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Special Temporary Equipment Operator - Operations

Alliant Energy · Pardeeville, WI · $35.00–$55.00 an hour · Full time

Posted Jul 24, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This job runs 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights. How have you handled shift work before, and how would you manage it here?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan for the schedule, since fatigue is a real safety issue at a plant.

Tell me about a time you followed a procedure exactly even when you thought there was a faster way.

What they are checking: Discipline around procedures, which keeps people safe around turbines, boilers and fuel handling.

Tell me about a job where you worked in heat, dust, noise or at heights. How did you stay safe?

What they are checking: Comfort with physical plant conditions and a habit of using protective equipment.

How do you learn a complex piece of equipment you've never worked on before?

What they are checking: Learning approach, since this temporary role is meant for gaining hands-on experience.

Describe a time you worked closely with a team where everyone depended on each other to get the job done.

What they are checking: Teamwork on a crew where communication between operators prevents mistakes.

What would you do

You notice an unusual noise or leak on your rounds. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they report and document issues promptly instead of assuming someone else has noticed.

You're asked to cover a relief shift on short notice for a vacancy. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Flexibility and reliability, which the posting says may be needed for vacation and service needs.

A more senior operator tells you to skip a step on a checklist. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether a new operator will speak up respectfully about safety even with someone more experienced.

About the work

What do you know about how a coal power plant turns fuel into electricity?

What they are checking: Basic curiosity and understanding of the process, which helps a new operator learn the equipment faster.

What does lockout/tagout mean to you, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they understand energy isolation as a basic life-safety practice in a plant.

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The full job description

As published by Alliant Energy.

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy! At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off. Residency Requirements: Not subject to residency requirements. Job Summary Are you passionate about the energy sector and eager to start your career at a generating station? The Columbia Energy Center in Pardeeville, WI , is offering a fantastic opportunity for a Equipment Operator Operations - Special Temp. This position is perfect for those looking to gain hands-on experience in the power industry. As an Equipment Operator - Operations you'll perform various tasks around the plant, including work in the turbine, pump room, boiler, environmental and fuel handling equipment. You'll work a 12-hour rotating schedule, with day shifts from 6:00am to 6:00pm and night shifts from 6:00pm to 6:00am. Relief hours may be required for vacation coverage, vacancies, and service needs. The schedule is subject to change based on plant requirements. What you will do •Keeps the turbine, boiler and coal handling equipment neat, clean and operating properly. •Cares for and purifies the station oil supply and keeps bearings and equipment well lubricated. •Assures that all major and minor auxiliary equipment are operating properly. •Operates all ash and slag handling equipment. •Performs tests, takes readings and records data. •Starts up, shuts down and cares for all turbine and boiler auxiliaries. •Performs maintenance work of ordinary nature when not operating. •Performs all work according to established procedures and safety practices. •Performs other duties which are similar, related, and incidental to the position. •Example: Inspecting, adjusting, repacking and operating equipment; minor maintenance; sweeping and scrubbing floors, wiping pipes and machinery; changing oil; testing and treating boiler water; collects samples. •Operate Air Quality Control Systems to include Lime/Recycle and Powdered activated carbon and Selective Catalytic Reactor systems •Under the direction of a supervisor conduct switching operations Supervision •Work performed under the supervision of the salaried or hourly supervisor, as assigned. Required Experience •High School Diploma or GED •Experience and/or equivalent industrial experience in an electric generating facility Preferred Experience •Power Plant Assistant Other Requirements •Must possess a valid driver’s license. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities •General knowledge of mathematics and science math at the high school level •Ability to work with others •Mechanical ability •Ability to perform the physical requirements for the job. •Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse work group. Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you. Pay Range: $35.00 - $55.00 Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site. It's not just what we do; it's how we do it. Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law. All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable. Visa sponsorship not supported. Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com .

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