Assistant Operator Jobs in Athens, OH (NOW HIRING)

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Job Summary
The Utility Operator I is an entry-level skilled role responsible for supporting safe and reliable operation of facility and plant utility systems under supervision. This role assists with monitoring equipment, performing routine operational tasks, recording readings, and following established procedures to ensure uninterrupted delivery of utilities such as steam, water, compressed air, HVAC, or power.
Job Description
Role Overview
The Utility Operator I supports day-to-day utilities operations by performing routine checks, assisting with basic operation of utility equipment, and maintaining accurate logs. The role works from clearly defined procedures, escalates abnormal conditions promptly, and builds foundational understanding of utility systems, controls, and safety requirements.
This position does not have people-management responsibility and typically reports to a Utility Operator II, Lead Utility Operator, Facilities Supervisor, or Operations Supervisor (S2-S3 / M1).
Key Responsibilities
Utility System Operation Support
Assist with operation and monitoring of facility utility systems
Support startup, shutdown, and normal operation activities under supervision
Follow established standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Monitoring, Readings & Documentation
Take and record routine equipment readings and meter values
Monitor gauges, alarms, and control panels for normal operating conditions
Accurately complete logs, checklists, and shift documentation
Safety & Compliance
Follow all safety procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and PPE requirements
Report unsafe conditions, alarms, or equipment abnormalities immediately
Support compliance with environmental, safety, and operational requirements
Basic Maintenance & Housekeeping
Assist with routine cleaning, lubrication, and minor operational tasks
Maintain clean, orderly, and safe utility work areas
Coordinate with maintenance teams for repairs as directed
Issue Identification & Escalation
Recognize abnormal readings, sounds, or operating conditions
Notify senior operators or supervisors of equipment issues
Support response to alarms or operating deviations as instructed
Cross-Functional Coordination
Work with Facilities, Maintenance, Production, and Operations teams
Support utilities needs for production or facility activities
Communicate status and issues clearly and promptly
Training & Skill Development
Learn utility systems, equipment, controls, and safety practices
Participate in required training, certifications, and safety programs
Apply feedback to improve operational competence
Qualifications
Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required
Technical coursework, vocational training, or mechanical aptitude preferred
0-2 years of experience in utilities, facilities, maintenance, manufacturing, or industrial operations environments preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Basic mechanical or technical aptitude
Ability to follow detailed procedures and safety rules
Strong attention to detail and observation skills
Willingness to learn utility systems and operational concepts
Ability to complete logs and basic documentation accurately
Effective communication and teamwork skills
Physical ability to perform hands-on operational tasks
Additional Job Details
Support & Production - S1
Organizational Impact
• Works to deliver on day-to-day objectives with minor impact on achievement results for the team
• Delivers job responsibilities following a defined standard output or set of procedures
• Work consists of tasks that are routine, or well defined, with specific instructions to achieve standardized solutions
• Work is closely supervised
Communication & Influence
• Communicates with contacts typically within immediate job area on matters that involve obtaining or providing information requiring little explanation or interpretation
Innovation & Complexity
• Responsible for checking data and information or troubleshooting when minor changes may be required based on review
• Daily challenges faced are routine and solutions clearly prescribed
• Follows a well-established and familiar set of activities and/or processes to derive a solution
Leadership & Talent Management
• N/A - Jobs at this level are focused on self-development
Knowledge & Experience
• Requires limited job knowledge of systems and procedures. Follows basic work routines and standards
• Does not require advanced education and requires little to no prior experience
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Nidec
Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
Work Shift Schedule
No Soliciting
Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.