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3Rd Shift Utility Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is a third shift opportunity. As the Senior Utilities Operator, you will maintain all utilities equipment/systems independently under the general supervision of the utilities group leader or ...

This is a third shift opportunity. As the Senior Utilities Operator, you will maintain all utilities equipment/systems independently under the general supervision of the utilities group leader or ...

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3Rd Shift Utility Operator information

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$13

$26

$37

How much do 3rd shift utility operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for 3rd shift utility operator in the United States is $26.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do 3rd shift jobs pay more?

3rd shift utility operator jobs often pay higher wages compared to day shifts due to the inconvenience of working overnight hours. Employers may offer shift differentials or bonuses to attract workers for less desirable hours, but pay rates vary by industry, location, and company policies.

What is the difference between 3Rd Shift Utility Operator vs 3Rd Shift Maintenance Technician?

Aspect3Rd Shift Utility Operator3Rd Shift Maintenance Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or processing plant, operating equipmentIndustrial setting, repairing and maintaining machinery
Employer & IndustryFactories, plants, production facilitiesManufacturing, industrial plants, facilities maintenance
Common Search IntentOperational duties, shift work, safety protocolsMaintenance tasks, troubleshooting, repairs

The main difference is that 3Rd Shift Utility Operators focus on operating equipment and supporting plant operations, while 3Rd Shift Maintenance Technicians handle repairs and maintenance of machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but require different skill sets and responsibilities.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A 3rd shift utility operator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills or experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level often require technical skills, certifications, or experience in fields like industrial maintenance, skilled trades, or certain manufacturing environments. Most jobs paying this much without a degree are rare and usually involve advanced training or significant on-the-job experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3rd Shift Utility Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 3rd Shift Utility Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial equipment operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing control systems, safety protocols, and possibly forklift certification is typically required. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication skills help operators excel in overnight or autonomous work environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring smooth production processes, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety during off-hours.

What are 3rd Shift Utility Operators?

3rd Shift Utility Operators are workers responsible for supporting various production or manufacturing processes during the overnight shift, typically from late evening to early morning. Their duties often include operating machinery, monitoring equipment, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring that production lines run smoothly. They may also be responsible for cleaning, troubleshooting minor issues, and assisting other team members as needed. This role is essential for facilities that operate 24/7 or require continuous production, and it often involves working independently or with a small team during off-hours.

What are the typical challenges faced by a 3rd Shift Utility Operator, and how can they be managed?

A 3rd Shift Utility Operator often encounters challenges such as maintaining alertness and productivity during overnight hours, adapting to fluctuating workloads, and handling unexpected equipment issues. Managing these challenges involves establishing a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and maintaining open communication with both supervisors and other shift teams for smooth handovers. Utilizing downtime efficiently for preventive maintenance or cross-training can also help operators stay engaged and prepared for varied tasks.
What cities are hiring for 3Rd Shift Utility Operator jobs? Cities with the most 3Rd Shift Utility Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Utility Operator jobs? The most popular types of Utility Operator jobs are:
What states have the most 3Rd Shift Utility Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for 3Rd Shift Utility Operator jobs include:

Senior Utility Operator, Third Shift

Abbott

Abbott, TX • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Abbott rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 515 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You'll also have access to:

  • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
  • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
  • An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
  • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor's degree.
  • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
  • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Abbott Park, IL location in the GES Global Engineering Services. This is a third shift opportunity.

As the Senior Utilities Operator, you will maintain all utilities equipment/systems independently under the general supervision of the utilities group leader or utilities manager. Routinely perform and/or directs all patrol and control operator duties of the utility trainee and/or utility operator. Performs both control and patrol operator duties in rotational assignments. Specific tasks performed include all duties of the utility trainee and utility operator.

