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Assistant Plant Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Plant Controller

Elwood, IN

$102K - $127K/yr

... rates * Assist departmental managers in developing corrective actions for material, labor, and ... Prepare Annual Operating Plan and reforecast as needed Inventory Analysis and Validation * Insure ...

Plant Controller

Orestes, IN · On-site

$96K - $119K/yr

... rates * Assist departmental managers in developing corrective actions for material, labor, and ... Prepare Annual Operating Plan and reforecast as needed Inventory Analysis and Validation * Insure ...

Plant Laborer

Carmel, IN · On-site

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position is responsible for operating a variety of equipment and help with plant maintenance, production and equipment operation. Essential Functions * Assist in plant operations including ...

Production Management Trainee - Hammond, IN

Hammond, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Enforce standard operating procedures and assist with training and developing plant staff. Oversee teams in various locations, administering labor contracts and fostering positive workplace relations.

Plant Controller

Ligonier, IN · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

... operating plan and maintains surveillance on inventories and plant performance in relation to ... assist in the interpretations and analysis of reports to Plant Manager, Product Line Managers and ...

Plant Controller

Ligonier, IN · On-site

$95K - $119K/yr

Manages the preparation of daily and weekly financial reporting, monthly forecast, annual operating ... plant and assist in the interpretations and analysis of reports to Plant Manager, Product Line ...

Plant Quality Manager

Lapel, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Establish customer relationships, make customer visits as appropriate, and assist in implementing ... Experience working with a plant management team to develop standard operating procedures ...

Plant Quality Manager

Lapel, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Establish customer relationships, make customer visits as appropriate, and assist in implementing ... Experience working with a plant management team to develop standard operating procedures ...

Plant Quality Manager

Lapel, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Establish customer relationships, make customer visits as appropriate, and assist in implementing ... Experience working with a plant management team to develop standard operating procedures ...

Plant Manager

Warren, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overtime is available * Dedicated Employee Development Team to assist with career growth ... Strong business acumen with experience managing an operational P&L and operating budget.

Plant Controller

Muncie, IN · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

... operating results, assets and liabilities. Analyzes trends to report to management. Administers ... to assist in the initial screening of applications submitted through our Workday system. These ...

Plant QA Manager

Plainfield, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage budgeting, purchasing and inventory of QA operating supplies such as filters, chemicals and ... Maintain a safe work environment and support all plant safety programs * Assist with weekend and ...

Plant QA Manager

Plainfield, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage budgeting, purchasing and inventory of QA operating supplies such as filters, chemicals and ... Maintain a safe work environment and support all plant safety programs * Assist with weekend and ...

Plant Director

Richmond, IN

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Manage all aspects of the plant cost structure including direct and indirect labor, maintenance and ... * Assist operating management with budgeting, production statistics, cost analysis, justification ...

Plant Director

Richmond, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Manage all aspects of the plant cost structure including direct and indirect labor, maintenance and ... * Assist operating management with budgeting, production statistics, cost analysis, justification ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Plant Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$13

$21

$37

How much do assistant plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant plant operator in Indiana is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $24.04 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 Indiana?

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

Infographic showing various Assistant Plant Operator job openings in Indiana 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 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,267 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

$102K - $127K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Red Gold rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position will lead the financial function at the manufacturing facility.  The Plant Controller will provide financial analysis for decision making and will educate the leadership team about financial analysis tools. Major responsibilities include developing the plant budget, conducting plant financial operation review meetings, variance analysis, return on investment analysis, generating cost saving ideas, and maintaining cost standards.  The Plant Controller provides financial leadership to the Plant Manager and all plant departments. Due to the dynamic nature of our business, duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Business partner for site leadership
  • Help leadership understand cost drivers and opportunities to improve profitability
  • Manage and develop Accounting and Finance staff
  • Performance Analysis                                                           
  • Conduct monthly plant operation review meetings
  • Review actual vs. budget for labor dollars, labor efficiencies, crewing variances, material usage, and overhead rates
  • Assist departmental managers in developing corrective actions for material, labor, and overhead spending variances including monitoring and reporting of departmental and plant goals
  • Coordinate Capital evaluation with Corporate Financial Analyst---Capital
  • Manage the accuracy and completeness of the Cost files
  • Manage the New Product Initiation process and develop costs for new products

Budgeting                                                                   

  • Manage the plant budgeting process
  • Conduct departmental interviews to determine plant material, labor, and overhead budget requirements
  •  Prepare Annual Operating Plan and reforecast as needed

Inventory Analysis and Validation                                         

  • Insure inventory procedures are followed to provide confidence that inventory is accurate
  • Manage inventory transaction and inventory variance analyses

Activity Based Costing                                                           

  • Develop an overall understanding of the activity based costing model
  • Determine plant reporting needs from activity based costing model

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • 4 year degree in Accounting or Finance
  • 5-8 years’ experience in Manufacturing Cost Accounting with 3 years supervisory experience
  • Computer Proficient – MS Office
  • MRP
  • ERP
  • Bar Coding

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Initiative self-starter
  • Excellent communication skills – written and verbal
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Leader
  • Assertive

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct: Plant Accountant (1), Accounting Coordinator (1), Auditor (1)

Indirect: None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Sitting- to complete a task at lower levels
  • Standing- to complete most all tasks
  • Walking
  • Climbing- to get to parts department, when using ladder, on equipment
  • Reaching- to perform activities, to get tools out of toolbox
  • Kneeling- to perform work activities at low levels
  • Crawling- to perform work activities under equipment
  • Squatting
  • Bending/stooping- to pick up tools or parts, to perform work tasks at lower levels or inside a machine
  • Twisting- to perform work activities
  • Pinch- to use tools, to manipulate wires
  • Grasping/handling- using tools, manipulating parts
  • Ability to work with hands and fingers continually without discomfort - telephone & computer

JOB COMPETENCIES

  • Ethics/ Integrity/ Trust
  • Attitude and Commitment
  • Diversity
  • Customer Service
  • Company Engagement
  • Quality
  • Cost Consciousness

Other

  •  Responsible for monitoring, record keeping and taking appropriate actions for specific Food Safety Plan and Food Quality Plan and pre-requisite program requirements.
  • Responsible to report food safety and quality issues to management.

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