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Contract Plant Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Koniag, Inc.

Plant Operator

Washington, VA · On-site

$40/hr

The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated ... Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract. Requirements: * Must ...

kgs

Plant Operator

Arlington, VA

The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated ... Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract. Requirements: * Must ...

Allan Myers

Plant Operator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

Plant Operator Job Locations US-VA-Fredericksburg ID 2026-14904 # of Openings 1 Category (For ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Plant Operator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

Perform winter maintenance repairs on plant. * Assist as an equipment operator as needed - during ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Allan Myers

Plant Operator

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

Perform winter maintenance repairs on plant. * Assist as an equipment operator as needed - during ... under contract. Any resume submitted without a signed agreement and prior written authorization ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Plant Control Specialist II

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

The Central Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining equipment ... Positions covered by the McNamara O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), or a ...

Alutiiq, LLC

Plant Control Specialist II

Blackstone, VA · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

The Central Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining equipment ... Positions covered by the McNamara O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis-Bacon Act (DBA), or a ...

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Contract Plant Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$19

$31

How much do contract plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract plant operator in Virginia is $19.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do contract plant operators make?

Contract plant operators typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $20 to $35, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Overtime and specialized skills can increase overall earnings, especially in industrial or construction settings.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Plant Operator jobs in Virginia? For Contract Plant Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Plant Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Plant Operator jobs in Virginia are:
Contract Plant Operator jobs near you

Plant Operator

Koniag, Inc.

Washington, VA • On-site

$40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Kadiak, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is currently hiring Plant Operators in support of our government customer in Washington, D.C. The Operator should be able to work both the day and night shifts on rotation.
We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave, and more.
The Plant Operator will be responsible for the daily operations of a sophisticated automated wastewater pretreatment plant. The Plant Operator will be required to ensure all equipment runs properly and all liquid chemical levels are within tolerance. The Plant Operator should have experience working with wastewater treatment equipment, Pumps, Motors, Mixers, Tanks, Filter Presses, and PLC/SCADA control equipment. The Plant Operator will always work under the direct supervision of a shift Supervisor and will also receive work directives and schedules from the Plant Manager.
The Plant Operator:
  • Will be required to wear various PPE when necessary. PPE to include, but not limited to (Tyvek Suits, Acid Rated Suits, Full Face Respirator, Dust Mask, Safety Shoes, Safety Glasses, Gloves).
  • Will be required to perform Confined Space Entry on tanks & floor pits (as needed).
  • Will be required to shovel out various tanks and sludge boxes (as needed).
  • Will be required to perform calibrations on pH & ORP Meters.
  • Will be required to perform minor maintenance on various pieces of equipment when needed.
  • Will be required to clean Plate & Frame Filter Presses (as needed).
  • Will be required to do all annual trainings that are required by the contract.

Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must hold a current Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) Class II or equivalent certification.
  • High School diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
  • Four (4) years of experience in the operation of a wastewater pretreatment plant.
  • Will be required to lift & carry 50lb. bags of chemicals up ladders & stairs to mixing tanks.
  • Will be required to climb ladders & stairs to perform plant checks every 2 hours.
  • Will be required to pass Respiratory Fit Testing as outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134 (fit testing is performed annually as required by our contract).
  • Shall be knowledgeable in how to use Human-Machine Interface (HMI)/ SCADA software, which operates the applicable portions of the Plant. This software is run on various computers that are located in the Plant office and in the plants.
  • Must be fluent in the English language, both verbally and in writing, and be able to read and understand English.
  • Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.
The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services, and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352
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About Koniag

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Investment management and consulting services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kodiak, AK, US

Year founded

1972

Social media

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