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Entry Level Plant Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

WSSC Water

Wastewater O&M Technician - Laurel

Laurel, MD

$28.07 - $55.94/hr

Essential Functions Entry Level: * Assists with collecting and analyzing samples of plant processes and receiving waters * Assists with operating and monitoring equipment and processes with potential ...

WSSC Water

Wastewater O&M Technician (Bioenergy)

Laurel, MD · On-site

$28.07 - $55.94/hr

Essential Functions Entry Level: * Assists with collecting and analyzing samples of plant processes and receiving waters * Assists with operating and monitoring equipment and processes with potential ...

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands-on ... Properly maintaining and operating equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts)

Bartlett Tree Experts

Arborist Climber Trainee

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $24/hr

This is a unique entry-level opportunity to develop your career in arboriculture through hands-on ... Properly maintaining and operating equipment (hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and aerial lifts)

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2 - Manassas

Manassas, VA · On-site

$83K - $108K/yr

Perform troubleshooting on service calls to existing and legacy system operators. * Perform ... Assigns technical tasks and coordinates with entry-level engineers * Assigns tasks and coordinates ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 2

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... operators. o Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems ... entry-level engineers o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff Field Experience • ...

M.C. Dean, Inc

Control Engineer 3

Tysons, VA · On-site

$84K - $109K/yr

... operators. o Perform hardware / software upgrades and replacements on existing systems ... entry-level engineers o Assigns tasks and coordinates with Technical Staff Field Experience • ...

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All JobsPlant Operator JobsEntry Level Plant Operator JobsEntry Level Plant Operator Jobs in Washington

Entry Level Plant Operator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Operator, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, monitoring instrumentation, and safety certifications such as OSHA training are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this role. These capabilities are essential for maintaining safe, efficient plant operations and minimizing downtime or hazards.

How to get a plant operator job?

To become a plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and sometimes a certification such as a boiler operator license or safety certification. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships and developing skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and troubleshooting can improve job prospects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectEntry Level Plant OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
Required CertificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, possibly a state licenseHigh school diploma, state certification/license often required
Work EnvironmentFactories, power plants, manufacturing facilitiesWater treatment facilities, municipal plants
Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, utilitiesPublic utilities, municipal water services
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Plant Operators and Water Treatment Plant Operators often share similar certifications and work environments. While entry level roles focus on basic plant operations across various industries, water treatment operators specialize in maintaining water quality in municipal facilities. Both roles require technical knowledge and safety training, making them comparable options for those starting in plant operations.

How much do entry level plant workers make?

Entry-level plant operators typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $40,000. Compensation can vary based on location, industry, and whether certifications or specialized skills are required.

How hard is it to become an entry level plant operator?

Becoming an entry level plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and sometimes a certification such as a state-issued license. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with equipment, safety procedures, and basic mechanical skills are important for success in this role.

What does an Entry Level Plant Operator do?

An Entry Level Plant Operator is responsible for assisting in the operation and maintenance of equipment in manufacturing or processing plants. Their duties often include monitoring machinery, collecting samples, recording data, and following safety procedures to ensure efficient plant operations. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced operators and receive on-the-job training to learn how to address minor issues and keep the plant running smoothly. This role is an excellent starting point for those interested in advancing within industrial or plant operations.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level plant operators and how can they overcome them?

Entry level plant operators often face challenges such as learning complex machinery, understanding safety protocols, and adapting to shift work. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects and the need to quickly identify equipment issues. Overcoming these challenges involves actively participating in training sessions, asking questions, and seeking mentorship from experienced operators. Strong communication and attention to detail are also key to ensuring safety and maintaining smooth plant operations.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry level plant operators typically do not earn $4,000 a week; however, some high-paying skilled trades or specialized roles such as offshore oil rig workers, commercial pilots, or certain construction supervisors can reach or exceed that income level without a college degree. These jobs often require technical training, certifications, or extensive experience, and may involve shift work or hazardous environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Plant Operator jobs in Washington? For Entry Level Plant Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Plant Operator jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Plant Operator jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Plant Operator jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Plant Operator job openings:
Entry Level Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant Operator job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution.

