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Chief Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Johnson City

$60 - $80/hr

The work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief Wastewater Plant Operator who reviews work through discussions and examination of plant records and reports. Essential Functions of ...

City of Newton, NC

Water Plant Operator

Newton, NC · On-site

$20.74 - $25.92/hr

Work is performed under the supervision of a Chief Water Plant Operator or Water Plant Superintendent and is evaluated for quality of water produced, accuracy in tests performed, documentation of ...

Virginia Tech

Plant Operator Lead

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Plant Operator Lead Apply now Back to search results Job no: 537106 Work type: Staff Senior ... American Society of Power Engineers Power Plant Chief (PPC) license or equivalent. Pay Band 3 ...

County of Dare

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Manteo, NC · On-site

$49K - $64K/yr

Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator or Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Job Duties Performs daily inspections of plants for proper operation ...

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How much do chief plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for chief 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 does a chief plant operator do?

A Chief Plant Operator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a plant, such as a water treatment facility or power plant. They supervise staff, ensure equipment is functioning properly, and monitor systems to maintain safety and efficiency. The role involves scheduling maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Chief Plant Operators also handle reporting, data analysis, and may assist in budgeting and training new employees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Plant Operator, you need extensive knowledge of plant operations, process management, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant technical degree or certification in water, wastewater, or industrial plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and maintenance management software is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are critical for ensuring safe, efficient plant operations and compliance with environmental and safety standards.

What are some common challenges chief plant operators face when overseeing plant operations?

Chief Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as managing equipment maintenance schedules to minimize downtime, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and addressing unexpected operational issues swiftly. They must coordinate with various teams—such as maintenance, engineering, and compliance—to keep the plant running efficiently. Adapting to new technologies and continuous process improvements are also key aspects of the role, requiring strong problem-solving and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Chief Plant Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectChief Plant OperatorPlant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like State Water or Wastewater Operator licenses, sometimes additional supervisory certificationsRequires basic operator licenses or certifications relevant to the specific plant type
Work EnvironmentOversees entire plant operations, manages staff, ensures compliance, and handles complex systemsOperates and monitors equipment, performs routine maintenance, and reports issues
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in water treatment, power plants, and manufacturing facilitiesFound in similar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles in plant operations

The main difference between a Chief Plant Operator and a Plant Operator lies in their responsibilities and required credentials. The Chief Plant Operator manages the entire plant, supervises staff, and ensures regulatory compliance, often holding advanced certifications. In contrast, the Plant Operator focuses on operating equipment and maintaining systems under supervision. Both roles are essential in plant operations, but the Chief Plant Operator has a broader scope and higher level of responsibility.

What states have the most Chief Plant Operator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Chief Plant Operator jobs?

For Chief Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Chief Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Central Plant Operator

Blackstone, VA • On-site

Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporationexternal

$26.66/hr

Other

Re-posted 22 hours ago

Job description

Subsidiary: T&H Services

Job Title: Central Plant Operator

Work Location: Blackstone, VA

Labor Category: Non-Exempt | CBA

Clearance Level: Secret

Pay Rate: $26.66 per hour

Health & Welfare: $8.00 per hour

Hours: 1st shift (Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:45 PM)

Shift Assignments are at the discretion of site management: 

  • 1st shift - base hourly rate. 
  • 2nd shift - base hourly rate plus a 5% shift differential.
  • 3rd shift - base hourly rate plus a 10% shift differential.

About the Role 

The Central Plant Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the site's building automation systems, lighting systems, and centralized chiller plant. Under the technical guidance of the Chief Engineer, this role ensures the efficient operation of the centralized chiller plant, geothermal wells, building automation systems, and lighting control systems. The operator also monitors and maintains ventilating and heating equipment, including fans, vacuum pumps, air compressors, vents and ducts, and lubrication oil coolers used in building operations and industrial processes.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Serves as the site building automated systems, lighting systems, and centralized chiller plant operator.
  • Under the technical guidance of the Chief Engineer, operate the centralized chiller plant, geothermal wells, and lighting control systems.
  • While on watch or tour, make repairs to mechanical/electrical equipment and component parts of heating and air-conditioning systems.
  • Conducts physical inspections of equipment and tests equipment for correct operation of all components of the refrigeration cycle and other relevant factors contributing to the proper and efficient operations of HVAC systems and geothermal wells.
  • Ability to perform preventive maintenance on all operational and mechanical equipment and knowledge to operate related electrical equipment and machinery.
  • Adhere to company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
  • Tend to ventilating and heating equipment. 
  • Adjust valves to regulate temperature of lubrication oil and flow of water through system.
  • Rgulate speed of fans, adjust vents and ducts, records gauge readings, and repairs completed, and time lost because of inoperative equipment. 
  • Writes repair work order tickets and out-of-order tags preparatory to equipment repair.
  • Inspects equipment to detect excessive noise and heat.
  • Replaces gauges and tightens and chalks leaky fittings, using wrenches, hammers, and chalking tool.
  • Cleans carbon deposits, pitch, and grease from fans, vents and ducts, using scrapers, hammer, and compressed air or steam.
  • Adhere to company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Five (5) years of related experience.
  • Must be able to continue applicable training required to maintain skill, licenses, and certifications.
  • Must be able to complete no less than three (3) days of factory training on the facility management building automated systems and lighting systems.
  • Must be utilize the Microsoft Office suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Must have skill and knowledge in HVAC and chiller systems, building automated systems, and lighting systems.
  • Ability to perform preventative maintenance on all operational and mechanical equipment and knowledge to operate related electrical equipment and machinery.
  • Prior experience with MAXIMO is preferred. 
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license and a safe driving record to operate vehicles or equipment as required for the position.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Must be able be able to conduct preventative maintenance activities and minor repairs from ladders or elevated platforms. 
  • Work requires the incumbent to walk, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in uncomfortable positions. 
  • Ability to lift, carry and set up tools, equipment and parts that weigh up to and occasionally over fifty (50) pounds. 
  • Must be comfortable getting dirty, dusty, and greasy in an indoor or outdoor environment with frequent exposure to excessive noise. 
  • Must be able to perform duties under adverse weather conditions (extreme cold / heat, etc.).
  • Must be able to work alternate shift schedules when necessary to meet the mission requirements of the customer, to include weekends and holidays.
  • Must be able to perform on-call duties when scheduled and report to work within one hour of notification.  

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