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Contract Plant Operator Jobs in Decatur, AL (NOW HIRING)

Boiler Plant Operator

Redstone Arsenal, AL · On-site

$27.25 - $37/hr

Serve as Boiler Plant Operator to operate, service, maintain and repair boiler and heating plants ... Ability to successfully pass any background checks and/or drug testing required on the contract.

Minimum one (1) year of plant and/or manufacturing experience in a public, private, government, or ... Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on ...

Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

This is an entry level position that provides the opportunity to advance into Plant Operations ... contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the ...

New

Equipment Operator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$18.75 - $25.50/hr

This is an entry level position that provides the opportunity to advance into Plant Operations ... contracts (if applicable). Pay ranges are reviewed from time to time and may be modified in the ...

Lead the development of operating strategies for Huntsville that address the progression toward a ... Drive continuous improvement by leading company efforts to improve plant efficiency, continually ...

Lead the development of operating strategies for Huntsville that address the progression toward a ... Drive continuous improvement by leading company efforts to improve plant efficiency, continually ...

Lead the development of operating strategies for Huntsville that address the progression toward a ... Drive continuous improvement by leading company efforts to improve plant efficiency, continually ...

Sr. Operations Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$155.80K - $247.40K/yr

Lead the development of operating strategies for Huntsville that address the progression toward a ... Work with other plant and division personnel to resolve grievances. * Identifytraining ...

... operating procedures. * Ability to collaborate and assist team members. * Compliance with 5S and ... Work Environment The work environment is a manufacturing plant where 100% of the time is spent.

Be Seen First

Trains operators in operation procedures for working safely with electrical/pneumatic tools and ... contract-manufacturer and premier provider of Sheet Metal Products, fabricated Metal Products.

... plant: gaskets, oil seals, and PTFE. all departments dirty and non climate controlled will be ... operating various machinery such as press machines, could be sorting and kitting also, be prepared ...

Contract Plant Operator information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$12

$20

$37

How much do contract plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract plant operator in Decatur, AL is $20.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $23.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Plant Operator, and why are they important?

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 are Contract Plant Operators?

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 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 Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL? For Contract Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Contract Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Contract Plant Operator job openings:
Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

Akima, LLC

Redstone Arsenal, AL • On-site

$27.25 - $37/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Akima rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 351 rated engineering


Job description

Serve as Boiler Plant Operator to operate, service, maintain and repair boiler and heating plants.
Responsibilities
  • Operate, services, maintains and repair boilers and heating plants to produce steam or high temperature water for use in an establishment. Fires boiler, observes and interprets readings on gauges, meters, and charts with register various aspects of boiler operation.
  • Adjusts controls to insure safe and efficient boiler operation and to meet demands for steam or high temperature water.
  • May also do one or more of the following: maintain a log in which various aspects of boiler operation are recorded; clean, oil, make repairs to boiler room equipment; and following prescribed methods, treat boiler water with chemicals and analyze boiler water for such things as acidity, causticity, and alkalinity.
  • Completes all job-related paperwork and forms.
  • Keeps work and plant area clean.
  • Paints and insulates plant and distribution equipment.
  • Performs all work in a safe manner in accordance with safety practices and procedures.
  • Performs other related work as required or assigned.
  • Accountable for:
    • Timely and cost-effective performance of duties.
    • Harmoniously working with other employees and customers.
    • Working with the Project Principals to fully coordinate all activities.
    • Effectively coordinate a number of projects simultaneously.
    • Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure.
    • Effective written and oral communication skills.
    • Demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
    • Contributing to the successful completion of project initiatives.

Qualifications
  • High school education or equivalent required.
  • Minimum of three (3) years' experience operating boilers.
  • If required, must be willing to complete Power Plant Boiler Maintenance and Operations Certification training.
  • Must be available to work other shifts as directed.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving record pertinent to the position.
  • Must have and maintain a Master, Journeyman, or Apprentice Gas Card.
  • Ability to successfully pass any background checks and/or drug testing required on the contract.

Job ID
2026-23167
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Facilities Operations (AFO), an Akima company, is not just another federal facilities contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At AFO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, AFO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, AFO sustains mission readiness and ensures quality of life by maintaining high value assets and operations at peak performance and successfully manages these operations through accurately forecasting, managing, and aggressively controlling costs.
As an AFO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

What Akima employees say

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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