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Assistant Plant Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator

Ruckersville, VA · On-site

$27.31 - $40.96/hr

Conduct pre-shift inspections of the plant * Assist with preventative and reactive maintenance ... Prior experience preferred operating and/or performing maintenance in a similar environment Comfort ...

Plant Operator

Ruckersville, VA · On-site

$27.31/hr

Conduct pre-shift inspections of the plant * Assist with preventative and reactive maintenance ... Prior experience preferred operating and/or performing maintenance in a similar environment Comfort ...

Plant Operator Driven by our purpose: Building progress for people and the planet. We are ... Keep accurate records of material usage, output, and downtime. Assist with plant cleaning ...

... truck. * Assist the Lead Operator and/or Maintenance Operator with inventory. * Complete minor ... What you need to have: * 3-5 years' plant operations experience in a production environment

Plant Operator

VA · On-site

... Assist with plant cleaning, shutdowns, and routine servicing. • Demonstrate a commitment to ... operating quarry or heavy plant equipment (e.g. crushers, screens, loaders). • Strong ...

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

The Plant Operator may open and/or close the plant and rotate to various plants as needed. This ... Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as ...

Seasonal Plant Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24.38 - $36.57/hr

Conduct pre-shift inspections of the plant * Assist with preventative and reactive maintenance ... Prior experience preferred operating and/or performing maintenance in a similar environment Comfort ...

Perform winter maintenance repairs on plant. * Assist as an equipment operator as needed - during production a CAT 980 or 966 Loader is operated to feed raw materials into cold feed/recycle bins and ...

Perform winter maintenance repairs on plant. * Assist as an equipment operator as needed - during production a CAT 980 or 966 Loader is operated to feed raw materials into cold feed/recycle bins and ...

Facilities / Skilled Trades Reporting to a Power Plant Operator Shift Supervisor, the Plant Operator Lead will assist the supervisor in setting work priorities, assigning work, and overseeing daily ...

2nd Shift - Plant Operator

Rockville, VA · On-site

$24.38 - $36.57/hr

Conduct pre-shift inspections of the plant * Assist with preventative and reactive maintenance ... Prior experience preferred operating and/or performing maintenance in a similar environment Comfort ...

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Assistant Plant Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do assistant plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant plant operator in Virginia is $22.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Plant Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Plant Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Plant Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,122 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Plant Operator

Luck Stone

Ruckersville, VA • On-site

$27.31 - $40.96/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Luck Stone's Greene Plant is looking for a Plant Operator who's mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and ready to keep our crushers, conveyors, screens, feeders, and bins running at their best. Production is the core of our business, and our Plant Operators are the hands-on experts who make sure our equipment stays in top-notch condition — because at Luck Stone, safety and quality go hand in hand.

Job Responsibilities
  • Conduct pre-shift inspections of the plant
  • Assist with preventative and reactive maintenance: changing screens, greasing, changing rollers, belt splices, rebuilding crushers, welding, and fabrication
  • Cut, weld, gouge, and fabricate as needed 
  • Haul truck beds and replace loader shanks
  • Run equipment as needed to support site operations
  • Consistently inspect and monitor the plant to ensure proper operation
  • Assist with other site projects as requested by management and team members
  • Stay flexible to support teammates on other projects as needed
  • Help keep the site clean and organized at the end of each shift
What You Bring

Required Skills:  Cutting, welding, gouging, and fabricating ·

Experience: Prior experience preferred operating and/or performing maintenance in a similar environment

Comfort Level: Comfortable working from elevated platforms and other heights without fear

Schedule

Onsite, Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Pay & Benefits

Pay starts at $27.31 per hour and could increase upon skills and experience evaluation from management.

Benefits start on Day 1 of employment and include:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability
  • Paid time off: personal, vacation, holidays, 5 well-being days
  • Matching 401(k) and retirement pension

Luck Companies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.