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Entry Level Plant Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Linde Group

Plant Manager - Electronics

Kingman, AZ · On-site

* You will provide leadership and direction for a team of entry-level production employees to ensure ... to plant management * You will manage and escalate equipment and product quality issues ...

Linde

Plant Manager - Electronics

Kingman, AZ

* You will provide leadership and direction for a team of entry-level production employees to ensure ... to plant management * You will manage and escalate equipment and product quality issues ...

APS

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ... Continue educational and professional development beyond the level of basis (entry level) training.

Arizona Public Service

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

High school/GED and four (4) years' experience in a related field, such as power plant operations ... Continue educational and professional development beyond the level of basis (entry level) training.

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All JobsPlant JobsEntry Level Plant JobsEntry Level Plant Jobs in Arizona

Entry Level Plant information

See Arizona salary details

$10

$17

$26

How much do entry level plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level plant in Arizona is $17.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.57 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do entry level plant workers make?

Entry-level plant workers typically earn between $12 and $17 per hour, depending on the industry, location, and company. Starting salaries may increase with experience, safety certifications, and familiarity with machinery or production processes.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Worker, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with safety protocols. Experience with production equipment, forklifts, or computerized control systems, as well as OSHA safety certification, is often valued. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient and safe plant operations, minimize downtime, and support overall productivity.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant vs Entry Level Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level PlantEntry Level Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, energy, and processing plantsPrimarily in manufacturing and assembly facilities
Job FocusAssisting with plant operations, basic maintenance, safety proceduresOperating machinery, quality checks, basic troubleshooting

Both roles are entry-level positions in manufacturing environments, requiring similar credentials and working in industrial settings. The main difference lies in job focus: Entry Level Plant roles often involve supporting overall plant operations, while Entry Level Manufacturing Technicians focus more on operating equipment and performing quality checks.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Entry-level plant jobs typically do not pay $4,000 a week; such high wages are usually associated with specialized roles, skilled trades, or management positions that require experience or certifications. High-paying jobs without a degree often involve sales, real estate, or entrepreneurial ventures, but these are less common at the entry level and may require specific skills or licenses.

What is an entry level plant job?

An entry level plant job typically refers to a position in a manufacturing, processing, or production facility where no prior experience is required. These roles often involve operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting materials, or assisting skilled workers. Entry level plant workers receive on-the-job training and are responsible for maintaining safety standards and supporting efficient plant operations. These positions can be a great starting point for a long-term career in manufacturing or industrial sectors.

How to get started in plant jobs?

To start in plant jobs, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may undergo on-the-job training. Relevant skills include attention to safety protocols, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in a team environment; certifications like OSHA safety training can be beneficial. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina and willingness to work shifts or overtime.

What is the easiest factory job?

An entry-level factory job often considered easier is a general production or assembly line position, which typically requires minimal experience and involves repetitive tasks. These roles usually involve basic physical work, following simple instructions, and may require safety training or certifications. The difficulty can vary based on the specific factory environment and tasks involved.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level plant workers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level plant workers often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, learning to operate complex machinery, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Overcoming these challenges typically involves thorough on-the-job training, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and consistently following established safety procedures. Building strong communication skills and staying proactive about learning new processes can help new hires excel and advance within the plant.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Plant jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Entry Level Plant jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Entry Level Plant job openings:
Entry Level Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,840 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist I/II- Reclamation

City of Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ • On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