Wastewater O&M Technician - Laurel

WSSC Water

Laurel, MD

$28.07 - $55.94/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Functional Title Wastewater O&M Technician - Laurel Recruitment Category Type Standard Functional Category Production Grade CL.10 FLSA Status Non-Exempt Requisition Number 27-0010 Number of Vacancies 1 Job Level Job Code N/A Job Description Summary Organization Name Parkway WRRF Reports to Chief Plant Operator Full or Part Time Full Time If Part Time how many hours per week Regular or Temporary Regular Position End Date (if temporary) Work Schedule
Rotating work shifts
Sunday - Saturday 6:30AM - 3:00PM and Monday - Friday 2:30PM - 11:00PM
Weekends - 6:30AM - 3:00PM
Position Location Laurel
Position Summary Information
General Summary
The Wastewater Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician performs routine and critical work in the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plant equipment and facilities.
Essential Functions
Entry Level:
  • Assists with collecting and analyzing samples of plant processes and receiving waters
  • Assists with operating and monitoring equipment and processes with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise and radioactive hazards
  • Operates and maintains equipment in facilities for cleaning, lubrication, for items such as centrifuges, incinerators, belt presses, gravity belt thickeners, augers, mixers, etc.
  • Assists with evaluating the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems
  • Interprets conformance of test procedures to "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater"
  • Assists with monitoring biological and chemical treatment processes and makes adjustments as directed
  • Handles material shipments and inventory and locates spare parts from inventory system
  • Assists with overhauling specialty valves or swaps out valves in the plant
  • Utilizes drawings, blueprints, plans, and references materials to locate pumping stations, valves, process equipment, electrical substations, chemical storage, feed facilities and underground piping
  • Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths using rigging equipment to lift equipment
  • Assists with conducting general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and cutting for various pipe materials
  • Makes basic repairs for pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and process equipment
  • Uses TEAMS/CMMS to create record data from parameters gathered, work orders and other administrative tasks such as accessing backlog, adding material to work orders, and finding parts in WSSC Water warehouses
  • Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required
  • Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports
  • Assists with inspecting motors for heat, noise and vibration and performs motor lubrication and cleaning
  • Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves
  • Uses the computer for data entry and process control
  • Conducts proper operation of wastewater solids handling processes
  • Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

Level I:
  • Collects and analyzes samples of plant processes and receiving waters
  • Operates and monitors equipment and processes with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise and radioactive hazards
  • Operates and maintains equipment in facilities for cleaning, lubrication, for items such as
    centrifuges, incinerators, belt presses, gravity belt thickeners, augers, mixers, etc.
  • Evaluates the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems; Interprets conformance of test procedures to "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater"
  • Monitors biological and chemical treatment processes and makes adjustments as directed
  • Handles material shipments and inventory and locates spare parts from inventory system
  • Overhauls specialty valves or swaps out valves in the plant
  • Utilizes drawings, blueprints, plans, and references materials to locate pumping stations, valves, process equipment, electrical substations, chemical storage, feed facilities and underground piping
  • Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths using rigging equipment to lift equipment
  • Conducts general plumbing repairs such as compression fitting replacement, pipe joining, and
    cutting for various pipe materials
  • Makes basic repairs for pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and process
    equipment
  • Uses TEAMS/CMMS to create record data from parameters gathered, work orders and other administrative tasks such as accessing backlog, adding material to work orders, and finding parts in WSSC Water warehouses
  • Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required
  • Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports
  • Inspects motors for heat, noise and vibration and performs motor lubrication and cleaning
  • Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves
  • Uses the computer for data entry and process control
  • Conducts proper operation of wastewater solids handling processes
  • Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

