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Assistant Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate, direct, and train Assistant Utility Operator, Utility Operator and Assistant Plant Operator and other plant personnel, as required. * Perform equipment inspections during outages. * As ...

Coordinate, direct, and train Assistant Utility Operator, Utility Operator and Assistant Plant Operator and other plant personnel, as required. * Perform equipment inspections during outages. * As ...

Coordinate, direct, and train Assistant Utility Operator, Utility Operator and Assistant Plant Operator and other plant personnel, as required. * Perform equipment inspections during outages. * As ...

The Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for the start-up of the plant, operating controls within ... Duties/Responsibilities: - Properly and safely operate plant - Assist in maintaining asphalt plant ...

The Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for the start-up of the plant, operating controls within ... Duties/Responsibilities: - Properly and safely operate plant - Assist in maintaining asphalt plant ...

Day Plant Operator

Andover, MA · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Coordinate, direct, and train Assistant Utility Operator, Utility Operator and Assistant Plant Operator and other plant personnel, as required. * As needed, perform physical duties associated with ...

This role consists of being a backup up operator, covering breaks, learning multiple positions, facility cleaning and being utilized where needed. Pellet Mill Operation and Dryer Regulation * Operate ...

New

This role consists of being a backup up operator, covering breaks, learning multiple positions, facility cleaning and being utilized where needed. Pellet Mill Operation and Dryer Regulation * Operate ...

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Assistant Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do assistant plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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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Cities with the most Assistant Plant Operator job openings:

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

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What states have the most Assistant Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Plant Operator jobs include:

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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

WIN Waste Innovations is looking for a Plant Operator who is confident and enthusiastic individual will maintain a safe, environmentally compliant, and efficient boiler operation including maintaining productive boiler combustion, steam flows, and optimize generation, burnout, in-plant power combustion, and flue gas emissions.

Responsibilities:

  • Monitor plant operational and emissions data.
  • Detect and respond to changing conditions with regard to maximizing plant safety, environmental compliance, and efficiency.
  • Coordinate, direct, and train Assistant Utility Operator, Utility Operator and Assistant Plant Operator and other plant personnel, as required.
  • Perform equipment inspections during outages.
  • As needed, perform physical duties associated with maintaining boilers and various equipment within the 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • May lead, guide and direct 2-5 employees to maintain safety and in operation of plant.
  • As requested, "Fill in" as acting Shift Supervisor.

Education/Experience:

  • Two years working in a power plant environment as an Assistant Plant Operator (APO) or comparable position; or 5 years related experience or training in power plant environment
  • Mechanical skills sufficient to perform such tasks as replacement of shear pins, valve repacking, and equipment inspections
  • Skills, experience, and knowledge sufficient to acquire ASME QRO Provisional license. (ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers)
  • Math skills sufficient to complete required job functions
  • Knowledge and understanding of the operation and control of a steam generating power plant
  • For all Massachusetts facility's, a 2nd Class Engineers license is required.

Physical Demand:

  • Climb and walk on heights often greater than 4 feet
  • Ascend and descend stairs and stationary vertical ladders as part of normal work activity and emergency egress situations.
  • Lift moderate to heavy material 50 lbs.
  • Move about all areas of the plant, including catwalks, deck grating, wet and muddy areas, and uneven surfaces.
  • 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 lbs. portable units
  • Operate other equipment including, but not limited to, industrial forklifts, manlifts, skid steer type loaders, and other mobile equipment
  • Access confined spaces and pressure vessels through standard 12" by 16" manways

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 2,300 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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About ADP

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're designing a better way to work, so you can achieve what you're working for. Consistently named one of the 'Most Admired Companies' by FORTUNE® Magazine, and recognized by DiversityInc® as one of the 'Top 50 Companies for Diversity,' ADP works with more than 740,000 organizations across the globe to help their people work smarter, embrace new challenges, and unleash their talent. "Always Designing for People" means we're creating platforms that will transform how great work gets done, so together we can unlock a world of opportunity.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Roseland, NJ, US

Year founded

1949

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