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Full Time Plant Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

... safety and operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. * Performs office and ... Benefits - General Full-Time Employees * 12-13 paid holidays per year * 13 standard work days of ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC

$16.25 - $22.25/hr

Grade and prepare soil plant beds, lay sod, plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens ... While not all roles at Invited are full-time, those full-time team members have access to a ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Grade and prepare soil plant beds, lay sod, plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens ... While not all roles at Invited are full-time, those full-time team members have access to a ...

Equipment Operator

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Grade and prepare soil plant beds, lay sod, plant vegetative material, and seed putting greens ... While not all roles at Invited are full-time, those full-time team members have access to a ...

Plant Maintenance Mechanic

Durham, NC ยท On-site

$53K - $78K/yr

... safety and operating regulations, policies, and procedures. parts. * Performs office and ... Benefits - General Full-Time Employees * 12-13 paid holidays per year * 13 standard work days of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Full Time Plant Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$21

$38

How much do full time plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time plant operator in Raleigh, NC is $21.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How many hours do plant operators work?

Full-time plant operators typically work around 40 hours per week, often following a standard schedule with shifts that can include nights, weekends, or overtime depending on the facility's needs. Overtime may be required during maintenance or busy periods, and some positions involve shift work to ensure continuous operation of the plant.

How much do plant operators make?

Full-time plant operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry or facility. In some regions, experienced operators with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in industrial or utility settings.

What is the difference between Full Time Plant Operator vs Part Time Plant Operator?

AspectFull Time Plant OperatorPart Time Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires relevant certifications and licensesMay require similar certifications but often less comprehensive
Work EnvironmentFull-time, consistent shifts in industrial or manufacturing plantsPart-time shifts, possibly less frequent or flexible hours
Employer UsageCommonly employed by large facilities or companies needing continuous operationEmployed for specific projects or to cover peak times

Full Time Plant Operators usually work full shifts with comprehensive certifications, ensuring continuous plant operation. Part Time Plant Operators work fewer hours, often with similar credentials, providing flexibility for employers. The choice depends on operational needs and scheduling preferences.

Is being a plant operator worth it?

Full-time plant operators are responsible for operating and maintaining industrial equipment, often requiring technical skills and safety certifications. The job offers steady employment, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement, but it can involve shift work and exposure to hazardous environments.

What jobs pay $250 an hour?

Full Time Plant Operators typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high wages are usually associated with specialized roles like senior executives, highly experienced consultants, or certain medical specialists. Some niche or highly skilled professions in engineering, law, or finance may reach this level, but they are not common for plant operators. Earning this rate generally requires advanced certifications, extensive experience, or working in high-demand industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Full Time Plant Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,222 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Harnett County, NC

Lillington, NC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Lillington, NC
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: HRW 2440
Department: Harnett Regional Water
Division: Water Treatment Plant
Opening Date: 07/13/2026
Closing Date: 7/27/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
POSITION SUMMARY
POSITION SUMMARY:
An employee in this position performs technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of equipment at a water treatment plant on an assigned shift for Harnett Regional Water. Work involves controlling mechanical, electrical, and chemical equipment involved in pumping and/or treating water.
This is a night shift position working from 7:00pm to 7:00am.
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee $49,177
Water Treatment Plant Operator C $51,636
Water Treatment Plant Operator B $54,217
Water Treatment Plant Operator A $56,927
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
  • Monitors pumps, gauge charts, and equipment and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; and maintains chemical feed systems and levels.
  • Monitors coagulation process of raw water; plans and monitors clear well water level and usage.
  • Keeps plant records and periodic summary reports of operations; completes daily monitoring reports required by state and federal government.
  • Inspects plant equipment and machinery; makes minor repairs and adjustments on equipment according to preventive maintenance schedules or as necessary.
  • Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle to travel as needed.
  • Prepares lab chemicals and performs physical tests such as turbidity, color, odor, taste and temperature; performs chemical tests as needed such as pH, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, hardness, metal content, and residual chlorine and fluoride; and performs other bacteriological tests as needed.
  • Answers telephone and provides answers or refers caller to appropriate personnel.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • No experience required.
  • Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
  • Possession of a NC Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator: Level C Certification within one (1) year of hire date.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of the operating principles and practices of water treatment.
  • Knowledge of the maintenance requirements of water treatment plant equipment and machinery.
  • Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant and related activities.
  • Knowledge of County policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment.
  • Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.
  • Skill in using a computer and popular word-processing and spreadsheet software.
  • Skill in identifying and assisting in identifying solutions to work problems.
  • Ability to follow specified operating and recording procedures.
  • Ability to detect defects and to take appropriate action in the operation of water treatment equipment, chemical feed machines, and other related equipment.
  • Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
  • Ability to meet deadlines.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking. An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, determine accuracy or make observations, operated equipment, and inspect defects.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The employee works in a plant environment which included indoor and outdoor activities.
Harnett County takes pride in offering an excellent benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, membership in the North Carolina Local Government retirement, free health clinic for employees and anyone in their household and other benefits. To see more information about the benefits offered by Harnett County, click
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