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Assistant Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cordia

Assistant Plant Operator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$30.19/hr

Assistant Plant Operator Location: Pittsburgh International Airport Microgrid, Pittsburgh, PA Company Summary Cordia Energy Services (CES) business model addresses emerging needs for operations and ...

ChampionX

Assistant Plant Operator

Storm Lake, IA

We are looking for a Assistant Plant Operator located in Odessa, TX. This is your opportunity to join a global technology company, driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. What's in it For ...

ChampionX

Assistant Plant Operator

Odessa, TX · On-site

ChampionX has an immediate need for an Assistant Process Operator in our Chemical Technologies group located in Odessa, TX . This position will join the production team in the Odessa plant and allow ...

ChampionX

Assistant Plant Operator

Odessa, TX

ChampionX has an immediate need for an Assistant Process Operator in our Chemical Technologies group located in Odessa, TX . This position will join the production team in the Odessa plant and allow ...

Rail to Road

ASSISTANT PLANT OPERATOR

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$24.85/hr

... and plant helpers. The typical schedule during Production is Monday -Friday 5:00 AM -4:00 PM ... * Assist workers in tasks such as loading and unloading vehicles by hand or by operating heavy ...

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How much do assistant plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant plant operator?

Assistant plant operators are entry-level professionals who support the day-to-day operations of industrial plants such as power stations, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants. They work under the supervision of senior operators to monitor equipment, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safety procedures are followed. Their responsibilities also include recording data, troubleshooting minor issues, and assisting in emergency situations to maintain efficient and safe plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant plant operator?

To thrive as an Assistant Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, basic process operations, and often a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and safety protocols is typically required on the job. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of plant equipment in a team-oriented environment.

What are some common challenges assistant plant operators face during shift work, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Plant Operators often work in rotating shifts, which can be physically and mentally demanding due to irregular hours and the need for constant vigilance. Managing fatigue, staying alert during night shifts, and maintaining clear communication with team members are common challenges. To effectively manage these, it's important to establish consistent sleep routines, stay hydrated, and use established handover protocols to ensure seamless operations between shifts. Building strong teamwork skills and being proactive in identifying and addressing equipment issues also contribute to success in this role.

What is the difference between Assistant Plant Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectAssistant Plant OperatorPlant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and basic technical trainingRequires additional certifications or licenses, such as a state-specific operator license
Work EnvironmentAssists in plant operations, often working under supervision in industrial or power plant settingsManages daily plant operations independently, overseeing equipment and safety protocols
ResponsibilitiesSupports plant activities, performs routine maintenance, monitors equipmentOperates and controls plant machinery, ensures safety and efficiency, troubleshooting

The Assistant Plant Operator typically supports and assists the Plant Operator in daily tasks, requiring basic certifications and working under supervision. The Plant Operator holds more responsibility, managing plant operations independently with advanced certifications. Both roles are essential in industrial and power plant environments, but the Plant Operator has a higher level of responsibility and technical expertise.

How to get hired as an assistant plant operator?

To get hired as an assistant plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant technical training or experience. Certifications such as a wastewater treatment operator license or safety training can improve job prospects, and familiarity with plant equipment and safety protocols is often required during the hiring process.
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Assistant Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Assistant Plant Operator

Wheelabrator Technologies

Saugus, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

WIN Waste Innovations is currently looking for an Assistant Plant Operator. This person is a confident, enthusiastic and responsible individual. They will operate boilers and auxiliary plant equipment locally throughout the plant, making necessary adjustments to maintain safety, efficient andcontinuous plant operations, while maintaining environmental regulations.

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned and may vary by location.

