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Cooling Tower Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operator Trainee

Tuscaloosa, AL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Checks the cooling tower screens and have cleaned as necessary. * Adjusts the boiler's continuous ... Checks operating equipment for any abnormal conditions as it relates to the following: Pumps: noise ...

Process Operator

Hereford, TX ยท On-site

$18 - $22.75/hr

We have an outstanding career opportunity for a Process Operator to coordinate industry and ... Ability to start up and shutdown DA, Boilers, RO's, Cooling Towers, Cooling Tower Pumps and all ...

Plant Operator

Savannah, GA ยท On-site

$25.49/hr

Experience * 2-3 Years Maintenance - Required * working as or under the chief plant operator ... Maintain powerhouse, cooling tower, chemical yards, mechanical equipment, and documentation. * Work ...

Operator Trainee

Tuscaloosa, AL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Checks the cooling tower screens and have cleaned as necessary. Adjusts the boiler's continuous ... Checks operating equipment for any abnormal conditions as it relates to the following: Pumps: noise ...

Senior Civil/Structural Engineer I

Overland Park, KS ยท On-site

$95K - $129K/yr

As a Senior Engineer I, you will be providing structural engineering for complex cooling tower ... Develop project-specific operating and maintenance manuals. * Write engineering specifications for ...

Operator Trainee

Tuscaloosa, AL ยท On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

... cooling tower screens and have cleaned as necessary. โ€ข Adjusts the boiler's continuous blow down line and daily performs a manual blow down. โ€ข Maintains the given injection rate of chemicals into ...

Industrial Wastewater Operator

Roseland, NJ ยท On-site

$80K - $94K/yr

Seeking a Licensed Wastewater Operator for a direct hire opportunity with our client in Roseland ... Monitor daily water, softener, and cooling tower readings. * Perform routine testing and coordinate ...

Showing results 41-60

Cooling Tower Operator information

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$14

$21

$26

How much do cooling tower operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for cooling tower operator in the United States is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cooling tower operator?

Cooling Tower Operators are professionals responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining cooling tower systems, which are used to dissipate heat from industrial processes or HVAC systems. Their duties typically include inspecting equipment, managing water treatment processes, recording operational data, and ensuring the system runs efficiently and safely. They also perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot any issues that arise to prevent breakdowns. Cooling Tower Operators play a crucial role in keeping industrial facilities and large buildings cool and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

What does a cooling tower operator do?

As a Cooling Tower Operator, your daily responsibilities typically include monitoring water levels and chemical concentrations, inspecting equipment for signs of wear or malfunction, and recording operational data to ensure optimal performance. You are also tasked with performing routine maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machinery, and promptly addressing any issues to prevent downtime. By maintaining efficient cooling tower operations, you play a crucial role in supporting the plant's overall productivity and preventing costly equipment failures. Collaboration with maintenance technicians and plant engineers is common, especially when troubleshooting or implementing improvements.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cooling tower operator?

To thrive as a Cooling Tower Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, water chemistry, and preventive maintenance procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with monitoring and control systems, water treatment equipment, and safety protocols is critical, and certifications like OSHA or HVAC-related credentials are often beneficial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of cooling towers, minimizing downtime and supporting facility performance.

What are popular job titles related to Cooling Tower Operator jobs?

For Cooling Tower Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cooling Tower Operator job openings in the United States 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 $45,428 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Operator Trainee

Tuscaloosa, AL โ€ข On-site

Hunt Consolidated
Oil and Gas Extractionย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Other

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Respond to callouts and emergency situations, including participating in emergency drills and understanding safety procedures.

  • Assist the Console Operator and Unit Leader in troubleshooting, monitoring process conditions, and performing routine adjustments and maintenance tasks.

  • Communicate shift activities, process variations, and safety information effectively through verbal, written, and electronic means.


Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Safety:
* Follows all company safety policies and procedures.
* Participates in Emergency Drill Parties.
* Learns and/or knows Hunt Refining Company's safety policies and their use in all work activities (Example- LOTO).
* Learns and/or knows locations of fire monitors, extinguishers, hose reels, fire hydrants, emergency showers, eye wash station, self-contained breathing apparatus and any other safety related items.
* Learns and/or knows hazards associated with various process streams and chemicals used.
* Learns and/or knows hazards associated with various operating equipment in the area.
* Learns and/or knows how to access Safety Data Sheet Information.
* Responds to callouts and emergency situations.
* Helps keep the unit and equipment clean and hazard free.
* Learns to become proficient with all power failure procedures.
* Learns to become proficient with all field related emergency procedures.
Communication:
* Gives their relief a concise, accurate verbal summary of what happened on the shift and anything that may require attention, including MOC's and all applicable training. Asks adequate questions, if receiving shift turnover, to verify understanding before reporting for duty.
* Gives and receives verbal, written and electronic communication effectively and in a positive manner.
* Communicates clearly, precisely, and effectively over the radio.
* Checks email periodically throughout the shift.
* Reads and follows all applicable guidelines or procedures including MOC's and all applicable training.
* Reviews unit operation from previous shifts by reading logs and electronic communication.
* Communicates any process variations which affect other areas.
* Records daily activities and adjustments in the electronic log as required.


