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Entry Level Process Operator Jobs in Orange, TX (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Process Operator information

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$29

How much do entry level process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level process operator in Orange, TX is $20.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Operator, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and teamwork help operators excel in monitoring equipment and responding to issues. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations, minimizing downtime and maintaining product quality.

What are some typical challenges an Entry Level Process Operator may face when starting in this role?

As an Entry Level Process Operator, you may initially find it challenging to quickly learn and follow complex operational procedures and safety protocols, especially in fast-paced manufacturing or industrial environments. Adjusting to shift work and collaborating with experienced operators can also require adaptability and strong communication skills. However, with on-the-job training and support from your team, you'll gain practical experience and confidence in monitoring equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring quality standards are met.

What is the difference between Entry Level Process Operator vs Production Technician?

AspectEntry Level Process OperatorProduction Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or processing plants, often in chemical, food, or pharmaceutical industriesManufacturing facilities, focusing on equipment maintenance and process support
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in chemical, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectorsUsed across similar industries, often overlapping with process roles

The Entry Level Process Operator and Production Technician roles share similar environments and credentials, often working in manufacturing plants. While both roles support production processes, process operators typically focus on monitoring and controlling equipment, whereas technicians may handle maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and career goals.

What is an entry-level operator?

An entry-level process operator is a worker responsible for monitoring and controlling industrial equipment and production processes. They typically perform routine tasks, follow safety protocols, and may require basic technical skills or certifications such as OSHA training. This role often serves as a starting point for a career in manufacturing or processing industries.

What is an entry level process operator?

An entry level process operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling machinery and equipment in manufacturing or processing plants. They ensure that processes run smoothly, safely, and efficiently by following standard operating procedures and reporting any issues to supervisors. Their duties often include starting or stopping equipment, taking readings, performing basic maintenance, and maintaining accurate logs. This role typically requires a high school diploma and some on-the-job training, making it an accessible entry point into industrial operations.

How to become a process operator with no experience?

To become a process operator with no experience, focus on gaining relevant skills such as understanding industrial equipment and safety procedures, often through on-the-job training or technical programs. Many employers offer entry-level positions that provide training, and obtaining certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances of starting in this role.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry level process operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily wages are usually associated with specialized roles, high-level management, or jobs requiring extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-paying industries like oil and gas, finance, or consulting. Most entry-level positions pay hourly wages that amount to significantly less than $2000 daily, even with overtime or shift differentials.

Is a process operator a hard job?

A process operator job involves monitoring and controlling industrial equipment, which can be physically demanding and requires attention to safety protocols. The role often involves shift work, working in noisy environments, and handling complex machinery, making it challenging for some individuals. However, with proper training and adherence to procedures, it is manageable for those with technical aptitude and focus.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Orange, TX? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Orange, TX are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Orange, TX? For Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Orange, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Orange, TX look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Orange, TX are:
What cities near Orange, TX are hiring for Entry Level Process Operator jobs? Cities near Orange, TX with the most Entry Level Process Operator job openings:
Distribution Operator I, II or Sr.

Distribution Operator I, II or Sr.

Entergy

Beaumont, TX

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Entergy rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Work Place Flexibility: Onsite 

Legal Entity: Entergy Texas, Inc.-GTX 

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

Responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electric distribution system, this role encompasses directing switching personnel, system configuration, and system monitoring. Effective communication with field crews, substation personnel, contractors, industrial accounts, transmission control centers, and management is essential, particularly when monitoring system conditions to anticipate and mitigate potential reliability issues. Distribution Operators undergo continual training to enhance their system knowledge and utilize simulations to practice new scenarios, broadening their expertise. They are tasked with responding to and restoring the electric distribution system to safe operating conditions before, during, and after major disturbances. This position relies heavily on extensive experience and judgment to plan and achieve objectives. 

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of general operating instructions, the Entergy T&D Safety Manual, and the Switching, Tagging & Clearance policy.

2.  Utilize independent judgment to allocate and direct suitable personnel for incoming trouble work; prioritize outages to maximize the utilization of available resources.

3.  Identify and help resolve technical, operational, and organizational challenges.

4. Oversee the after-hours call-out process, accurately input outage data into the OMS, and furnish Entergy support personnel and customers with timely and precise restoration updates.

5.  Troubleshoot, diagnose, and initiate repairs of electrical distribution system issues, including providing troubleshooting support for field responders. Analyze and respond promptly in cases of system disturbances to restore the system to its normal configuration.

6.  Oversee Entergy’s switching, tagging, and clearance processes to ensure safety standards. Manage field personnel and/or control devices via SCADA. Develop, review, and approve planned switching procedures. Implement contingency switching plans to address customer outages within the distribution substation and line system. Coordinate and manage large switching projects involving substation and distribution line resources.

7.   Interacts with Operations Center personnel and maintains effective working relationships with other operations centers and service center staff. Demonstrates exemplary internal and/or external customer service in the process of restoring outages. Identifies and informs others when additional operations center or local office resources are required to manage outage response. Monitors and utilize all-weather tools and alerts affected personnel regarding potential severe conditions.

8.   Continuously monitor Distribution System parameters, including voltage, line flows, equipment loading, and alarm conditions, in real time, and implement appropriate corrective actions as necessary.

9.  Responsible for initiating and completing work orders, providing information in response to field inquiries, and updating the OMS for outage-related scenarios; answer and address calls on the emergency line.