What You'll Work On

  • Inspect and repairs assigned equipment and assists in major overhauls on boilers refrigeration units, air compressors. etc.
  • Spots coal and freight cars/trucks at various unloading stations.
  • Operates payloader and coal conveying system on a daily basis.
  • Breaks up and removes clinkers from boiler fire boxes and removes coal ashes from the boiler ash hoppers.
  • Operates ash conveying system to transfer ash from boilers to storage silos and also from storage silos to trucks for disposal.
  • Operates instrument, service, and soot blower air compressors and air-drying equipment.
  • Inspects and services remotely located lake water pumping station and/or wells.
  • Operates pumps, fans, dehumidifiers, valves, and screens and observes alarms.
  • Operates sanitary effluent sample stations and obtains samples for Corporate Environmental Control and North Shore Sanitary District.
  • Mixes and/or transfers various water treatment chemicals for boilers. deaerating tanks. and softeners.
  • Inspects and makes adjustments to distilled and demineralized water facilities. nitrogen supply, storage, and distribution systems. carbon dioxide system. etc., assure proper levels pressures flows, temperatures, and alarm set points.
  • Assures such systems operate in accordance with safety and quality assurance requirements.
  • Collects samples as required.
  • Inspects electrical distribution centers and machine rooms for fire, flooding, or other abnormal conditions.
  • Corrects and/or reports malfunctions or potential problems.
  • Performs maintenance checks on departmental trucks, carts, and other vehicles.
  • Obtains and records daily, weekly, and monthly meter readings for steam, electricity, chilled water, etc.
  • Enters operational data on unit or system log sheets and charts.
  • Maintains recording devices.
  • Maintains good safety and housekeeping practices in assigned area.
  • Performs other miscellaneous duties as assigned.
  • Lights off and maintains proper combustion in firing boilers on coal, fuel gas, or fuel oil under various steam load conditions.
  • Controls operation of boiler induced draft turbines to maintain proper boiler draft and adjusts feeds and speeds to provide complete combustion and optimum efficiency.
  • Maintains proper water level in all boilers to prevent carryover, overheating, or damage of boiler tubes.
  • Inspects and maintains proper oil levels, pressures, and temperature on boiler feedwater pumps.
  • Manipulates deionizers, pumps, and steam pressure reducing stations to maintain proper feedwater storage level and temperature.
  • Verifies stack emission indicating and recording equipment operation by obtaining and analyzing stack gases.
  • Makes necessary fuel/air mixture adjustments and operates soot blowing equipment to remove excess ash to prevent excessive emissions.
  • Inspects, operates, and maintains low and high-pressure air compressors, air dryers, emergency generators, refrigeration absorbers and compression units, potable water treatment systems, fire protection supplies and engines/pumps, demineralizers and decarbonates, and related utilities equipment/systems.
  • Assures such systems operate in accordance with safety and quality assurance requirements.
  • Obtains samples and conducts analyses on boiler condensate, potable and service water, and makes adjustments, as necessary.
  • Maintains proper pH and conductivity levels in deionized water systems.
  • Monitors and controls the generation of HVAC units, hot water heating convertors and systems, cold room refrigeration units, and other miscellaneous equipment via building automation control computers on a routine basis after normal working hours.
  • Serves as the primary contact for afterhours emergencies and contacts appropriate on or off-site personnel to facilitate repairs. May assist in such repairs.
  • Informs senior personnel of equipment system malfunctions or irregularities and performs repairs or other operations as dictated by the situation, or as directed.
  • Relays operational information and temporary instructions to oncoming shift personnel.
  • Additionally, the senior utility operator: Trains and supervises the activities of utility trainees and/or utility operators. Assumes leadership role in responding to utilities emergencies.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: High School Diploma
  • Must satisfy, all requirements for utility trainee and utility operator positions with at least one year of experience as a utility operator.
  • Must demonstrate a broad knowledge of utilities systems and ability to train less experienced personnel.
  • Must show ability to react quickly and properly to emergencies (such as loss of steam air, refrigeration, potable water, chilled water, etc.).
  • Must have at least six months on-the-job training in conducting safety and quality assurance tests/inspections on utilities streams.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Great Customer Service Skills
  • 2+ years of experience in relevant field

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is

$22.50 - $45.00/hour

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:Facilities & MaintenanceDIVISION:GES Global Engineering ServicesLOCATION:United States > Abbott Park : AP07ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:3Rd Shift - 5% (United States Of America)TRAVEL:Yes, 10 % of the TimeMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:NoSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous walking for prolonged periods (more than 2 hours at a time in an 8 hour day), Lift, carry, push or pull weights of more than 20 pounds/9 kilos on a regular/daily basis, Work in confined spaces, Work in noisy environment, Work requiring repeated bending, stooping, squatting or kneelingAbbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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