City Of Mesa rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

243rd of 841 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : PO Box 1466, Mesa, AZ
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 16941
Department: (H310)Water Resources
Opening Date: 03/20/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description/Duties
The current recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies in the Water Reclamation Plant Assignment at either the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist I or Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II level. Employees may progress through the full salary range, subject to their successful performance and annual budget approval.
The first review of applications will be on Monday, April 6, 2026 and weekly thereafter as needed.
Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist I ($55,831.75 - $76,472.85 annually)
A Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist I is a one-year assignment where incumbents function as a trainee and are responsible for learning how to and begin to maintain the City of Mesa's water reclamation or water treatment plants (depending on assignment). An employee in this class accompanies and observes a lead person, specifically the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II and/or III class, thus performing daily activities and assisting in performing entry-level work. As the incumbent demonstrates the ability to perform the full range of the proposed Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist I duties, the complexity and difficulty of assignments will increase. During this one-year assignment the incumbent must meet requirements and expectations outlined in the criteria-based promotion document. In addition, the incumbent must complete these requirements and proceed to the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II classification within the one-year time frame. This class performs related duties as required.
Water Reclamation Plant Assignment: Incumbents may be assigned to either the Southeast, Northwest, or Greenfield Water Reclamation Plants. Entry-level work will consist of plant maintenance work. Some examples of duties learned and performed include: installing, maintaining, and repairing equipment and facilities including, but not limited to: bar screens, compactors, degritters, mixers, pumps, compressors, pipes, blowers, odor control devices, centrifuges, ultraviolet (UV) equipment, chemical metering pumps, sludge hoppers, conveyor systems, boilers, biogas systems, waste gas flares, valves, gear boxes, and tanks. Incumbents also learn the basics of plant operations involving primary treatment, secondary treatment, activated sludge processes, filtration, disinfection, sludge dewatering, and digestion.
This class is distinguished from the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II class by its responsibility for performing entry-level plant maintenance duties while learning to perform journey-level plant maintenance. This class is provided guidance by either the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II, Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist III, or Water Resources Plant Supervisor. On-site observation of work in progress, finished projects, and meetings to discuss strategy and other challenges while performing routine duties. An employee in this class is required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments. Job hazards may include a variety of weather conditions, ferrous chloride, raw sewage, toxic chemicals, high-voltage lines, and confined spaces. This class may be subject to emergency callout, stand-by and must be willing to work overtime as required. Employees in this class may progress to the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II class by noncompetitive, criteria-based promotion after successful completion of required coursework, on-the-job training, and achievement of satisfactory performance appraisals. This class is FLSA nonexempt.
Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II ($64,664.91 - $88,572.85 annually)
The Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II is responsible for performing specialized, journey-level work that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing water treatment or water reclamation equipment (depending on assignment). An employee in this class accompanies and observes a lead person, the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist III, performing daily activities and assisting in performing treatment plant maintenance activities. Assigned tasks increase in scope and difficulty as the incumbent demonstrates the ability to perform the full-range of duties respective of the journey-level Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II class.
Water Reclamation Plant Assignment: Incumbents may be assigned to the Southeast, Northwest, or Greenfield Wastewater Treatment Plants. Some examples of duties required and performed include: installing, maintaining, and repairing bar screens, compactors, degritters, mixers, blowers, odor control devices, centrifuges, conveyor systems, ultraviolet (UV) equipment, chemical metering pumps, filtration equipment, sludge hoppers, boilers, biogas systems, and waste gas flares. Although the primary responsibilities of this position are maintenance related, the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II may also be responsible for performing operational duties at the reclamation plant under the supervision of the Water Resources Plant Supervisor. Duties include analyzing trends and data, monitoring equipment, optimizing plant processes, collecting and analyzing process samples, and making data entry. This class performs related duties as required.
The Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II class is distinguished from the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist III class by the former class having responsibility for performing journey-level water treatment or water reclamation maintenance duties, but not having lead responsibilities. This class is provided lead direction by the Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist III with supervisory responsibility provided by the Water Resources Plant Supervisor. Job performance is monitored and evaluated by the on-site observation of work in progress, finished projects, and meetings to discuss strategy and other challenges while performing routine duties. Job hazards may include frequent exposure to a variety of weather conditions, chlorine gas, fluoride, ferrous chloride, raw sewage, toxic chemicals, bleach, caustic, rotating equipment, biogas, noise, low oxygen, explosive environments and high-voltage lines, and equipment. An employee in this class is required to use appropriate safety equipment and follow safety procedures in performing assignments. This class may be subject to emergency call-out and must be willing to work overtime and scheduled stand-by as required. Employees may progress to this class by noncompetitive promotion upon meeting the required coursework, on-the-job training, acquisition of required certification, and achievement of satisfactory performance appraisals. This class is FLSA nonexempt.
Please refer to the links below for the full job descriptions and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.
Qualifications & Requirements
Employee Values: All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.
Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist I:
Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. One year of experience in performing repairs or maintenance of pumps, water treatment or wastewater equipment, or other mechanical or manufacturing equipment maintenance.
Special Requirements. Must obtain forklift operator certification within six months of hire date. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification. The incumbent must also obtain a 40-hour HazWoper Certification as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and must attend an eight-hour HazWoper refresher course annually to maintain certification.
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to safety/security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement and random alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Preferred/Desirable Qualifications. Grade I (or higher) Water Treatment System Operator or Wastewater Treatment System Operator certification from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) or equivalent certification from another state through reciprocity with Arizona by application date. Minimum six months of successful performance in the City of Mesa Water Resources Department Intern program, and familiarity with City of Mesa treatment facilities.
Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II:Minimum Qualifications Required. Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Considerable (3 - 5 years) work experience in performing journey-level repair or maintenance of pumps, water treatment or wastewater equipment, or other mechanical or manufacturing equipment maintenance.
Special Requirements. Must obtain forklift operator certification within six months of hire date. Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date. Must meet the qualifications to wear a tight-fitting respirator by passing a medical evaluation in accordance with CFR 1910.134 by hire or promotion date and must maintain certification. This class shall be responsible for acquiring a minimum of 30 professional development hours (PDHs) every three years to maintain their ADEQ certification. The incumbent must also obtain a 40-hour HazWoper Certification as per OSHA and must attend an eight-hour HazWoper refresher course annually to maintain certification.
Water Reclamation Plant Assignment:Must obtain a Grade I (or higher) Wastewater Treatment System Operator certification from the ADEQ within one year of hire or promotion date. Certification through reciprocity must be obtained within three months of hire or promotion date.
Substance Abuse Testing. Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this classification, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment or pre-placement alcohol, drug and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in City policy and procedures.
Link to Job Description
Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist I:
Water Resources Plant Maintenance Specialist II:
A is linked here.
01
Did you receive a High School Diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

02
How many years of experience do you have performing water or wastewater plant equipment maintenance, water supply system equipment maintenance, and mechanical and/or manufacturing equipment maintenance? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • None
  • Some but less than 1 year
  • 1 year or more

03
Please describe your experience performing water or wastewater plant equipment maintenance, water supply system equipment maintenance, and mechanical and/or manufacturing equipment maintenance, including employer(s). Please also detail your experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
04
How many years of experience do you have in performing journey-level repair or maintenance of pumps, water treatment or wastewater equipment, or other mechanical or manufacturing equipment maintenance? Please detail your experience on your application.
  • None
  • Some but less than 3 years
  • 3 years or more but less than 5 years
  • 5 years or more

05
Please describe your experience performing journey-level repair or maintenance of pumps, water treatment or wastewater equipment, or other mechanical or manufacturing equipment maintenance, including employer(s). Please also detail your experience on your application. If none, type N/A.
06
Do you have or are you able to obtain forklift certification within six months of hire date?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have or will you be able to obtain a valid Class D Arizona Driver's License by hire or promotion date?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you currently possess an ADEQ Grade 1 (or higher) Wastewater Treatment System Operator certification? If you have a certification, please detail your certification information (including issuing State and expiration date) on your application.
  • Yes
  • No

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