Procedures and Training:
* Stays up to date with online EHS training, refresher training on procedures, security training, etc.
* Learns and/or knows location of all written policies and procedures and Company documents that pertain to the area on the Company Intranet.
* Continually improves process and safety knowledge.
* Learns and/or knows equipment descriptions and their locations.
* Supports and participates as needed with OJT and any training in their Unit Processing area.
Operational Area:
* Responds to callouts and emergency situations.
* Learns and/or knows Unit trips, set points, and permissives to restart the after a safety system is activated.
* Assists the Console Operator and Unit Leader in troubleshooting activities.
* Minimizes hydrocarbon and excess water to water treatment plant.
* Seeks clarification when guidelines and procedures are unclear or in conflict with other instructions.
* Diligently works toward meeting guideline targets and refinery goals.
* Ensures unit and equipment are operated within specified limits.
* Performs any task requested by supervision.
* Writes work orders as needed and notifies the Unit Leader.
* Learns and/or understands the safe heater lighting steps and BMS panel operation and trips for all heaters. Provides feedback to the Console Operator when lighting the heaters in the field.
* Works to positively address any operating or personnel issues that arise.
* Must learn to isolate and prepare all field equipment for maintenance.
* Performs needed maintenance on shift as necessary.
* Obtains samples for the lab as necessary.
* Routinely samples process gases for H2S.
* Makes routine field adjustments to maintain process conditions, flows, levels, pressures, and temperatures.
* Takes inventory of lube oil and chemicals and orders as needed.
* Blows down level glasses or float chambers, to check a level.
* Checks the cooling tower screens and have cleaned as necessary.
* Adjusts the boiler's continuous blow down line and daily performs a manual blow down.
* Maintains the given injection rate of chemicals into the process streams.
* Monitors lab reports and sets and maintains chemical addition or proper treatment of boiler feed water and cooling tower water.
* Checks steam traps, steam tracing, and water for proper winterization.
* Check color on product streams as necessary.
* Monitors fin-fans for freeze protection in cold weather.
* Controls the level of water or hydrocarbon accumulation by periodic draining.
* Switches pumps, purges or switches compressors online without interruption of the process when necessary.
* Starts/stops or resets electric motors as necessary.
* Puts control valve on bypass as necessary.
* Performs heater activities such as using snuffing steam to purging heaters, lighting gas pilots and burners, adjusting primary and secondary air registers, adjusting dampers for fuel efficiency, using O2 analyzer to adjust for best efficiency, and inspecting heater boxes for flame impingement or possible tube damage.
* Checks DCS indications against local instruments to verify readings.
* Takes inventory of Nitrogen (N2) bottles and reports what is needed to Unit Leader (does not apply to C&R employees).
* Bypasses water softener system when necessary (does not apply to C&R or Oil Movement employees).
* Lines up city water and well water as necessary (does not apply to C&R or Oil Movement employees).
* Lights and adjusts steam to the flare and checks K/O drums for proper operation and drainage as necessary.
* Lines up charge tanks and product rundown to various product tanks and lines up slop lines if necessary.
* Establishes alternate cooling in the glycol circulation system for compressor cooling, as necessary (Does not apply to C&R employees).
* Must be able to troubleshoot all treated water fixed equipment.
* Checks operating equipment for any abnormal conditions as it relates to the following: Pumps: noise, temperature, discharge pressure, vibration, seal leaks, lubrication, seal flush, bearings; Compressors: noise, temperature, discharge pressure, vibration, lubrication, packing, and cooling system; Fans: noise, temperature, vibration, lubrication, bearing, and belts. Reports anything abnormal to Unit Leader.


Education and Qualifications
* High School diploma or equivalent.
* Capable of performing basic maintenance tasks.
* Must have the initiative to work toward refinery goals.
* Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot operations problems.
* Has a good working relationship with Unit Leaders, Console and Field Operators, Operations Specialists, Shift Superintendents Area Superintendents, and Engineers.


Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
* Valid Driver's License
* Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Computer Skills
* Demonstrates basic knowledge of Microsoft Office
* Proficiently utilizes and navigates software required to complete the daily, routine business of HRC


Physical Demands
* The physical demands of this position are listed in the following tables:
Amount of Time
Under
1/3 to
Over
None
1/3
2/3
2/3
Stand
X
Walk
X
Sit
X
Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
X
Reach with hands and arms
X
Climb or balance
X
Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
X
Talk or hear
X
Taste or smell
X
Amount of Time
Lifting:
Under
1/3 to
Over
None
1/3
2/3
2/3
Up to 10 pounds
X
Up to 25 pounds
X
Up to 50 pounds
X
Up to 100 pounds
X
More than 100 pounds
X
* This position requires the individual to be certified to use respiratory protection which includes: fresh air work requiring a full-face mask and a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) weighing up to 35 lbs. Conditions during use could be routine maintenance or operations activities, emergency rescue or immediate danger of life and health. Use of such a device requires sufficient pulmonary and respiratory health and may preclude full beards or other obstructions preventing an adequate facial fit.
Work Environment
* The environmental conditions for this position are listed in the following table:
Amount of Time
Under
1/3 to
Over
None
1/3
2/3
2/3
Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)
X
Work near moving mechanical parts
X
Work in high, precarious places
X
Flammable or caustic chemicals
X
Outdoor weather conditions
X
Extreme hot/cold (weather related)
X
Extreme cold (non-weather)
X
Extreme heat (non-weather)
X
Risk of electrical shock
X
Work with explosives
X
Risk of radiation
X
Vibration
X
* Noise - This position requires work in loud, high noise areas.

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