Level II:
  • Operates and monitors equipment and processes, with potential exposure to chemical, biological, electrical, thermal, noise and radioactive hazards
  • Operates biological and chemical processes such as Biological BOD removal, Nitrification, Denitrification and Biological Phosphorus removal
  • Operates chemical process for disinfection, Phosphorus removal, coagulation etc.
  • Verifies and reviews plant process data for accuracy and validity
  • Performs lab analysis and interprets data to ensure compliance with facility discharge permit
  • Performs extensive laboratory analysis, interprets data and makes necessary adjustments to processes
  • Troubleshoots mechanical systems such as air compressors, pumping systems, and
    flocculation or clarifier systems; evaluates pump performance
  • Operates high and low-pressure steam boilers gas collection and treatment equipment as well as gas flaring systems as needed
  • Replaces and repairs process equipment such as check valves, rotors, chemical feed pumps, air compressors, and sump pumps
  • Maintains records, performs calculations, and composes reports for treatment processes
  • Performs specialty valve operations and repairs and swaps out valves for maintenance and works with contractors or other WSSC Water crews for installation of new valves
  • Operates and troubleshoots wastewater solids handling processes and resolves issues with equipment and overall process system
  • Operates and maintains water softener systems, cranes, boiler feed pumps, centrifuges, air dryers, re-aeration tanks and pneumatic controls
  • Performs senior level shift work and oversees a shift of Wastewater O&M Technicians
  • May be designated to oversee facility operations
  • Climbs into tanks to include 30-foot depths, using rigging equipment to lift equipment
  • Conducts extensive repairs on existing plumbing installations, troubleshoots pump flushing stands, installs control piping on specialty valves, and identifies failures associated with piping
  • Performs straight edge alignment for coupled motor shafts to pump shafts, and replacement of worn shafts with follow-up monitoring for improper alignment
  • Inspects, repairs and maintains pneumatic and hydraulic control systems on valves and process equipment systems
  • Interprets data and makes process adjustments within established guidelines
  • Interprets conformance of test procedures to "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater"
  • Evaluates fault codes on VFDs and troubleshoots motor issues for motor maintenance and proper operation
  • Coordinates removal of preliminary treatment equipment from wastewater treatment processes
  • Calibrates UV sensors, isolates UV reactors, and changes UV lamps and quartz sleeves
  • Operates WSSC Water motor vehicles and other specialized equipment such as forklift and tractor, as required
  • Works with computer for data entry and process control
  • Leads preventive maintenance work for equipment concerning solids handling process
  • Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
  • Uses TEAMS/CMMS to handle administrative tasks and instructing new employees in the computer and data entry program; finishing work orders and reviewing work order backlogs
  • Reviews invoices and daily operation log entries for accuracy and locates O&M manuals in facility
  • Operates, troubleshoots, and maintains multi-hearth incinerators
  • Maintains equipment and facilities including packing pumps and draining and cleaning tanks, using O&M manuals
  • Changes v-belts, pulleys, chain, shaft couplings
  • Orders inventory materials for spare parts such as pump parts and valve parts, and orders stock for treatment chemicals
  • Uses facility drawings and mechanical blueprints to locate underground valves, process piping, and other equipment related to facility to ensure proper operation of all processes
  • Evaluates the performance of mechanical equipment and conveyance systems
  • Operates and maintains remote facilities
  • Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

Level III (Internal Applicants Only):
  • Trains Level I and II Technicians in performing job related skills;
  • Interprets conformance of test procedures to "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater"
  • Unloads and changes chlorine tanks; inspects chlorine building; loads and unloads chlorine cylinders; hooks cylinders to main manifold line and checks for leaks;
  • Optimizes plant operations for efficient energy management
  • Performs weekly and monthly preventative maintenance in accordance with established schedule
  • Instructs Level I and II Wastewater O&M Technicians in operating practices and techniques, safety rules and accident prevention measures
  • Develops facility operational procedures that avoid process upsets based on a variety of conditions and threats
  • Delegates work assignments, sets work priorities, follows up and assists supervised personnel
  • Prepares Standard Operating Procedures and may assist in establishing policies and procedures
  • Writes procedures for and participates in the assessment of Level I and Level II skills in the Career Ladder as directed
  • Performs administrative duties to include schedules, reports etc.
  • May be required to act as the Section Manager in his/her absence
  • Collects and analyzes samples of plant processes and receiving waters
  • Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
  • Monitors filter turbidity and backwash
  • Regulates valves and observes flow gauges; performs calculations
  • Maintains records, fills in reports; keeps a daily log of plant operation
  • Starts and stops pumps; lubricates and adjusts pumps and machinery
  • Performs adjustments, repairs, and replacement of conveyance system
  • Makes minor repairs to pumps and purification equipment
  • Overhaul specialty valves or swap out valves in the plant
  • Troubleshoots motors
  • Uses skill and knowledge of safe rigging practices in moving and installing equipment
  • Operates remote facilities
  • Calibrates chemical feed pumps monthly
  • Oversees the effective operations of UV systems and ensures proper maintenance is performed
  • Enters data into computer to update records and uses the computer to aid in monitoring and controlling plant processes
  • Analyzes and prioritizes scheduled tasks for plant operations
  • Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
  • Reviews plans and specifications
  • Plans and leads plant tours for educational events
  • Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other Functions
Entry Level:
  • May shovel and plow snow
  • Operates and maintains remote facilities
  • Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
  • Performs major housekeeping
  • Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
  • Performs other related duties as required

Level I:
  • May shovel and plow snow
  • Operates and maintains remote facilities
  • Enters and performs O&M tasks in confined spaces
  • Performs major housekeeping
  • Responsible for keeping supervisors informed relative to facility status
  • May be designated to be in charge of facility operations once license is obtained
  • Performs other related duties as required

Level II: ...

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