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Plant Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amrize

Equipment Operator

Longmont, CO

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Drivers & Operators are given primary responsibility of performing all plant tasks that require the use of heavy mobile equipment. The associated equipment of the limestone quarry and the plant ...

Amrize

Equipment Operator

Canon City, CO

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Drivers & Operators are given primary responsibility of performing all plant tasks that require the use of heavy mobile equipment. The associated equipment of the limestone quarry and the plant ...

Energy Northwest

Equipment Operator

Richland, WA · On-site

$62.79/hr

The Equipment Operator works cooperatively with all plant service organizations for the effective performance of duties that interface with plant operations. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Observes and ...

Energy Northwest

Equipment Operator

Richland, WA · On-site

$62.79/hr

The Equipment Operator works cooperatively with all plant service organizations for the effective performance of duties that interface with plant operations. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES * Observes and ...

Amrize

Equipment Operator

Canon City, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Equipment Operator | Req ID: 17344 | HR Contact: Katherine Therese HENNESSY| Location: Canon City ... Responsible for the operation of plant processing equipment at a sand and gravel or quarry ...

Amrize

Equipment Operator

Prospect Heights, CO · On-site

$17.25 - $23.50/hr

Equipment Operator | Req ID: 17344 | HR Contact: Katherine Therese HENNESSY| Location: Canon City ... Responsible for the operation of plant processing equipment at a sand and gravel or quarry ...

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How much do plant equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant equipment 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 is a plant equipment operator?

Plant equipment operators are skilled workers responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining machinery used in industrial plants, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, manufacturing plants, or construction sites. Their duties often include starting and stopping equipment, performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that machines run efficiently and safely. Plant equipment operators play a critical role in keeping production processes running smoothly and must follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and equipment malfunctions. They may also be required to keep detailed logs of operations and maintenance activities. Strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to follow technical instructions are important qualities for this job.

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

To thrive as a Plant Equipment Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, understanding of industrial machinery, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with equipment such as forklifts, conveyors, control systems, and, in some cases, certifications like OSHA safety training are often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of equipment in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges plant equipment operators face, and how can they be effectively managed?

Plant Equipment Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining machinery efficiency, troubleshooting unexpected breakdowns, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Effective management of these challenges involves routine equipment inspections, staying up-to-date with maintenance schedules, and collaborating closely with maintenance and engineering teams. Additionally, ongoing training and clear communication can help operators quickly address issues and reduce downtime, contributing to smoother plant operations.

What is the difference between Plant Equipment Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectPlant Equipment OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CertificationsTypically requires OSHA safety training, CDL may be preferredRequires OSHA safety training, CDL often necessary
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesConstruction sites, mining, roadwork, infrastructure projects
Job DutiesOperate machinery like bulldozers, loaders, cranes in plant settingsOperate excavators, bulldozers, loaders in construction and excavation
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, power plants, industrial facilitiesCommon in construction, mining, infrastructure projects

Both roles involve operating heavy machinery, but Plant Equipment Operators typically work within industrial plants or manufacturing environments, focusing on machinery used in production. Heavy Equipment Operators mainly work outdoors on construction or mining sites, handling equipment for earthmoving and site preparation. While certifications and safety training overlap, the work settings and specific machinery differ, aligning with industry needs.

What cities are hiring for Plant Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Plant Equipment Operator job openings:

What states have the most Plant Equipment Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Plant Equipment Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Equipment Operator jobs?

For Plant Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Plant Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Asphalt Plant Equipment Operator

North Charleston, SC

Banks Construction Company
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Banks Construction Companyexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description

Asphalt Plant Equipment Operator

Build Your Career in Asphalt Production


Banks Construction Company is looking for a dependable, safety-minded Asphalt Plant Equipment Operator to support our asphalt plant operations. This is a great opportunity for someone with equipment operating experience who enjoys hands-on work, working as part of a team, and being involved in the production side of heavy civil construction.


As an Asphalt Plant Equipment Operator, you'll operate equipment at our plant facilities to help move materials, load trucks, support crushing operations, and keep production running safely and efficiently.


Banks Construction operates three asphalt plant locations in North Charleston, Summerville, and Walterboro. Our plants operate day and night to support project and customer needs, so candidates must be flexible and available to work varying schedules as needed.


About Banks Construction Company


Banks Construction Company is a third-generation, family-owned heavy civil and asphalt paving contractor serving the Charleston area. We are proud to be a local company with deep roots in the community and a strong focus on safety, teamwork, and doing quality work. Our core values are Safety, Integrity, Team, and Excellence, and our team lives those values every day on our jobsites.


About the Asphalt Plant Division


The Asphalt Plant Division is part of our Production Group and plays an important role in supporting our paving and construction operations. At our plant facilities, our team unloads stone, processes recycled asphalt and concrete, produces asphalt, and prepares materials for projects throughout the Charleston area.


This team helps ensure our crews have the materials they need to complete high-quality work safely and efficiently.


What You'll Do


As an Asphalt Plant Equipment Operator, you'll operate a variety of equipment while supporting daily plant production and material handling needs. You may help with:

  • Operating equipment at asphalt plant facilities
  • Loading the asphalt plant and crusher
  • Stacking and moving materials
  • Loading trucks with asphalt, aggregate, recycled asphalt, or other materials
  • Operating equipment such as front-end loaders, trackhoes, skid steers, and other plant equipment
  • Receiving production and job information and performing work accordingly
  • Communicating with plant team members to meet production and quality goals
  • Completing basic equipment checks and helping maintain equipment standards
  • Keeping work areas clean, organized, and safe
  • Following all company safety policies and procedures
  • Helping with other plant facility tasks as needed
What We're Looking For


We are looking for someone who is dependable, safety-focused, and comfortable operating equipment in a plant environment. The ideal candidate:

  • Has 1-2 years of experience operating equipment
  • Has experience operating loaders, trackhoes, skid steers, or similar equipment
  • Is comfortable working around asphalt plants, crushers, trucks, materials, and heavy equipment
  • Is flexible and available to work day or night shifts as needed
  • Is willing to work at our plant locations in North Charleston, Summerville, and Walterboro as needed
  • Can follow directions and communicate clearly with team members
  • Takes safety seriously
  • Is dependable and shows up on time
  • Has a strong work ethic and positive attitude
  • Wants to learn and grow in asphalt production and heavy civil construction
  • Has a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
  • Is willing to help with general plant tasks as needed

Previous asphalt plant, quarry, construction, grading, paving, equipment, or material handling experience is helpful.


Schedule


This is a field/plant-based position, and hours may vary depending on production needs, project schedules, weather, and customer needs. Our plants operate day and night, so candidates must be flexible and available to work varying shifts as needed. Overtime may be required.


Why Join Banks?


At Banks Construction Company, you're not just applying for a job - you're building a career with a company that invests in its people. We offer:

  • Competitive wages
  • Steady work with overtime opportunities
  • On-the-job training
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • A strong safety-focused culture
  • A team-oriented environment
  • The opportunity to work around asphalt production and heavy equipment
  • The opportunity to support projects that help build the Charleston community
Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Training and development opportunities
Start Building With Us


If you are dependable, safety-minded, and have equipment operating experience, we'd love to hear from you.


Apply today to join the Banks Construction Company team.

Apply