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Operator Qualification Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualification * Ability to successfully complete the Water Plant Operator qualification card (required for WPO progression). * Ability to successfully complete the Control Room Operator qualification ...

Qualification * Ability to successfully complete the Water Plant Operator qualification card (required for WPO progression). * Ability to successfully complete the Control Room Operator qualification ...

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred Qualifications * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy ...

Qualifications: * Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required. * Minimum of 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment in construction or a related field. * Knowledge of pipeline ...

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred Qualifications * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy ...

Qualifications Minimum * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Operator ...

Qualifications Minimum * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Operator ...

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred Qualifications * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy ...

Qualifications Minimum * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Operator ...

Qualifications Minimum * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Operator ...

Qualifications Minimum * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Operator ...

Qualifications Minimum * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Operator ...

Qualifications Minimum * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment. * Operator ...

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred Qualifications * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy ...

Qualifications Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma, or equivalent. * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment. Preferred Qualifications * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy ...

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Operator Qualification information

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$10

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$29

How much do operator qualification jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator qualification in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operator Qualification vs Pipeline Technician?

AspectOperator QualificationPipeline Technician
Required CredentialsCertification programs, written exams, practical assessmentsTechnical training, certifications in pipeline systems, safety standards
Work EnvironmentField sites, plants, industrial facilitiesPipeline construction, maintenance, inspection sites
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, energy sectors, utility companiesOil & gas, pipeline companies, construction firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding certification requirements, safety standardsJob duties, skills, industry roles

Operator Qualification focuses on certifying individuals to safely operate specific equipment or systems, emphasizing training and assessments. Pipeline Technicians perform hands-on maintenance, installation, and inspection of pipelines. While both roles are essential in the pipeline industry, Operator Qualification ensures personnel are certified to operate equipment, whereas Pipeline Technicians execute the physical work on pipelines.

What is operator qualification?

Operator Qualification (OQ) refers to the process and requirements that ensure individuals performing covered tasks on pipeline facilities are properly trained, tested, and qualified to do their jobs safely and in compliance with federal regulations. OQ programs help verify that workers have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties and can recognize and react appropriately to abnormal operating conditions. These qualifications are mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to enhance pipeline safety and integrity.

Which operator qualification job pays the most?

Operator qualification jobs that typically pay the highest wages include roles such as pipeline or industrial plant operators, especially those requiring specialized certifications and extensive experience. These positions often involve working in hazardous environments and may include overtime pay, resulting in higher overall compensation compared to other operator roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operator qualification specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operator Qualification Specialist, you need a comprehensive understanding of pipeline operations, safety regulations, and compliance standards, often supported by relevant industry certifications or training. Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), regulatory compliance software, and various testing and assessment tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in this role. These abilities ensure that operators are properly qualified, regulatory requirements are met, and operational safety is maintained.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in operator qualification roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Operator Qualification roles often encounter challenges such as staying updated with evolving regulatory requirements, ensuring consistent training standards across teams, and managing detailed documentation. To address these, it's important to establish regular training sessions, leverage digital platforms for tracking qualifications, and maintain open communication with both operators and compliance teams. Staying proactive about regulatory changes and fostering a culture of continuous learning can help mitigate these challenges and ensure operational safety and compliance.
More about Operator Qualification jobs
What cities are hiring for Operator Qualification jobs? Cities with the most Operator Qualification job openings:
What states have the most Operator Qualification jobs? States with the most job openings for Operator Qualification jobs include:
Infographic showing various Operator Qualification job openings in the United States 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 $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Operator Qualification (OQ) Specialist

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Adel, IA • On-site

$88K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


The operator qualification specialist supports the development and delivery of instructional activities associated with gas operations in accordance with Department of Labor, Department of Transportation and Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. The operator qualification specialist also provides support for: ensuring that all gas operator qualification programs and development of programs complies with company policies, standards and procedures and with local, state and federal regulations; enforcing safety rules and practices; oversight of the operator qualification and apprenticeship training data base, ensuring compliance documentation is accurate, consistent and documented according to retention criteria and is based on consistent procedures.
Responsibilities
Supports the development, coordination and conducts hands-on training in operations procedures, standards, equipment, emergency procedures/response, other technical/craft-specific training and operator qualification. Supports operational training as a subject-matter expert for specific craft issues and works as part of multi-function teams to ensure integration of training needs with ancillary work groups that interact with craft personnel. Supports the development and implementation of technical operator qualification evaluations. Provides support to ensures consistent processes and procedures are in place and are the basis of operator qualification. Provide internal consulting services to operating units including all levels of management ensuring current and future regulatory requirements are met. Work as a liaison with state and federal regulators on critical issues (such as incident investigations, policy improvements, participating in program audits). Coach, develop, mentor, lead, and motivate Local Apprenticeship Committees to achieve optimum performance and comply with all company policies and procedures. Proactively identify issues and implement problem solving strategies with apprentices, peers and management. Provides support to ensure MidAmerican Energy Company and contractor operator qualification programs comply with company policies and standards and local, state and federal regulations; enforce safety rules and practices; and are accurate, consistent and documented according to retention criteria. Completes field audits quarterly involving MidAmerican Energy Company and contract employees to ensure operator qualification tasks are being performed accordingly. Maintains effective business relationships with unions. Tests contractor fusers as needed throughout the year. Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in technical engineering, business administration or related field; or equivalent work experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)
Four years experience in gas operations or similar operations. Journey-level certification in gas crafts or similar craft experience preferred.
Knowledge of field and plant work practices, bargaining unit agreements, company standards and policies related to gas, electric or plant construction, operation and maintenance preferred.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally with diverse audiences. Effective interpersonal and leadership abilities with a demonstrated ability to communicate complex information accurately and understandably.
Demonstrated effective analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills with moderately complex and diverse subjects. Project management skills; demonstrated ability to prioritize and handle multiple large projects concurrently. High degree of individual initiative to complete tasks in a timely manner with quality. Personal computer skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. This position is subject to Department of Transportation mandated drug testing, including but not limited to random drug testing.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law.
Position descriptions are developed as guides for the employees of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. The management team of Berkshire Hathaway Energy reserves the right to modify job responsibilities and position requirements to meet the corporate business goals and needs.
About Us
MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.
About the Team
MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

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