  • Assists the Plant Operator in the daily operation and maintenance of the plant in the field. Investigate changes in instrument readings and equipment operation. Notifies Plant Operator and/or Shift Supervisor of operational inconsistencies or other concerns.
  • Makes required turbine/generator APC and other critical inspections regularly and as described in preexisting procedures. Recognizes and mitigates operating difficulties. Adapts to changing plant conditions regarding maximizing plant safety and efficiency and minimizing down time.
  • Documents on log; comments that facilitate problem tracking; work that needs to be performed; and other plant activities that communicate status of plant. Maintains logs and other written documentation on schedule and with clear, accurate and legible writing.
  • Operates all aspects of demineralization system, including making required adjustments to system safely and accurately. Performs water testing and treatment using knowledge of boiler water chemistry, maintains set parameters and laboratory procedures. Completes accurate and timely water tests; records data and performs chemical adjustments with assistance.
  • With guidance, operates all aspects of APC system safely and accurately. Adjusts APC system so that system performance is equal to or slightly above facility average. Works with maintenance to troubleshoot problems and assesses probable cause with assistance from Plant Operator.
  • Maintains work areas in a clean, neat, and orderly condition at all times.
  • Completes the Corporate and Plant Training Programs within the time frame prescribed.
  • Maintain positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, vendors, co-workers and management.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited)
  • Bachelors or Associates degree or equivalent is desirable
  • 2 years working in a power plant operation or 3 years related experience
  • Mechanical skills sufficient to perform varied mechanical tasks such as replacement of shear pins, valve repacking and equipment inspections
  • Knowledge and understanding of the operation of a steam generating power plant
  • Maintain positive work environment by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, vendors, co-workers and management.

Certificates and Licenses:

  • Licenses as required by Local, State, Federal, Environmental and/or Health/Safety Regulatory agencies.
  • For the State of Massachusetts, there is a requirement for an Assistant Plant Operator to hold a Massachusetts 3rd Engineer's and Massachusetts Hoisting License: 1D / 2C or ability to obtain these licenses within 9 months of hire.

Work Environment:

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Noise in work environment

Physical Demand:

  • Stand
  • Sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Walk
  • Handle tools, equipment, fine motor skills
  • Reach with hands and arms
  • Climb and walk on heights often greater than 4 feet
  • Stoop, kneel, bend, push, pull, crawl
  • Ascend and descend stairs and stationary vertical ladders as part of normal work activity and emergency egress situations
  • Lift 50 lbs.
  • Move about all areas of the plant, including catwalks, deck grating, and uneven surfaces
  • Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, corrected or otherwise
  • Operate a 1.5-inch fire hose operating at 125 psi line pressure to the extent required to extinguish fire
  • Operate fire extinguishing equipment ranging from handheld extinguishers to 200 lb portable units
  • Access confined spaces and pressure vessels through standard 12" by 16" manways

PPE Required:

Work in areas under adverse conditions that may require the donning and use of personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, the following with average fatigue:

  • Negative pressure respirator
  • Positive pressure respirator
  • Self-contained breathing apparatus (steel or composite bottle)
  • Hardhat
  • Approved safety shoes
  • Eye protection
  • Rubber suit and gloves
  • Chemical resistant suit
  • Heat resistant outerwear
  • Flame resistant outerwear
  • Approved hearing protection
  • Gloves
  • Safety harness

What You'll Enjoy:

  • Industry leading benefits
  • Multiple and flexible medical plans
  • Outstanding PTO program
  • Floating Holidays
  • Strong 401k program and company match
  • Tuition reimbursement plan
  • College loan reimbursement
  • College scholarship program for dependents
  • Parental Leave Program
  • Inclusive culture
  • Employee engagement events
  • Employee resource groups
WIN Waste Innovations is a waste management company committed to delivering essential waste management solutions to customers and communities supported by our team of 2,100 employees. We believe in preserving our environment for future generations while providing for today's needs. WIN Waste Innovations is a vertically integrated business with a platform of 50 strategically located collection, transfer, and disposal assets. These include waste-to-energy facilities, transfer stations, ash monofills, landfills, and fleets of rail cars and collection vehicles. We process more than 11 million tons of waste annually, converting 6.7 million tons of waste into clean, renewable energy that powers 340,000 homes. We recycle more than 234,000 tons of plastic, paper, and metals from the waste stream.
At WIN Waste Innovations, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled.

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