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Natural Gas Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator Location: Janus Plant site near Mentone, Texas Schedule: 7/7 rotational (days/nights ... The role involves overseeing various plant processes and equipment, including natural gas and ...

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Natural Gas Plant Operator information

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How much do natural gas plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for natural gas 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Natural Gas Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Natural Gas Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, process controls, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA software, and safety monitoring equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators excel in monitoring complex operations and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations while minimizing risks to personnel and the environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A natural gas plant operator can earn around $4,000 per week with experience and specialized training, often without a college degree. These roles typically require technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of safety protocols, and they may involve shift work in industrial environments.

How much do natural gas operators make?

Natural gas plant operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They oversee the operation and maintenance of gas processing equipment, often working in shifts in industrial environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by Natural Gas Plant Operators, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Natural Gas Plant Operators often face challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding quickly to system alarms, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors, and a thorough understanding of plant processes. Continuous training and proactive monitoring can help operators stay prepared for emergencies and minimize downtime, contributing to a safe and efficient plant operation.

What does a Natural Gas Plant Operator do?

A Natural Gas Plant Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment that processes and distributes natural gas. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of compressors, pipelines, and control systems, often using computerized controls. Operators also inspect equipment for leaks or malfunctions, perform routine maintenance, and keep detailed records of operations. Their role is critical for maintaining safety standards and ensuring a continuous supply of natural gas to customers.

How much do gas plant operators make?

Gas plant operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the facility. They often work in shifts and need technical skills to monitor and control equipment safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Natural Gas Plant Operator vs Gas Compressor Station Operator?

AspectNatural Gas Plant OperatorGas Compressor Station Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, possibly certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications often required
Work EnvironmentNatural gas processing plants, industrial facilitiesCompressor stations, pipeline facilities
Industry UsageNatural gas production, processing, and distributionPipeline transportation, compression of natural gas

Both roles involve operating and maintaining equipment related to natural gas. Natural Gas Plant Operators focus on processing and refining natural gas at processing plants, while Gas Compressor Station Operators manage compressor stations that push natural gas through pipelines. Both require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their specific duties differ based on the stage of natural gas transportation or processing.

What do gas plant operators do?

Gas plant operators monitor and control the equipment used to process natural gas, ensuring safe and efficient operation of the plant. They perform inspections, adjust controls, troubleshoot issues, and maintain safety protocols, often working with control systems and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment is typically a plant facility with a focus on safety and compliance.
More about Natural Gas Plant Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Natural Gas Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Natural Gas Plant Operator job openings:
What states have the most Natural Gas Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Natural Gas Plant Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Natural Gas Plant Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Natural Gas Plant Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Natural Gas Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.
Renewable Natural Gas Plant Technician

Renewable Natural Gas Plant Technician

Waste Management

Oklahoma City, OK

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 634 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 75 rated recycling and waste


Job description


Work at a BRAND NEW state of the art facility, and receive the following benefits from day one:

  • Relocation Assistance offered 

  • Base Salary + Form of OT & Annual Bonus
  • Work independently, with lots of variety in your day
  • Discretionary paid time off with Manager approval
  • Education Assistance Program 
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401k Matching

I.  Job Summary

Manage the Landfill Gas to Renewable Natural Gas "RNG" Facility to maximize production, while ensuring safe work practices, environmental compliance, timely maintenance, compliance with contracts, and coordination with the landfill management and operations. This role acts as a plant owner and is available whenever necessary to meet the objectives of the role and the needs of the facility. An RNG Facility takes landfill gas and converts it to a Natural Gas Quality that is injected into the pipeline for household and commercial use. The RNG Plant Manager will be required to operate and maintain equipment such as, specialty gas processing equipment, gas compressors, and H2S removal systems, Nitrogen Removal Unit, and Pressure Swing Absorber.

II.  Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

  • The operator will perform intermediate to advanced level Instrument and Control repair, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting.
  • Capture data and evaluate course of action for optimized plant performance, while operating within identified budgets. This position also has strict requirements for safety and environmental compliance along with standard operating procedures.
  • Must be an engaged employee with the ability to organize and manage small to large scale plant outages and projects, with attention to detail of organizational and record keeping of all maintenance reports, gas data analysis and waste stream documentation.
  • Operate advanced instrumentation and process control systems.
  • Leads, manages, and coordinates all 3rd party vendors or customers for scheduled plant maintenance, unscheduled down time, compliance, and well-field issues.
  • Regularly communicates this with the Market Area Gas Operations Manager (MAGOM) and/or WMRE Operations Manager.
  • Inspects plant machinery and equipment. Repairs, maintains, and services all equipment in accordance with the facility Standard Operating Procedures, equipment maintenance manuals, and WMRE policies and training. Must also be knowledgeable to handle non-routine repairs or issues that may arise and require sound, immediate judgment without direct supervision.
  • Implements WM and WMRE safety policies and practices for all work activities, and ensures these practices are followed by other WM staff, vendors, contractors, and visitors entering the facility.
  • Completes all mandatory training activities for both safety and operational training as assigned by supervisor.
  • Procures plant supplies and replacement equipment in an efficient manner by identifying needs in advance, managing vendors, and working within WMRE guidelines as well as being responsible for the annual budget.
  • Promptly responds to call-outs of plant shutdowns during non-business hours to identify the cause of the shutdown and rectify/diagnose through appropriate repairs or adjustments to return the plant to operation while consulting with WMRE operations managers (as needed). This role is given discretion to judge the situation and respond accordingly without management intervention, until needed.
  • Maintains the facility spare inventory and provides a written inventory count twice annually.
  • Completes special assignments/tasks as required by WMRE Operations Manager, Market Area Gas Operations Manager, or Landfill District Manager.
  • Able to work as a team and communicate clearly and professionally across different business units.
  • Ability to wear/operate assigned PPE and follow WM and WM Renewable Energy safety protocols and procedures.
  • Work on electrical systems, DC and AC low voltage, to troubleshoot and perform minor repairs.
  • Must be strong with basic computer skills used to communicate, document, and change operations settings for plant performance optimization.

III. Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.

A.  Education and Experience

Education: High School Diploma or GED (accredited) required.

Experience: 5 years of relevant work experience in a plant operations or plant maintenance environment required.

B. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations or Other Requirements

Administrative Services\DL NUMBER - Driver License, Valid and in State required

C. Other Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Required

Fundamental knowledge of computer data entry and interpretation.

Must be able to successfully manage fiduciary responsibilities.

Must be able to lift a minimum of 100 lbs.

Must be able to travel up to 15% with overnight stays.

Must be able to diagnose and repair DC circuits 12/24 volts.

Basic knowledge of 120/240/480 3ph volt AC circuits.

Must be able to understand complex processes and action-based thinking.

Must be familiar with basic principles of building maintenance.

Must be able to demonstrate industry communication skills.

Preferred:

Previous RNG Operations

Gas processing or pipeline operations experience

Gas compression and gas conditioning

Controls and programming

Landfill gas collections

Automotive or Heavy Equipment technician

Refrigeration or HVAC experience

Skilled in P&ID or electrical drawing interpretation

Project management experience

IV. Work Environment

Combination: This job operates in a mix between an office environment and plant/field environment and routinely requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, etc. 

 
Please note, this is a salaried position that is eligible for a form of overtime.

Benefits
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability.  As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more!  Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days.  Please note that benefits may vary by site.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.


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