1

Duty Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... plant standard operating procedures 2. Maintain records of plant operations including, but not ... duty and confined space watch KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES 1. Ability to recognize operational ...

Plant Operator

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

... plant standard operating procedures 2. Maintain records of plant operations including, but not ... duty and confined space watch KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES 1. Ability to recognize operational ...

Plant Operator Trainee (Alma, WI) The Plant Operator Trainee is responsible to timely complete all ... Off-duty availability. Frequent interaction with co-workers. Work overtime as required.

R10099056 Plant Operator (Open) Location: St. Louis, MO - Filling industrial How will you ... duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

R10099056 Plant Operator (Open) Location: St. Louis, MO - Filling industrial How will you ... duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

R10098747 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Yazoo City, MS (N2O) - N2O primary production How will ... To perform this job successfully, we are looking for the ability to perform each essential duty ...

R10098975 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Miami, FL (Plt) - Filling industrial How will you ... duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

R10098975 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Miami, FL (Plt) - Filling industrial How will you ... duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

R10096054 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Rockford, IL - Linden Rd - Filling industrial How will ... duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

Plant Operator

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$23.50/hr

R10099285 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Waukesha, WI - Acetylene production & filling How will ... duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

Plant Operator

Waukesha, WI · On-site

$23.50/hr

R10097264 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Waukesha, WI - Acetylene production & filling How will ... duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.

R10098747 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Yazoo City, MS (N2O) - N2O primary production How will ... To perform this job successfully, we are looking for the ability to perform each essential duty ...

Showing results 41-60

Duty Plant Operator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do duty plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for duty plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a duty plant operator?

A Duty Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring, operating, and maintaining equipment and systems within a plant or facility, such as water treatment plants, power plants, or manufacturing facilities. Their main duties include ensuring that machinery runs efficiently, performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and following safety protocols. They often work in shifts to ensure continuous plant operation and may be required to respond to emergencies or equipment malfunctions promptly. Duty Plant Operators play a crucial role in maintaining production standards and ensuring the smooth functioning of plant operations.

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

To thrive as a Duty Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, process operations, and relevant safety regulations, often supported by vocational training or technical certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, control panels, and industry-standard maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators quickly identify issues and coordinate with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations.

What are some common challenges faced by duty plant operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Duty Plant Operators often work in rotating shifts, which can pose challenges such as maintaining alertness during night shifts, managing fatigue, and ensuring precise communication during shift handovers. To manage these challenges, operators are encouraged to follow structured routines for sleep, nutrition, and regular exercise, as well as to actively participate in detailed shift handover meetings to ensure operational continuity. Building strong teamwork and staying proactive about safety protocols also help create a supportive work environment and reduce the risks associated with shift-based operations.

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

AspectDuty Plant OperatorProcess Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a state-specific license or certification, such as a boiler operator licenseOften requires certifications in process control or safety, like OSHA or industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates in power plants, manufacturing facilities, or energy plants, often in shiftsWorks in chemical, oil & gas, or manufacturing plants, monitoring and controlling processes
Job ResponsibilitiesMonitors equipment, performs routine maintenance, ensures safety protocolsControls and adjusts process parameters, troubleshoots equipment, maintains product quality

Both roles involve operating plant equipment and require safety certifications. While Duty Plant Operators focus on overall plant operation and safety, Process Operators specialize in controlling specific manufacturing or processing systems. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specific technical skills.

Is a duty plant operator a good career?

A duty plant operator is a stable career that involves monitoring and controlling industrial processes, often requiring technical skills and safety certifications. The role offers steady employment, opportunities for advancement, and typically involves shift work in manufacturing or energy facilities.

What cities are hiring for Duty Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Duty Plant Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Duty Plant Operator jobs?

For Duty Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Duty Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Plant Operator

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Synagro Technologies
Environmental Consulting Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Synagro rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 92 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Synagro partners with stakeholders to clean our water, protect our environment and serve our communities by generating worth from what others consider waste. We work to protect the health of our water, our Earth and those who depend on them now and in the future.

What good is a job without great benefits to reward your hard work? Here are some highlights of what Synagro has to offer:

  • 15 days paid time off
  • 10 Holidays
  • Medical/Dental/Vision (within 30 days of hire)
  • Health Saving Account (HSA) with company match
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) with company match (fully vested upon hire)
  • Career growth and promotional opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement

JOB SUMMARY
Inspect, maintain, and control process equipment and perform mechanical maintenance throughout the plant. Adhere to all applicable regulations to provide, safe, reliable, and cost effective operation of the plant to meet processing, permit, and other applicable requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Monitor and control plant operations in accordance with company policies and
plant standard operating procedures
2. Maintain records of plant operations including, but not limited to, hourly
operating data and abnormal operating conditions.
3. Ensure that the facility operates within permit compliance, at/above design
capability, and produces high quality product at all times
4. Participate and complete training programs within the time frame allotted
5. Perform any general work or other assignments necessary to ensure the safe,
clean, and efficient operation of the facility to include sweeping, shoveling, and
other housekeeping activities
6. Enforce and maintain standard safety procedures and maintain clean work area
at all times
7. Perform fire guard duty and confined space watch
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
1. Ability to recognize operational inconsistencies and hazards in the workplace
and display proper judgment in responding to them
2. Ability to read and comprehend instructional manuals, instruction sheets,
technical data, work orders and mechanical drawings in English
3. Thorough knowledge and understanding of the plant fire protection apparatus
and systems
4. Ability to operate all fire protection equipment
5. Thorough knowledge and understanding of occupational hazards connected
with machine shop and general plant practices with emphasis on the necessity
of safety policy compliance
6. Ability to work varying shifts, overtime, holidays, on call duty and emergency
call-ins
7. Communication skills – verbal and written
8. Ability to operate a computer
9. Ability to perform basic math
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCES
1. High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
2. Minimum 2 years’ experience as operator or other process plant operations, or
equivalent
3. Strong mechanical & electrical aptitude
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Talking, Hearing, Seeing Sitting, Standing, Walking, Fingering, Kneeling,
Crouching, Pushing, and Pulling
2. The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside
and out.
3. The worker is subject to noise: There is sufficient noise to cause worker to
shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level.
4. The worker is subject to hazards: Includes a variety of physical conditions such
as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current,
working on scaffolding and high places, exposure to high heat or exposure to
bio-solids.
5. The workers frequently is in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, manholes, small,
enclosed rooms, small sewage and water line pipes, and other areas which
could cause claustrophobia.

Salary Range: $22.00- $25.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential job functions, knowledge, skills, abilities, efforts, and physical or working conditions associated with a position.


What Synagro employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom