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Permanent Plant Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

... plant. The day shift goes from 6 am to 4 pm and starts at $12.50 an hour. You are eligible for a raise once you convert to permanent after 90 days. If you are looking for a great job with room for ...

... plant. The day shift goes from 6 am to 4 pm and starts at $12.50 an hour. You are eligible for a raise once you convert to permanent after 90 days If you are looking for a great job with room for ...

... plant. The day shift goes from 6 am to 4 pm and starts at $12.50 an hour. You are eligible for a raise once you convert to permanent after 90 days. If you are looking for a great job with room for ...

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Permanent Plant Operator information

See Utah salary details

$12

$20

$36

How much do permanent plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for permanent plant operator in Utah is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $22.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a permanent plant operator?

Permanent Plant Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of industrial plants or facilities, such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. Their duties include monitoring equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting mechanical issues. As permanent employees, they typically work full-time for a single employer, providing stability and in-depth knowledge of the specific plant’s systems and processes. Their role is essential for maintaining efficient and safe plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a permanent plant operator?

To thrive as a Permanent Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of machinery operation, process controls, and safety procedures, often backed by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, maintenance tools, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or specific equipment licenses are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations with minimal downtime.

What are some typical challenges faced by permanent plant operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Permanent Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, handling unexpected breakdowns, and working in environments with strict safety protocols. Effective communication with maintenance teams and adherence to preventive maintenance schedules can help minimize downtime. Additionally, staying updated with operational procedures and ongoing training ensures operators can respond quickly to issues, ensuring smooth plant operations.

What is the difference between Permanent Plant Operator vs Temporary Plant Operator?

AspectPermanent Plant OperatorTemporary Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires relevant certifications and licensesMay require similar certifications, but often less experience needed
Work EnvironmentFull-time, consistent schedule at a specific plantShort-term assignments, variable locations
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, utilities, and energy sectorsUsed for project-based or seasonal work in same industries

Permanent Plant Operators are employed full-time with stable schedules and benefits, focusing on ongoing plant operations. Temporary Plant Operators work on short-term contracts, often at different sites, providing flexibility for employers during peak periods or projects. Both roles require similar skills and certifications, but differ mainly in employment stability and duration.

How much do Permanent Plant Operators make?

Permanent 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. Salaries can vary based on location, shift differentials, and the complexity of the equipment operated.

Is being a permanent plant operator worth it?

A permanent plant operator is responsible for operating and maintaining industrial equipment in facilities such as power plants or manufacturing plants. The role offers stable employment, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement, especially with relevant certifications and experience. However, it often requires shift work, adherence to safety protocols, and physical stamina.

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

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Utah are:

What cities in Utah are hiring for Permanent Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Utah with the most Permanent Plant Operator job openings:

TRISO Chemical Plant Process Engineer

Valar Atomics

Orangeville, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

About Valar Atomics
At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable-unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.
The Team
As part of the Engineering organization, Fuels & Materials develops and qualifies the advanced materials and fuel technologies that form the foundation of Valar's reactor systems. The team ensures performance, reliability, and long-term durability under demanding operating conditions.
The Role
We're seeking highly skilled and motivated Process Engineers to join our TRISO manufacturing pilot line. In this role, you'll be responsible for state-of-the-art chemical processing equipment; taking radical ownership of the system performance and operations. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to install, troubleshoot, and optimize pilot scale uranium processing equipment. This job is full-time based in Orangeville, Utah or Torrance, California with ravel between the two locations up to 50% of the time.
Key Responsibilities
  • System Ownership: Take ownership of one of several major subsystems, ensuring alignment between performance targets, manufacturability, and cost.
  • Procedure Writing: Write and optimize procedures for operation and repairs of chemical processing equipment.
  • Engineering Analysis: Perform structural, thermal, chemical, and fluid analyses to validate system performance and reliability.
  • Development Execution: Develop detailed understanding and modeling of equipment operations and optimize output to meet stringent specifications.
  • Yield Improvement: Improve yields and throughput time.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with other functions of the processing lines, engineering, and management.
  • Supplier & Manufacturing Interface: Work closely with vendors to manage cost, timelines, manufacturing process selection, and quality control.
  • Design Process Development: Contribute to the best internal practices for safety, documentation, and personnel management.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If You
  • Demonstrate ability and eagerness to learn and become subject matter expert on assigned equipment.
  • Achieve operational completeness of mechanical installation and documentation.
  • Collaborate effectively with technicians and other engineers.
  • Adapt to changing priorities and environments without losing sight of all tasks.
  • Exhibit extreme ownership, curiosity, and attention to details

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field
  • Proven track record of engineering excellence
  • Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical systems for wet chemistry and/ or high temperature processing.
  • Strong analytical mindset with the ability to lead root cause investigations
  • Experience in production environment
  • Experience overseeing and mentoring a team
  • Excellent communication, technical documentation, and leadership skills
  • Willingness to relocate to Emery County, Utah

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience in high-performance or safety-critical production environments
  • Deep understanding of quality and reliability engineering
  • Hands-on laboratory and production experience
  • Ceramic processing, SolGel casting, high temperature production
  • Chemical processing plants, wastewater treatment

What We Offer
  • Competitive base salary
  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing advanced energy company
  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Free daily lunch and dinner provided onsite
  • Generous PPE stipend
  • High-impact startup environment with significant ownership and autonomy
  • Opportunities for rapid career growth and internal advancement
  • Direct collaboration with experienced operators, engineers, and industry leaders
  • The opportunity to help build and scale transformative energy technology from the ground up

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).