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Assistant Plant Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Plant Manager

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Assistant Plant Manager Location: Phoenix, AZ Who We Are Coilmaster is a leading manufacturer of ... operating procedures. * Track and support key production metrics, including output, efficiency ...

Wash Plant Operator

Sun City, AZ

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General cleanliness of assigned equipment. * Assist with safety audits. * Some local travel within ... Maintain strong communications with other plant employees and operators * Perform other duties or ...

Wash Plant Operator

Sun City, AZ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

General cleanliness of assigned equipment. * Assist with safety audits. * Some local travel within ... Maintain strong communications with other plant employees and operators * Perform other duties or ...

Plant Operator (Wash Plant)

Clarkdale, AZ ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description JOB SUMMARY As a Plant Operator at Martin Marietta, you will play a pivotal role in ... compliance. * Assist in training new or temporary staff on equipment operation and safety ...

Assistant Plant Manager

Superior, AZ ยท On-site

$120 - $160/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

... driven operating modelProvide leadership presence on the production floor and support off-shift operations as requiredAct as site operational leader in the absence of the Plant ManagerContinuous ...

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monitor and adjust plant process conditions using various valves and operating equipment ... required. * Assist in reviewing and updating operating procedures as required. Minimum Hiring ...

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Assistant Plant Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$20

$36

How much do assistant plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant plant operator in Arizona is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $23.51 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Assistant Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Assistant Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Plant Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% 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 $43,352 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Central Plant Operator and Central Plant Operator, Senior