10. Provide information to Data Maintenance Support personnel about updates, missing devices, incorrect predictions, and other issues in OMS.

11. Initiate and restore system emergencies, including load shedding (automatic or manual) and blackstart operations.

12.  Execute actions and assume accountability as necessary for areas involving Cyber Security Assets.

13.   Able to work a 24-hour rotating shift schedule, including nights and weekends.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education required of the position.

•   High School Diploma or GED with at least 4 years of relevant work experience in a technical field or related military experience.

•   A 2-year degree in a technical area, preferably electrical technology, electrical engineering technology, or similar, with at least 2 years of relevant work experience in a technical field or related military experience.

•   A 4-year degree in a technical area, preferably engineering or a related technical field.

Minimum experience required of the position.

Distribution Operator I:

Tier 0 – 2 Qualifications must be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.

*Failure to obtain the required qualifications within the specified time frame will result in termination of employment for this position.*

No prior work experience is required, depending on the level of education. This is an entry-level position with assignments and learning activities designed to develop operator skill sets for applied competencies and tasks.

Distribution Operator II:

Preferred: 18 months of experience as a Distribution Operator I or equivalent work experience and/or Tier 2 Qualification.

Qualifications: Capable of handling all day-to-day tasks as well as more complex operator tasks with minimal oversight. Expected to analyze available data, draw conclusions, and act accordingly to operate Entergy’s Distribution System.

Distribution Operator, Sr:

Preferred: 18 months of experience as a Distribution Operator II or equivalent work experience and/or Tier 3 Qualification.

Qualifications: Possesses substantial technical expertise in specialized areas regarding distribution operations. Capable of completing the most complex tasks with minimal to no oversight. Demonstrates strong customer service skills when completing tasks.

Note: In-family progression may occur before or after the minimum experience requirement based on performance and approval from the DOC Manager or higher authority.

Transferable Equivalent Experience:

• Relevant military experience, preferably in technical or electrical fields.

• Experience with relays, substations, and control centers.

• Background in power generation, transmission, or distribution operations.

• Proficiency in Electric Transmission or Distribution switching and engineering.

• Operational and technical knowledge of substation equipment and the ability to interpret one-line diagrams.

• Demonstrated understanding of power flow and power flow principles.

• Experience with SCADA/Control Systems.

• Familiarity with process operations or gas operations of flows and systems.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required of the position.

Demonstrate and consistently practice Entergy Employee Practices and behaviors related to respect, open and trusting interactions, diversity and inclusion, accountability, safety, flexibility, leadership, and communication.

Exhibit proficient interpersonal and communication abilities essential for fostering relationships that cultivate an environment of mutual trust and respect.

Apply analytical and technical skills to understand, communicate, and resolve issues in a dynamic and changing work environment.

Proficient in managing multiple priorities, effectively prioritizing competing issues while recognizing relevant constraints and opportunities.

Ability to communicate effectively with personnel at all levels of the organization.

Proficiency in people management, which encompasses the ability to effectively coach individuals and hold them appropriately accountable.

Capability to make and execute well-considered operational decisions in both standard and emergency situations.

Possesses strong technical and operational expertise, with the ability to identify "off-normal" conditions according to industry standards.

Capable of working rotating shifts.

Capability to carry out the essential responsibilities of the position.

Demonstrate advanced proficiency in computer skills.

Openness to exploring alternative approaches and readiness to implement changes when necessary.

Any certificates, licenses, etc. required for the position.

None

OTHER ATTRIBUTES

Functional Knowledge           

Microsoft Office, Safety Principles

Business Expertise   

Electrical Systems, Control Center, Distribution Systems, Transmission Systems  

Entergy Our Expectations, Courage, Open to Change

Leadership, Problem Solving, Troubleshooting      

Customer Focus (Internal and External)

Interpersonal Skills   Entergy Our Expectations, Positive Attitude, Trust and Respect

WORKING CONDITIONS

As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.

Primary Location: Texas-Beaumont Texas : Beaumont 
Job Function: Engineering
MRV Minimum Salary: 83000.000000000000000 
MRV Maximum Salary: 125000.000000000000000 
FLSA Status: Professional 
Relocation Option: No Relocation Offered
Union description/code: NON BARGAINING UNIT 
Number of Openings: 2
Req ID: 123739
Hiring Manager: Robert W Knowles
Recruiter: Shaun Johnson
Travel Percentage:Up to 25%

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Vets. Please click here to view the EEO page, or see statements below.

EEO Statement: The Entergy System of Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Entergy System of Companies complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 
The Entergy System of Companies expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the Entergy System of Company employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Accessibility: Entergy provides reasonable accommodations for online applicants. Requests for a reasonable accommodation may be made orally or in writing by an applicant, employee, or third party on his or her behalf. If you are an individual with a disability and you are in need of an accommodation for the recruiting process please click here and provide your name, contact number, the accommodation requested and the requisition number that you are requesting the accommodation for. Employee Services will contact you regarding your request.

Additional Responsibilities: As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

The non-confidential portions of the affirmative action program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans shall be available for inspection upon request by any employee or applicant for employment.  Please contact HRCompliance@entergy.com to schedule a time to review the affirmative action plan during regular office hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.

Our expectations are the five employee and leader behaviors we believe are essential for positive stakeholder outcomes.

Our expectations:

  1. Make our customers more successful
  2. Innovate and continuously improve
  3. Collaborate and share knowledge
  4. Be accountable for results
  5. Recognize and reward outcomes

What Entergy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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