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Contract Plant Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator

Aurora, CO · On-site

$108.89/hr

... contracts. Western Midstream (WES) is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ... Minimum 1-year, gas plant operations or related experience * Working experience with oil and gas ...

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Contract Plant Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do contract plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract plant operator in Colorado is $19.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract plant operator?

Contract Plant Operators are professionals hired on a contract basis to operate, monitor, and maintain industrial machinery and equipment, such as those found in factories, power plants, or processing facilities. They are responsible for ensuring that operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently according to industry standards and client requirements. Their duties can include starting and stopping equipment, performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining accurate records. Contract Plant Operators are typically employed by staffing agencies or directly by companies for specific projects or to cover temporary staffing needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract plant operator?

To thrive as a Contract Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of process operations, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems, SCADA software, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help operators manage plant operations efficiently and respond to issues promptly. These abilities ensure safe, continuous production and adherence to industry standards in dynamic plant environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract plant operators, and how can they effectively manage them?

Contract Plant Operators often face challenges such as quickly adapting to different plant processes, maintaining compliance with strict safety protocols, and ensuring efficient equipment operation in unfamiliar environments. To manage these, it's helpful to develop strong communication skills, thoroughly review operational manuals for each site, and actively participate in safety briefings. Building good relationships with permanent staff can also improve workflow and support problem-solving when unexpected issues arise.

What is the difference between Contract Plant Operator vs Process Operator?

AspectContract Plant OperatorProcess Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in equipment operation and safetyRequires process-specific certifications and safety training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, construction sites, or temporary project sitesManufacturing plants, chemical facilities, or continuous process environments
Employer & Industry UsageContract-based roles in construction, energy, or manufacturing sectorsFull-time roles in chemical, petrochemical, or manufacturing industries

Contract Plant Operators and Process Operators share similar certifications and work in industrial environments, but Contract Plant Operators often work on temporary or project-based sites, while Process Operators are typically employed full-time in continuous process facilities. Both roles require safety training and equipment operation skills, but their work settings and employment types differ.

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

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Colorado are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Plant Operator jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Plant Operator jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Contract Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Contract Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Plant Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,188 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

$108.89/hr

Other

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Western Midstream rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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Our core assets provide services for customers in the Delaware Basin in West Texas and New Mexico, and the DJ Basin in northeastern Colorado, and the Powder River Basin in Northeast Wyoming. Additional assets and investments are located in South Texas, Utah, and Southwest Wyoming.


We’re engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing, and transporting natural gas; gathering, stabilizing and transporting condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and crude oil; and gathering, transporting, recycling, treating and disposing of produced water for our customers. In our capacity as a natural gas processor, we also buy and sell natural gas, NGLs, and condensate on our behalf and our customers under certain gas processing contracts.


Western Midstream (WES) is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, WES.


Job Summary

This position is located within the Western Midstream Rockies Region as a member of the Wattenberg Gas Processing PlantOperations team in Colorado.


Qualifications

  • Minimum 1-year, gas plant operations or related experience

  • Working experience with oil and gas operations, including a knowledge of natural gas processing facilities and related equipment

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills

  • Ability to work effectively in a team-focused environment

  • Experience on Scada, WonderWare, Siemens, or similar control systems

  • Computer skills including Excel, Word, SAP, and Outlook


Responsibilities

  • Adhere to and enforce all applicable company, state, federal safety, and environmental regulations

  • Execute startup, shut down, while following operating procedures for engines, compressors, furnaces, distillation towers, expanders, electric motors, fans, pumps, instrumentation, valves, and alarms

  • Analyze flow streams using a gas chromatograph and product samples to make necessary process adjustments and maintain product specifications.

  • Perform minor maintenance of compressors, engines, pumps, controls, piping, filters, and valves

  • Prepare maintenance orders using SAP and notify maintenance personnel of problem areas

  • Generate daily production reports including liquid production, downtime, and gas volumes

  • Monitor and maintain operational inlet and outlet volumes. Coordinate with gas control, field operations and third-party interests as required

  • Complete assigned reports and logs

  • Work rotating 12-hour shifts. Working inside and outside, around heavy equipment, and in variable environmental conditions

  • Monitor, maintain, and operate safety and fire protection systems

  • Accomplish job responsibilities/duties in accordance with Western Midstream Core Values

  • Be an active participant in our Health Safety and Environmental culture

  • Perform various other duties as assigned


Education

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.


Certifications/Licenses

  • Candidate must possess a valid driver's license with no restrictions that would prohibit driving a company vehicle.


Travel Requirements

  • The percentage of travel required for this position is 0 - 10%.


Work Schedule

  • 12 hour rotating shift position including nights, weekends and holidays.


*The pay range for this position in Colorado is $38.00 - $59.75; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, this position is eligible to participate in the Western Midstream Cash Bonus Program, plus offers a competitive benefits package that emphasizes pay-for-performance compensation, work/life balance, premium health benefits, and a top-tier savings plan. Please check that and more on the WES Benefits page. The Company may, at any time, in its sole discretion, modify or vary from anything stated with regards to benefits, with or without notice.


Western Midstream does not offer sponsorship of employment-based nonimmigrant visa petitions for this role.


Western Midstream is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in recruiting, hiring, developing, compensating and promoting applicants and employees. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected categories. This includes providing reasonable accommodation for employee's and applicant's disabilities or religious beliefs and practices.

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