmental Exposure:
- Works in and around: energized and /or rotating equipment, confined spaces, heights, ladders and scaffolding, noise levels requiring hearing protection, presence of fumes and dust requiring use of respiratory protection.
- Floors are concrete.
- Outdoor work is often on natural mountain terrain, gravel, and wet uneven surfaces, with temperatures ranging from -20 to above 100 degrees F, and altitudes from 6000 to 11,200 feet above sea level.
- Work will include rotating shifts, weekends and holidays and requires overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
1) High school diploma or GED.
2) Must have successfully passed the Edison Electric Institute Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator selection exams or be a grandfathered employee.
3) Able to lift up to 50 pounds safely.
4) Must have valid driver’s license.
5) Actively participate in hands-on training, required classroom training and computer interactive training programs, as directed by plant management.
6) Work in inclement weather.
7) Respirator qualification.
8) Will be required to perform duties when necessary from scaffolds and catwalks in high and confined spaces.
9) Must be able to work overtime as required.
10) Applicant is required to successfully pass the Xcel Energy screening requirements, which include a drug test, security clearance and other exams that are required by federal regulations, such as OSHA and DOT, will be performed.
11) Selection criteria may include testing and/or assessment.
Career advancement opportunities are limitless for employees who prove themselves worthy. To see the career progression ladder for each of these positions, open this report from CAEL and go to pages 45 and 46.
You cannot apply for these position until you have successfully passed Xcel Energy's pre-employment tests. The tests are only open when there is a need. You need to monitor Xcel's employment website to determine if/when testing is open, then apply online to take the test. The tests are listed along with all of the other job notices and are called "PSCo Entry Level Power Plant Exam" and "Entry Level Field Ops Exam ".
These two entry level positions offer excellent opportunities for those with the right skills & competencies, positive work attitudes, and excellent work ethics, to learn new skills while receiving good pay (starting pay is about $17 per hour, plus benefits). To see a list of specific skills/competencies, work attitudes, and work ethics, refer to this pdf poster.
Here is some information about the Plant Specialist C, to give you a general idea of what this job entails:
Position Summary:
- Performs general housekeeping and custodial functions as assigned.
- Performs outdoor yard and grounds maintenance, including lawn care, weed control, general cleanup and trash removal, snow and ice removal etc.
- Stocks various cabinets, dispensers, etc with materials and supplies as required. Performs painting of plant facilities and equipment as assigned.
- Assists with general facility maintenance and operations as assigned.
- Actively participates in hands-on training, required classroom training, and computerbased training programs, as directed by plant management.
Environmental Exposure:
- Works in and around: energized and /or rotating equipment, confined spaces, heights, ladders and scaffolding, noise levels requiring hearing protection, presence of fumes and dust requiring use of respiratory protection.
- Floors are concrete.
- Outdoor work is often on natural mountain terrain, gravel, and wet uneven surfaces, with temperatures ranging from -20 to above 100 degrees F, and altitudes from 6000 to 11,200 feet above sea level.
- Work will include rotating shifts, weekends and holidays and requires overtime.
Minimum Requirements:
1) High school diploma or GED.
2) Must have successfully passed the Edison Electric Institute Power Plant Maintenance and Plant Operator selection exams or be a grandfathered employee.
3) Able to lift up to 50 pounds safely.
4) Must have valid driver’s license.
5) Actively participate in hands-on training, required classroom training and computer interactive training programs, as directed by plant management.
6) Work in inclement weather.
7) Respirator qualification.
8) Will be required to perform duties when necessary from scaffolds and catwalks in high and confined spaces.
9) Must be able to work overtime as required.
10) Applicant is required to successfully pass the Xcel Energy screening requirements, which include a drug test, security clearance and other exams that are required by federal regulations, such as OSHA and DOT, will be performed.
11) Selection criteria may include testing and/or assessment.
Career advancement opportunities are limitless for employees who prove themselves worthy. To see the career progression ladder for each of these positions, open this report from CAEL and go to pages 45 and 46.
You cannot apply for these position until you have successfully passed Xcel Energy's pre-employment tests. The tests are only open when there is a need. You need to monitor Xcel's employment website to determine if/when testing is open, then apply online to take the test. The tests are listed along with all of the other job notices and are called "PSCo Entry Level Power Plant Exam" and "Entry Level Field Ops Exam ".
After applying to take the test, be sure to check your e-mail inbox often (even your "junk" email folder) for a schedule confirmation and testing information.
These tests may be harder than you think! Very few people who take them pass them. Therefore it is HIGHLY recommended that you study in advance.
These tests assess your math ability, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mechanical aptitude. Sample tests and study guide recommendations are available on Xcel Energy's website. Other methods of test preparation include free CRC-Applied Technology assessments that are similar to these pre-employment tests--and offer training software to help you with any questions you may have missed. Several workforce centers, including Denver's Training & Assessment Center at Speer, administer this free CRC-Applied Technology assessment.
Several weeks after taking the test, you will be notified (likely by e-mail again) of your scores. If you successfully pass the test, then you will need to monitor Xcel Energy's employment website to find out if/when the positions are available and apply online. Be sure to spell check your application, polish your resume, research Xcel Energy, and learn as much as you can about powerplants, to make the best impression possible!
If you don't pass these tests and have difficulty with the CRC-Applied Technology assessment, you may want to consider enrolling in courses to gain a better understanding of the knowledge and skills required to work in this industry. Red Rocks Community College is one of many educational institutions that offer training in Industrial Technology. Watch their 7-minute YouTube video below, or at this link:
These tests may be harder than you think! Very few people who take them pass them. Therefore it is HIGHLY recommended that you study in advance.
These tests assess your math ability, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mechanical aptitude. Sample tests and study guide recommendations are available on Xcel Energy's website. Other methods of test preparation include free CRC-Applied Technology assessments that are similar to these pre-employment tests--and offer training software to help you with any questions you may have missed. Several workforce centers, including Denver's Training & Assessment Center at Speer, administer this free CRC-Applied Technology assessment.
Several weeks after taking the test, you will be notified (likely by e-mail again) of your scores. If you successfully pass the test, then you will need to monitor Xcel Energy's employment website to find out if/when the positions are available and apply online. Be sure to spell check your application, polish your resume, research Xcel Energy, and learn as much as you can about powerplants, to make the best impression possible!
If you don't pass these tests and have difficulty with the CRC-Applied Technology assessment, you may want to consider enrolling in courses to gain a better understanding of the knowledge and skills required to work in this industry. Red Rocks Community College is one of many educational institutions that offer training in Industrial Technology. Watch their 7-minute YouTube video below, or at this link:
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