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Entry Level Wash Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Suncore is hiring Equipment Operators with experience in loaders, dozers, and more. Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work with a company that values safety, teamwork ...

Suncore is hiring Equipment Operators with experience in loaders, dozers, and more. Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work with a company that values safety, teamwork ...

Suncore is hiring Equipment Operators with experience in loaders, dozers, and more. Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work with a company that values safety, teamwork ...

Suncore is hiring Equipment Operators with experience in loaders, dozers, and more. Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work with a company that values safety, teamwork ...

Suncore is hiring Equipment Operators with experience in loaders, dozers, and more. Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work with a company that values safety, teamwork ...

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Entry Level Wash Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do entry level wash plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wash 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.

Is water treatment hard to get into?

For an entry-level wash plant operator, water treatment skills are often part of the job, but formal training or certifications are not always required initially. Basic understanding of water systems and safety procedures can be gained on the job, making it accessible for newcomers. Experience with equipment and environmental regulations can improve job prospects in water treatment roles within the industry.

How hard is it to become a plant operator?

Becoming an entry-level wash plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Basic mechanical skills, attention to safety procedures, and sometimes a relevant certification or license can help in starting the role, which often involves working in outdoor environments and operating machinery.

What is the difference between Entry Level Wash Plant Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectEntry Level Wash Plant OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsBasic safety training, possibly OSHASimilar safety certifications, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentMining or construction sites, processing plantsConstruction sites, industrial facilities
Job FocusOperating wash plant machinery, material processingOperating various heavy equipment like bulldozers, excavators
Industry UsageMining, aggregate production, constructionConstruction, mining, infrastructure projects

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery in industrial settings, the Entry Level Wash Plant Operator specializes in managing wash plant equipment for material processing, whereas the Equipment Operator may handle a broader range of machinery across different projects. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and certifications.

How to get a plant operator job?

To become an entry-level wash plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical skills, and the ability to operate heavy equipment. Gaining relevant certifications, such as OSHA safety training, and having experience with plant machinery can improve job prospects. Applying to mining, construction, or aggregate companies and demonstrating reliability and safety awareness are key steps.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

The highest salaries for entry-level wash plant operators can reach around $60,000 to $70,000 annually, especially with experience, certifications, and working in high-demand or remote locations. Advanced skills in equipment maintenance and safety can also contribute to higher pay.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Wash Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Wash Plant Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wash Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Wash Plant Operator jobs are:
Plant Operator (Wash Plant)

Plant Operator (Wash Plant)

Martin Marietta

Clarkdale, AZ

Full-time

Posted 20 hours ago


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

332nd of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

 
JOB SUMMARY 
As a Plant Operator at Martin Marietta, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our mining and aggregate production operations. Working under the direction of the Plant Manager and Supervisor, you'll be responsible for safely and efficiently operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant processing equipment; tasks including but not limited to—observing visual and auditory signals during operation, performing routine daily inspections of plant and mobile equipment, reporting defects to the supervisor, as well as maintaining and managing inventory levels of various wear items used throughout the plant site. You will be instrumental in achieving production goals by ensuring consistent, quality aggregate output and maintaining a clean, secure work environment.  
 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Start, monitor, and regulate crushers, screens, conveyors, feeders, and pumps in compliance with safety standards. 
  • Adjust process settings to ensure optimal material flow and quality in line with job specifications.  
  • Operate mobile equipment such as skid steers and front-end loaders during load out or clean-up tasks. 
  • Conduct pre-shift and ongoing inspections of plant and mobile equipment, document daily reports accurately.  
  • Perform preventative maintenance tasks like greasing, cleaning, screen changes, belt splicing, and bearing or pulley replacements.  
  • Identify malfunctions or blockages, safely shut down equipment during emergencies, and initiate work requests for repairs. 
  • Maintain a tidy work area—clear spillage, dust, and debris around equipment and haul roads.  
  • Adhere to all MSHA and company safety policies, including proper PPE use.  
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and teammates to ensure efficient workflow and safety compliance. 
  • Assist in training new or temporary staff on equipment operation and safety procedures.  
  • Take on additional duties—cleaning, quality control, rail loading—as assigned by management. 
  • Maintain daily production reports, recording activity levels, downtime, and material inventory. 
  • Ensure compliance with environmental regulations regarding batch plant operations and dust control. 
 
QUALIFICATIONS 
Education 
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience 
Work Experience 
No prior experience is required; 6 months – 1 year of experience in Aggregate Plant Operations or similar Heavy Building Materials industry, preferred.  
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
Mechanical aptitude 
Technical aptitude 
Knowledgeable of plant components 
Critical thinking 
Time management 
MSHA compliance and regulations 
Effective communicator (written and spoken) 
 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS 
Physical Requirements 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. 
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. 
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet. 
Working Conditions 
All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.  
Disclaimers 
In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments as required, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential. 
 

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994