Arizona-State-University

Tempe, AZ โ€ข On-site

$34/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Profile:Facilities Specialist 1 Non-ExemptJob Family:Facilities ManagementTime Type:Full timeMax Pay โ€“ Depends on experience:$34.00 USD HourlyApply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.Minimum Qualifications:Associate's degree and one (1) year of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.Job Profile Summary:Provides routine facilities operations support for a department based on established policies and procedures.Job Description:Facilities Management, Central Plant, seeks Central Plant Operators and Central Plant Operator Seniors for the Central Plants at all ASU campuses to assist in the monitoring, operating, repairing and performing preventative maintenance on boilers and/or chillers and related equipment. Central Plants are 24/7 operating facilities.This position will require working at all ASU campus locations based on program need.This position will remain posted until filled.Essential Duties:Central Plant OperatorMonitor various gauges, gas and draft meters, pressure and temperature indicators to verify operating conditions of automatically fired boilers, chillers, compressors, motors, turbines and/or other related equipment.Prepare logs, charts and reports of operating conditions.Clean, paint, lubricate, service and perform minor maintenance adjustments necessary to ensure safe and economical operation of all central plant equipment and submit reports to ensure efficient utilization of equipment and adherence to the preventive maintenance program.Make chemical analysis of water samples and adjusts amounts of chemicals being used to protect equipment properly.Operate data center and computer to question or verify specified operating conditions at various university facilities as required; initiate corrective action in trouble or emergency situations by notifying proper department or dispatching appropriate personnel to site.Perform maintenance in disassembly, assembly, repair and cleaning of boilers, chillers or other related plant equipment as required.Apply safety standards at all times and maintain good housekeeping practices to provide safe working conditions.Report problems affecting plant safety to appropriate personnel.Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.Central Plant Operator SeniorMonitor, operate, repair and perform preventative maintenance on boiler, chillers, plant equipment and associated equipment.Utilize computer interface to operate the Distributed Control System (DCS)/PLC.Collect water samples and perform test on plant loops.Read plant gauges and maintain logs.Utilize hand and power tools, wrenches, ratchets and sockets, shovel, squeegee, broom, vacuum, pallet jack, manual hoist, cleaning/paint tools, voltage/refrigerant/calibration meters, gantry, tap, dies, drills, grinders, pressure washer, tube cleaning machine, saws, mechanical hoist and impact wrench.Evaluate systems for effective energy usage and conservation; make, adjust, repair, replace as needed.Use software and hardware in computers and microprocessors for system troubleshooting, adjustment, and repair.Modify existing systems and programs, troubleshooting, and maintenance for the objective of creating an optimum system of operation.Perform database uploads and downloads to provide DDC controllers with current programs.Operate and monitor control system equipment. Detect source and nature of system problems.Make adjustments to change operating parameters of the system due to emergencies, malfunctions, and change requirements or to optimize operations. Perform emergency corrections to neutralize alarm conditions and restore proper operation.Verify correct system and control sequence operations.May perform scheduled and unscheduled remote start and stop of equipment.Review, modify, and implement programming changes to plant control system to ensure efficient and effective system operations and conformance with standards and guidelines.Monitor and adjust control loops for optimum performance.Calibrate, repair, and replace plant control system sensing devices to specifications.Study plans, drawings, specifications, and work order requirements. Troubleshoot power supplies, controllers, transducers, transmitters, flow meters, sensors, actuators, and take corrective actions.Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.Days and Schedule:Central Plant Operator (Based at Tempe campus): Tuesday- Friday / 7:00am-5:30pmCentral Plant Operator Senior (Based at Tempe campus): Monday- Friday / 11:00pm- 7:30amCentral Plant Operator Senior (Based at West Valley campus): Monday- Friday / 3:00pm-11:30pmThese positions will require working at all ASU campus locations based on program need.Salary Range:Central Plant Operator: $28.00 - $31.00 per hour based on experience and education.Central Plant Operator Senior: $31.01 - $34.00 per hour based on experience and education.ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona.Desired Qualifications:Central Plant OperatorThree years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Some positions in this classification may require a current Arizona driver's license upon employment.Experience in:using hand tools of the trade.monitoring, operating and maintaining boilers and/or chillers. operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillers. using a DCS workstations or equivalent.using Microsoft Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reports.Demonstrated knowledge of:boiler and/or chiller equipment, operation and maintenance.the refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillers in pump performance characteristics (temperature, flow and pressure).operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant components of integrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution system.Evidence of:effective communication skillsEPA /CFC certificationCentral Plant Operator SeniorSix years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems which includes two years experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Completion of a four year federally approved technical training stationary engineer program AND two years of experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Employee may be required to possess a valid US Driverโ€™s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.Experience:in operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillerswith a primary-secondary and/or primary-variable campus distribution system and control parameters (temperature, flow and pressure)with a Siemens DCS SIMATIC S7 Advanced Controllers and DESIGO workstations or equivalentusing MS Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reportsDemonstrated knowledge of:operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant componentsintegrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, energy efficiency techniques, which include utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution systemthe refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillersEvidence of:effective communication skillsEPA 608 Universal certificationWorking Environment:Work in noisy environment, varying temperatures and confined spaces.Wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, face shield, gloves, hearing protection).Lift and carry objects above the shoulder up to 50 pounds (e.g. valves, actuators, small pumps, pipes, ladders, manhole covers, cooling tower fill panels, resin medial cylinders, electrical starters, electrical motors, etc.).Work off ladders to open/close valves, change lamps, repair boilers and chillers, and test safety alarms.May be exposed to hazardous and dangerous materials, tools, and equipment which will require safety precautions and/or specific process to be followed, and may include the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) (e.g. safety glasses, hearing protection, negative pressure and positive pressure respirator).Use of PPE may require medical clearance prior to use.Drive a University vehicle.Department Statement:Whatโ€™s in it for you?Looking for an employer that offers you solid growth opportunities, as well as an inclusive culture and work/life balance? ASU offers the following:22 days of accrued vacation leave, 12 days of accrued sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff.Tuition Reduction Program for staff members, their spouses, and dependents, available on day one. For more information visit https://cfo.asu.edu/reduced-tuition12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a childAffordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. More information available at https://cfo.asu.edu/benefitsRetirement program designed to promote long-term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)Paid time for volunteer and professional developmentWellness program for preventative health education and screeningsDisability and leave program for income protectionFree and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challengesASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnershipsASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM) maintains and services all university-owned property, and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities. FDMโ€™s vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the universityโ€™s mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment. We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts.Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States. Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position.Positions are based at ASUโ€™s Tempe & West Valley campuses however will require working from other campuses depending on operational need.Must possess EPA/CFC certification or be able to obtain within six months of employment.Must pass pre-employment physical examination post offer of employment to include audiogram, respiratory clearance questionnaire and respiratory fit test.Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment. Post-offer of employment, selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39 month period from date of hire.This position requires working a rotating on-call/stand-by schedule and may be called in for emergency response including nights, weekends, and holidays.Driving Requirement:This position may require driving. Employee must possess a valid US Driverโ€™s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.Location:Campus: TempeFunding:No Federal FundingInstructions to Apply:Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$24700.htmldTo be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:Cover letterResume or CVMultiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.ASU Statement:Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobaccoAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASUโ€™s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDF