1

Contract Plant Operator Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Overview Knowledge Services is currently seeking a skilled Steam Plant Operator for a 12-month contract (potential for extension) with the State of Indiana National Guard in Knightstown, IN. Work ...

Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 7.8 MW Solar Taurus 70 Gas Turbine Generators with ... operated in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner while ensuring all contract ...

Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 7.8 MW Solar Taurus 70 Gas Turbine Generators with ... operated in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner while ensuring all contract ...

Provide guidance to Crane, Auxiliary, and Back Plant Operators to maintain a safe and efficient ... contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the ...

Provide guidance to Crane, Auxiliary, and Back Plant Operators to maintain a safe and efficient ... contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Plant Operator information

See Indiana salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do contract plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract plant operator in Indiana is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $21.97 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 Indiana?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Contract Plant Operator job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,732 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Steam Plant Operator 1

Knowledge Services

Knightstown, IN โ€ข On-site

$24.27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Knowledge Services is currently seeking a skilled Steam Plant Operator for a 12-month contract (potential for extension) with the State of Indiana National Guard in Knightstown, IN. 

Work Hours: Multiple shifts available

Pay Rate: $24.27/hour


Steam Plant Operator Responsibilities include:

โ€ข Responsible for the steam plant shift operation at the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy. 

โ€ข Inspects entire plant, boiler rooms, auxiliary equipment and related areas to ensure conditions are normal, operating within appropriate safety standards, and ensuring maximum efficiency;
โ€ข Operates, monitors, troubleshoots and makes minor repairs to high pressure boilers, combustion controls, emissions monitoring equipment, auxiliary equipment, and compressed air system and equipment;
โ€ข Conducts and interprets chemical test analysis to determine corrective action and make necessary adjustment for treatment and control of water chemistry;
โ€ข Recognizes operational problems and reports them to proper authority, takes corrective measure to limit and control equipment damage and personnel injury in case of boiler or equipment emergency;
โ€ข Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports;
โ€ข Provides training, direction and assistance to lower level employees;
โ€ข Performs preventive maintenance and assists in periodic overhauls, cleaning, major repairs; and installation and repair of steam lines;
โ€ข Cleans boilers, equipment and areas of plant as assigned;
โ€ข Performs grounds maintenance of the training site to include mowing and snow removal;
โ€ข Assists in building maintenance throughout the training site to include minor and emergency repairs of plumbing, electrical, etc;
โ€ข Complies with all appropriate protective and safety requirements in the performance of duties including, but not limited to: use of personal protective equipment (PPE); handling, storage & mixing of hazardous materials according to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); confined spaces; and complying with safety requirements in the use of tools, equipment, etc;
โ€ข Performs related duties as required.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:
โ€ข Work involves climbing and moderately heavy lifting of tools and equipment (25-50 lbs.).

โ€ข Workers spend much of their time on their feet; they also crawl inside boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect, clean or repair equipment.

โ€ข Duties are performed in a variety of different positions which require flexibility and stamina.

โ€ข Such effort is regularly exerted and strain may be intense.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
โ€ข Work is generally performed within the steam plant.

โ€ข Work is performed around boiler as well as electrical and mechanical equipment, they must be alert to avoid burns, electric shock and injury from moving parts.

โ€ข Exposure to high temperatures, dust, dirt and high noise levels from equipment is common.

โ€ข General maintenance duties may cause contact with oil and grease, as well as fumes or smoke. Safety goggles, safety shoes, ear protection, gloves, welding helmet/gloves, face mask and cold weather clothes are required to perform some duties due to possible injury from hazardous conditions.


Steam Plant Operator Qualifications include:

โ€ข High school diploma or equivalent with two-years experience in general industry or industrial process, a portion must include boiler operations;
โ€ข Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in a large institutional or industrial steam plant.

โ€ข Must hold at least one of the following certifications or must obtain within twelve (12) months, the โ€œPower Engineer Certificationโ€ as issued by the Indiana Association of the National Association of Power Engineers.

โ€ข Accepted Certifications include:

โ€ข US Navy Boiler Technician or Machinist Mate Rating.

โ€ข US Coast Guard Marine Engineer License with Steam Endorsement.

โ€ข US Merchant Seaman Certificate with Qualified Member of Engineering Department Endorsement.

โ€ข A local or county government Stationary Engineer License.

โ€ข A valid Stationary Steam License issued from another U.S. state.
โ€ข National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers License.

โ€ข A Journeyman Stationary Engineer Certificate from the Union of Operating Engineers.

โ€ข A Company issued certificate from an in-house apprenticeship or training program, reviewed and approved by the State Personnel Department.

โ€ข Substitution: Possession of the Power Engineer Certification at the time of application may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

โ€ข An Associate Degree in Power Plant Technology from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required certification plus one year of the required work experience.

โ€ข Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform all phases of steam plant operation, maintenance and repair;
โ€ข Extensive understanding of fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles;
โ€ข Ability to work without close supervision and to supervise, train, and direct the work of subordinate personnel;
โ€ข Extensive knowledge of all health, safety and sanitary procedures for the safety of personnel and equipment;
โ€ข Ability to respond effectively and quickly to emergency situations;
โ€ข Must have and maintain a valid Indiana Driverโ€™s License.
โ€ข Incumbent may be required on occasion to work irregular shifts, days, nights, weekends and/or holidays, or a rotating schedule and may be put on-call.

Knowledge Services is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact TalentHR@knowledgeservices.com. 

Knowledge Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Knowledge Services does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws. People with disabilities, veterans, and military families are encouraged to apply. 

#INDADM