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Plant Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CRH

Equipment Operator & Plant Maintenance

Rochester, NY · On-site

$23.50 - $27.50/hr

Equipment Operator & Plant Maintenance AMAT Rochester, New York, United States Job ID: 521967 The Dolomite Group, a CRH Company, was founded in 1920 as an aggregate mining business. Over 100 years ...

NRG Energy

Plant Operator

Denver City, TX · On-site

Operates and monitors plant equipment outside of the control room under the direction of the Lead Operator or Control Room Operator. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: * Operate, inspect, and monitor ...

Martin Marietta

Plant Operator

Warrenton, GA · On-site

This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently starting and regulating plant processing equipment. The Plant Operator will run and monitor plant operations from a centralized location ...

Martin Marietta

Plant Operator

Warrenton, GA · On-site

This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently starting and regulating plant processing equipment. The Plant Operator will run and monitor plant operations from a centralized location ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Plant Operator

Warrenton, GA · On-site

This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently starting and regulating plant processing equipment. The Plant Operator will run and monitor plant operations from a centralized location ...

NRG Energy

Plant Operator

Denver City, TX · On-site

Operates and monitors plant equipment outside of the control room under the direction of the Lead Operator or Control Room Operator. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: * Operate, inspect, and monitor ...

Martin Marietta

Plant Operator

Saint George, GA · On-site

This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently starting and regulating plant processing equipment. The Plant Operator will run and monitor plant operations from a centralized location ...

Martin Marietta

Plant Operator

Saint George, GA · On-site

This individual will be responsible for safely and efficiently starting and regulating plant processing equipment. The Plant Operator will run and monitor plant operations from a centralized location ...

CRH

Equipment Operator & Plant Maintenance

Palmyra, NY · On-site

$23.50 - $27.50/hr

Equipment Operator & Plant Maintenance AMAT Palmyra, New York, United States Job ID: 521969 The Dolomite Group, a CRH Company, was founded in 1920 as an aggregate mining business. Over 100 years ...

asci

Equipment Operator II

Havelock, NC · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Equipment Operator II Cherry Point MCAS, NC FRCE Contract | Collective Bargaining Agreement ... Move bulk aircraft parts, components, plant equipment, tools, and hazardous and non-hazardous ...

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Plant Equipment Operator information

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How much do plant equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Shelbyville, TN • On-site

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.
Machinery Wholesalers • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.external

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Cleveland-Cliffs rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 117 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 41 rated mining

Job description

Job Description
Location: Shelbyville, TN
Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of North America. FPT is a wholly-owned business of Cleveland-Cliffs and has an immediate opportunity for a Heavy Equipment Operator on Day Shift at the Shelbyville, TN location. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment including crawlers.
Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Ensure adherence to safety standards including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), remove hazards as identified, and maintain cleanliness of the site.
  • Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to wheeled crawler and pedestal crawlers from various manufacturers such as Caterpillar, Sennebogen and Liebherr.
  • Operate & maintain equipment movement in response to hand signals or radio commands.
  • Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using equipment including but not limited to a magnet and grapple.
  • Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals to separate out high-grade metals and removes any non-conforming metals.
  • Load baler and shredder using grapple or magnet.
  • Operate & maintain mobile equipment including but not limited to forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, and/or street sweepers.
  • Perform tasks involving physical labor using tools, including but not limited to standard hand tools, bander, saw zall, and wire snips.
  • Perform daily inspections on all equipment as required.
  • Identify scrap including the grade and type of material and any undesirable elements within the material.
  • Responsible for positioning trailers and containers around the yard and emptying gaylord boxes as required.
  • Perform cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping.
  • Assist mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment.
  • Interact with customers or drivers to direct or assist them.
  • Perform other tasks and operates & maintains other equipment as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma/GED or may consider 1+ years of heavy equipment operator experience.
  • Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records.
  • Ability to follow oral and written communication.
  • Ability to climb ladders or steps to reach objects.
  • Ability to endure physical and outdoor work on a daily basis.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Work cooperatively with other employees and the public.
  • Must be able to work in an environment where routinely exposed to dust, dirt, vibrations, extreme climate and changes in weather.
  • Pre-Employment background, physical, and hair drug screen required.

Ferrous Processing and Trading is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. Cleveland-Cliffs is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.
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