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Coal Wash Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Power Plant Coal Yard Operator This entry-level position is responsible for the safe operation of industrial machinery and heavy equipment in support of a commercial multi‑unit power generation ...

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You will work in a coal-fired power plant environment. This role offers the chance to develop ... Acquire knowledge of equipment operating parameters to recognize and report abnormal conditions as ...

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$52 - $75/hr

You will work in a coal-fired power plant environment. This role offers the chance to develop ... Acquire knowledge of equipment operating parameters to recognize and report abnormal conditions as ...

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Coal Wash Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do coal wash plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for coal wash 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 a coal wash plant operator?

Coal Wash Plant Operators are responsible for overseeing the processes that clean and prepare coal for shipment by removing impurities such as soil, rock, and other materials. They operate, monitor, and maintain equipment in a coal preparation plant, ensuring coal meets quality standards before it is transported for use. Their duties often include controlling machinery, conducting routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining safety and environmental protocols. This role is crucial to ensuring the efficiency and safety of coal production.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a coal wash plant operator?

To thrive as a Coal Wash Plant Operator, you need knowledge of coal processing operations, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with plant control systems, heavy machinery, and safety certifications such as MSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are critical soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient plant operation and high-quality coal output, minimizing downtime and maintaining compliance with safety standards.

What are common challenges faced by coal wash plant operators during daily operations?

Coal Wash Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting mechanical or process issues, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Operators must monitor equipment closely and respond quickly to any malfunctions to avoid production downtime. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is also crucial for timely resolution of issues and maintaining smooth plant operations.

What is the difference between Coal Wash Plant Operator vs Coal Preparation Plant Worker?

AspectCoal Wash Plant OperatorCoal Preparation Plant Worker
CertificationsTypically requires safety training and equipment operation certificationsSimilar safety and equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates machinery in coal washing facilities, often in industrial settingsWorks in coal preparation plants, handling equipment and materials
Job ResponsibilitiesControls and monitors coal washing processes to remove impuritiesAssists in coal processing, equipment maintenance, and quality checks

Both roles involve working in coal processing facilities with similar safety requirements and equipment. The main difference lies in the specific focus: the Coal Wash Plant Operator primarily controls the washing process, while the Coal Preparation Plant Worker supports various tasks in coal handling and maintenance.

What does a coal wash plant operator do?

A coal wash plant operator manages and operates equipment used to clean and process coal by removing impurities such as dirt, rocks, and sulfur. They monitor control systems, perform routine maintenance, and ensure the plant runs efficiently and safely, often working in industrial environments with adherence to safety protocols.
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What job categories do people searching Coal Wash Plant Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Coal Wash Plant Operator jobs are:

Infographic showing various Coal Wash Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% 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.

Plant Operator (Wash Plant)

Martin Marietta Materials

Clarkdale, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

394th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

JOB SUMMARY
As a Plant Operator at MartinMarietta,youwillplay a pivotal role in supporting our mining and aggregate production operations. Working under the direction of the Plant Manager andSupervisor, you'll be responsible for safely and efficiently operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant processing equipment; tasks including but not limited to-observing visualand auditory signals during operation, performing routine daily inspections of plant and mobile equipment, reporting defects to the supervisor, as well as maintaining and managing inventory levels of various wear items used throughout the plant site.Youwillbe instrumental in achieving production goals by ensuring consistent, quality aggregate output andmaintaininga clean, secure work environment.
KEYDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES
  • Start,monitor, and regulate crushers, screens, conveyors, feeders, and pumps in compliance with safetystandards.
  • Adjust process settings to ensureoptimalmaterial flow and quality in line with job specifications.
  • Operate mobile equipment such as skid steers and front-end loaders duringloadout or clean-up tasks.
  • Conduct pre-shift and ongoing inspections of plant and mobileequipment,document daily reports accurately.
  • Perform preventative maintenance tasks like greasing, cleaning, screen changes, belt splicing, and bearing or pulley replacements.
  • Identifymalfunctions or blockages, safely shut down equipment during emergencies, and initiate work requests for repairs.
  • Maintain a tidy work area-clear spillage, dust, and debris around equipment and haul roads.
  • Adhere to all MSHA and company safety policies, including proper PPE use.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and teammates to ensure efficient workflow and safety compliance.
  • Assistin training new or temporary staff on equipment operation and safety procedures.
  • Take onadditionalduties-cleaning, quality control, rail loading-as assigned bymanagement.
  • Maintain daily production reports, recording activity levels, downtime, and material inventory.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental regulationsregardingbatch plant operations and dust control.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
Work Experience
No prior experience isrequired; 6 months-1 yearof experience inAggregatePlantOperations or similarHeavyBuildingMaterials industry, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills,and Abilities
Mechanical aptitude
Technical aptitude
Knowledgeable of plant components
Critical thinking
Time management
MSHA compliance andregulations
Effectivecommunicator (writtenand spoken)
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able tomaintainthree points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depthperceptionwith or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.
Working Conditions
All duties require outside assignmentsand requireperiods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet,dryand dusty.Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85dbs.
Disclaimers
In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments asrequired, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential.
Employment Type: Full-Time

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994