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Junior Operator Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Operating within a fast-paced power and steam production environment, the Junior Boiler Operator plays a key role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety. Key Responsibilities * Boiler ...

Operating within a fast-paced power and steam production environment, the Junior Boiler Operator plays a key role in maintaining operational efficiency and safety. Key Responsibilities * Boiler ...

... type Operating Systems - Expertise with scripting languages such as PERL, Java Script, Python ... Jr. Technical Engineer Location: Atlanta, GA Job Status: Full-Time Start Date: ASAP Mode of ...

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Junior Operator information

See Georgia salary details

$19K

$61.2K

$104.7K

How much do junior operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior operator in Georgia is $61,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $70,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior operator?

Junior Operators are entry-level professionals who assist in the operation and maintenance of machines, equipment, or production processes within industries such as manufacturing, oil and gas, or utilities. They typically work under the supervision of senior operators, performing tasks like monitoring equipment, reporting issues, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Junior Operators play a crucial role in keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently while gaining hands-on experience and training for more advanced roles in the future.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Operator, you typically need a high school diploma, basic mechanical aptitude, and a solid understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with industrial machinery, control panels, and tools such as PLCs or SCADA systems is often required, along with any relevant safety certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate operation of equipment in manufacturing or production environments.

What are some common challenges faced by a junior operator in their first year, and how can they be overcome?

Junior Operators often encounter challenges such as learning to operate new machinery, adapting to shift work, and understanding complex safety procedures. It's common to feel overwhelmed at first, but seeking guidance from experienced colleagues and actively participating in on-the-job training can help ease the transition. Building strong communication with team members and supervisors is key to quickly resolving issues and developing confidence in your role. Staying proactive in asking questions and reviewing operational manuals will also support your growth as you gain hands-on experience.

What is the difference between Junior Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectJunior OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic trainingHigh school diploma, technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised settingsManufacturing or industrial settings, more autonomous
Employer UsageTraining role, developmental positionSkilled role, responsible for operating machinery
Common Search IntentEntry-level, training, beginnerOperational, machinery handling, skilled work

The main difference between a Junior Operator and a Machine Operator lies in experience and responsibility. Junior Operators are typically entry-level, focusing on learning and assisting, while Machine Operators are more experienced, responsible for operating and maintaining machinery independently.

How much is the salary of a junior operator?

The salary of a junior operator typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of this range, with opportunities for advancement and increased pay as skills and certifications develop.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Georgia?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Georgia are:

What cities in Georgia are hiring for Junior Operator jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Junior Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Operator job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,203 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Senior Boiler Operator - Clean Energy Plant

Pratt Industries

Conyers, GA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Pratt Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 108 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary
Pratt Industries is seeking a highly skilled and safety-minded Senior Boiler Operator for our Clean Energy Plant in Conyers, GA. The primary function of this role is the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of our Bubbling Fluidized Bed (BFB) boiler and Steam Turbine Generator (STG) system. This critical power infrastructure directly supplies the essential steam and electricity required to sustain the facility's high-volume paper machine and paper-making manufacturing processes.
In addition to advanced technical operations, the Senior Boiler Operator serves as the shift lead, directly supervising and coordinating the daily activities of the Junior Operator, Material Handlers, and Day Laborers. The successful candidate will ensure seamless fuel yard management, peak thermal efficiency, and strict adherence to environmental and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities
  • Boiler & Turbine Operations: Safely operate, monitor, and troubleshoot the BFB boiler and Steam Turbine Generator (STG) via the Distributed Control System (DCS) and local plant walks. Maintain stable drum levels, steam temperatures, and pressures.
  • Utility Supply Management: Ensure a reliable, uninterrupted supply of high-pressure steam and cogenerated electricity to match the real-time production demands of the Paper Machine.
  • Shift Leadership & Supervision: Direct, mentor, and evaluate the shift team, including the Junior Operator, Material Handlers, and Day Laborers. Assign daily operational, fuel processing, and housekeeping tasks to ensure smooth shift coverage.
  • Fuel Prep & Material Management: Oversee the material handling team as they receive, stockpile, and feed alternative fuels (wood waste, paper mill rejects, and biomass) into the BFB system. Adjust fuel feed rates and bed parameters to optimize combustion efficiency based on fuel moisture and quality fluctuations.
  • Water Chemistry & Environmental Compliance: Perform and review boiler feedwater chemistry tests. Monitor emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) and manage ash handling systems to guarantee full compliance with local, state, and EPA environmental permits.
  • Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose mechanical and electrical abnormalities early. Isolate equipment safely using strict Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, issue maintenance work orders, and assist during planned outages or emergency shutdowns.
  • Safety & Housekeeping: Enforce OSHA regulations and Pratt Industries corporate safety policies. Maintain pristine housekeeping standards across the power island and fuel preparation areas.

Qualifications & Experience
  • Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of experience operating high-pressure industrial boilers, with specific, hands-on experience running Bubbling Fluidized Bed (BFB) technology and Steam Turbine Generators.
  • Leadership: Minimum of 2 years of supervisory, shift-lead, or relief-lead experience within a power plant or heavy manufacturing environment.
  • Technical Proficiency: Comprehensive understanding of fluidized bed dynamics, solid fuel handling systems (walking floors, conveyors, shredders), steam cycles, and industrial water treatment.
  • Education/Licensing: High School Diploma or GED required; a valid ASME/NIULPE Boiler Operator certification or stationary engineer license is highly preferred.
  • Skills: Strong computer literacy with DCS/SCADA interfaces, clear radio communication skills, and the ability to make critical decisions calmly under pressure.
  • Availability: Must be willing and able to work a rotating shift schedule (including days, nights, weekends, and holidays) to support a 24/7/365 production facility.
  • Safety Awareness: Comprehensive knowledge of power plant safety, especially in high energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, and heavy equipment operations. Proven ability to observe hazards and avoid accidents by correctly anticipating the consequences of actions.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly.
  • Requires the physical agility to climb stairs, ladders, and navigate elevated platforms or confined spaces.
  • Comfortable working around moving mechanical parts in an industrial environment with exposure to heat, noise, dust, and varying outdoor weather conditions.

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary with performance incentives.
  • Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA, legal assistance, and a 401(k) with company match.
  • Paid vacation and holidays.
  • Clear career development pathways within a rapidly growing, sustainability-focused organization.

Pratt Industries is the fifth-largest corrugated packaging company in the U.S. and the world's largest privately-held producer of 100% recycled paper and packaging solutions. The Conyers campus features a paper recycling mill, corrugator, and box-making facilities. As part of our commitment to sustainability and innovation, our Clean Energy Division operates a state-of-the-art Waste-to-Energy facility. This plant utilizes an advanced gasification process to transform alternative fuel sources into clean steam and power, driving our closed-loop manufacturing system and reducing environmental impact.

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