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Chief Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

hawaiianel

Operator Helper - Molokai

Kaunakakai, HI · On-site

$33.99/hr

Works a shift with a Chief Operator and trains to perform the duties of the Chief Operator classification. (Refer to Chief Operator .) * Stands day watch as assigned. Under this condition performs ...

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Chief Operator information

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$41.5K

$151.2K

$269.5K

How much do chief operator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief operator in the United States is $151,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $185,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

The role of Chief Operator may decline in the future due to automation and technological advancements, especially in industries relying heavily on manual oversight and operational control. Tasks such as routine monitoring and basic decision-making are increasingly automated through AI and machine learning tools, reducing the need for some traditional operational roles. However, leadership and strategic responsibilities will still require human oversight and expertise.

What are Chief Operators?

Chief Operators are senior professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a plant, facility, or technical system, such as a water treatment plant, power plant, or manufacturing facility. They supervise and coordinate the activities of other operators and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Chief Operators are also involved in training staff, troubleshooting equipment issues, maintaining records, and optimizing operational efficiency. Their leadership helps to ensure smooth and safe operations, minimize downtime, and meet production or service goals.

What does a chief operator do?

A chief operator oversees the daily operations of a facility or system, ensuring processes run efficiently and safely. They often coordinate staff, monitor equipment, and implement procedures, requiring strong leadership and technical skills. Certifications or experience in operations management are typically necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of industrial operations, process optimization, and safety regulations, typically backed by relevant technical education and experience in plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, DCS controls, and industry-specific certifications like OSHA or water treatment licenses is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills enable Chief Operators to manage teams and respond to operational challenges efficiently. These competencies are essential for maintaining smooth, compliant operations and ensuring the safety and productivity of the facility.

What is a typical COO salary?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) salary varies widely depending on the industry, company size, and location, but it generally ranges from $100,000 to over $300,000 annually. In large corporations, COOs often earn higher compensation, including bonuses and stock options, reflecting their senior management role and operational responsibilities.

What are some common challenges Chief Operators face when overseeing daily plant operations?

Chief Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating schedules for a diverse team, ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations, and responding promptly to equipment malfunctions or process disruptions. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on problem solving is a key part of the role. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Chief Operators frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance staff, and upper management to maintain smooth operations and address unforeseen issues.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Chief Operators in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or utilities can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and specialized skills. High-level executive roles like CEOs or CFOs also often reach this compensation level, but they are not typically classified as Chief Operators. These roles usually require advanced education, certifications, and significant industry experience.
More about Chief Operator jobs
What states have the most Chief Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Operator jobs include:
Chief Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,203 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Chief Operator - Rail Flaw Detection

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC

Oakdale, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

The Chief Operator's responsibility is for the overall execution of service operations in Rail Flaw Detection provided to the customers. Provide the highest quality performance to exceed the competitions service in every possible way, ensuring customer requirements are met as it may be stated on the contracts or agreements and build customer relationships based on respect, transparency and confidence. Chief Operator represents the company image as much as any other Team members. Chief Operator is also responsible for the safety of his Operator at all time, guiding proper attitude, behavior and communication skills to create an environment of trust and respect.
Responsibilities
Chief Operator reports directly to the Field Manager. In his absence, will report directly to other Field Manager in place or Manager of UT RFD Services as a last resort.
Will remain well versed with a professional attitude towards colleagues, customers and general public reflecting a positive image for the company;
Shall ensure that all railroad and highway safety as well as operating procedures are maintained and applied to the best of his capacity;
Shall be accountable, professional, drive safety and quality as the number one priority;
Shall be open to changes in the workplace and apply directives according to set standards established;
Shall perform a high-quality test for all customers and consistently improve operation where indicated by subordinates;
Adhere and execute instructions in reference books and customer playbooks;
Shall partner with Operator maintains a high standard of maintenance, including cleanliness and 5S on trucks and high precision calibration of equipment at all times;
Produce all necessary paperwork including but not limited to, daily reports, maintenance reports, trip reports, etc.
Is the overall responsible of the vehicle and it's maintenance;
Display his experience in Rail Flaw Detection testing;
Improves fleet uptime to meet goals plans set by upper management;
Ensures Logbooks, DOT papers including Timesheets are maintained;
Ensure compliance with all DOT regulations including hours of serviced regulation.
Will coach, train, protect and assist new employees, Training Chief Operators and Operators, in the wanted work environment established;
Complete weekly expense reports, timesheets, inventory and general truck condition (repairs needed current and preventive);
Chief Operator is responsible for the lodging location chosen and ensures truck is parked at same location.
Experience
a. Experience:
Have at least 5 years of service in the RFD Industry, service management, or related leadership experience;
3 to 5 years' experience on class I railroads;
Knowledge of Rail Flaw Detection testing practices;
Excellent safety record within All class railroads, class I without exception;
Knowledge in computer programs, RFD truck functionality, electrical and mechanical is a plus;
Valid driver's license Class A or B preferred
Respected from peers.
 
b. Special Education:
ASNT-1A Ultrasonic Levels I and II training successfully completed and valid;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with high level of attention to detail
Minimum of a High school diploma or GED. Mechanical, electrical, troubleshooting knowledge preferred. c. Computer and Other Skills:
Microsoft Office skills, including and not limited to Excel, Word, Microsoft Teams, Concur, and more;
Ability to manage cost & adjust where necessary; d. Personal Attributes:
Must be a Team Player and willing to do whatever it takes to make the customer happy in a safe and ethical way;
Capable of driving quality performance;
Ability to develop excellent customer relationships;
High level of maturity and able to lead in taking initiatives based on company needs;
Punctuality;
Drive safety, accountable, professional image and attitude;
Must be self -motivated;
Integrity;
Adaptable and drives change;
Able to focus on multiple tasks and perform troubleshooting tasks;
Shall have an outgoing, patient and highly respective personality;
General Requirements
Extended travel capability
Punctual
Have all safety training valid for customers and eRail Safe
Being able to travel to customers anywhere in North America (Valid Passport)
No Criminal Records
Communicate in English (written & spoken, French for Eastern Canada)
Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to dust, oil, grease, fumes or airborne particles. Although work is primarily done inside a testing vehicle the employee might frequently be required to be outside in any weather conditions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, climb, walk unassisted, sit and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. This position may require extensive travel away from home primarily throughout the United States but possibly Canada. The above statements reflect the general details necessary to describe the principle functions of the occupation described and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherited in the occupation.
$71,000 - $81,000 a year
Travel expenses are reimbursed, including lodging, truck maintenance, daily operational supplies, and transportation costs.
Comprehensive medical benefits.
Dental benefits.
401(k) retirement plan.
Per diem paid for eligible days spent away from home on company business.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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