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Plant Maintenance Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plant Maintenance Technician

Fresno, CA

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

The Plant Maintenance Technician will be responsible for the maintenance, repair and performance of ... Performs all duties safely, to include operating a company vehicle. * Other duties as assigned

Plant Maintenance Technician

Fresno, CA

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

The Plant Maintenance Technician will be responsible for the maintenance, repair and performance of ... Performs all duties safely, to include operating a company vehicle. * Other duties as assigned

Plant Maintenance Technician

Pittsburg, CA

$26 - $35.25/hr

* Linde Gas & Equipment is seeking a Plant Maintenance Technician to join our team in Pittsburg ... Performs all duties safely, to include operating a company vehicle. * Other duties as assigned

Plant Maintenance Technician

Pittsburg, CA

$26 - $35.25/hr

* Linde Gas & Equipment is seeking a Plant Maintenance Technician to join our team in Pittsburg ... Performs all duties safely, to include operating a company vehicle. * Other duties as assigned

Maintain cleanliness of the plant area, service emulsion customers, load customer trucks as required. Operate skid steer loader, forklift, and excavator as required. While operating a 988 sized ...

Plant Maintenance Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$23.58 - $34.59/hr

Plant Maintenance Technician Fresno, CA, United States req29754 3rd Shift What you will enjoy doing ... Performs all duties safely, to include operating a company vehicle. * Other duties as assigned What ...

Plant Maintenance Technician Pittsburg, CA, United States req28640 What you will enjoy doing ... Performs all duties safely, to include operating a company vehicle. * Other duties as assigned What ...

Description JOB SUMMARY The Plant Maintenance Technician is responsible for ensuring the ... Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good ...

JOB SUMMARY The Plant Maintenance Technician is responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety ... Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good ...

JOB SUMMARY The Plant Maintenance Technician is responsible for ensuring the reliability, safety ... Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good ...

Collaborate with Operator Technicians for troubleshooting and maintenance of industrial plant mechanical and electrical power distribution and machine control systems. * PLC troubleshooting, program ...

This position ensures the plant is maintained in a reliable, safe, environmentally compliant, and ... operating requirements. • Schedules and manages preventive and predictive maintenance in ...

Investigates operating abnormalities and incidents to improve equipment availability and performance and to minimize maintenance requirements. Prepares necessary plant maintenance reports in a timely ...

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Plant Maintenance Operator information

What is a plant maintenance operator?

Plant Maintenance Operators are professionals responsible for ensuring the proper functioning, upkeep, and repair of machinery and equipment in industrial plants or manufacturing facilities. Their duties often include inspecting equipment, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and responding to breakdowns to minimize downtime. They play a key role in maintaining safety standards, improving efficiency, and supporting the overall operations of the plant. Plant Maintenance Operators may work with mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic systems depending on the facility's needs.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a plant maintenance operator?

To thrive as a Plant Maintenance Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, troubleshooting skills, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in industrial maintenance or a related field. Familiarity with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems), power tools, and diagnostic equipment is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient plant operations and minimize equipment downtime, directly impacting productivity and safety.

What are common challenges faced by plant maintenance operators, and how can they be addressed?

Plant Maintenance Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected equipment breakdowns, managing time-sensitive repairs, and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. To address these issues, operators benefit from strong problem-solving skills, ongoing technical training, and effective communication with other team members, including engineers and supervisors. Staying organized and following preventive maintenance schedules can also help minimize unplanned downtime and ensure smooth plant operations.

What is the difference between Plant Maintenance Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectPlant Maintenance OperatorMaintenance Technician
CertificationsOften requires technical diplomas or certifications in industrial maintenanceTypically requires similar certifications, such as HVAC, electrical, or mechanical certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsFactories, industrial sites, equipment repair shops
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, energy, and processing industriesUsed across various industries including manufacturing, facilities management, and utilities
Job FocusMonitoring, operating, and maintaining plant equipmentRepairing, troubleshooting, and maintaining machinery and systems

While both roles involve maintaining industrial equipment, Plant Maintenance Operators focus on operating and monitoring plant systems, whereas Maintenance Technicians primarily perform repairs and troubleshooting. Both roles require technical certifications and are vital in industrial settings, often overlapping in skills and work environments.

Is being a plant maintenance operator worth it?

A plant maintenance operator is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining industrial equipment to ensure smooth operations. The role often requires technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications, with typical schedules including shifts that may involve nights or weekends. It can offer stable employment and opportunities for skill development in industrial settings.

Where do plant maintenance operators make the most money?

Plant maintenance operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong manufacturing or industrial sector, such as areas with large chemical, oil, or power plants. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in facilities with complex equipment can also increase earning potential.

What cities in California are hiring for Plant Maintenance Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Plant Maintenance Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Maintenance Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator IV (May underfill I, II, III)

Newberry Springs, CA • On-site

$21.57 - $28.35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Performs operation, maintenance, and repair of wastewater plant buildings and equipment.

  • Determines major maintenance schedules and operational needs of stationary building equipment such as boilers, compressors, and large pumps.

  • May lead and assign tasks to other employees and assist with major projects.


Job description

Position Title:

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator IV (May underfill I, II, III)

Bargaining Unit:

AFSCME

Job Description:

Incumbent performs journey-level skilled duties required in the operation, maintenance and repair of wastewater plant buildings and equipment. Reporting to the Field Supervisor or Wastewater Plant Maintenance Coordinator, directs and determines the major maintenance schedules and operational needs of stationary building equipment such as boilers, compressors and large pumps. Lead person assignments are routinely required of this position.

Position Salary Range:

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator I: $21.57- $28.35

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator II: $23.57- $31.04

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator III: $27.35- $35.99

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator IV: $29.08- $38.26

This position is eligible for full city benefits, including:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental, Vision and Life Insurance
  • Paid vacation and personal leave
  • Six to Twelve weeks of paid parental leave from day 1 of employment
  • Retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k)
  • A robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Up to $4,000 tuition reimbursement annually
  • Discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services

IMPORTANT: Early application submittal is encouraged. This position will remain open until filled and may close at any time without notice.

Key Responsibilities:

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator I:

  • Under supervision, does entry-level to routine semi-skilled level work in the inspection and servicing of pumps, motors, compressors, lifts, hoists and related equipment.
  • Assists with installing and removing equipment, repairing broken parts and performing preventive maintenance. Makes minor repairs and may complete work orders.
  • Operates equipment and hand or power tools. Performs preparation and cleanup tasks.
  • Performs grounds maintenance; may adjust and repair sprinkling systems Washes walls, paints, cleans, and may make deliveries and pick up supplies from vendors.
  • Under supervision, may begin training on heavy equipment, including loaders and 10-wheel dump trucks.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator II:

  • Inspects and services equipment such as boilers, compressors, lifts, hoists, chillers, steam systems, pumps, air conditioners, swamp coolers, electrical generators, fans, motors, digesters, rag pickers and related equipment.
  • Performs routine maintenance and repairs under supervision or according to work orders, maintenance schedules or as needed. May work alone or as part of a group. Reads blueprints.
  • Reads and interprets performance charts, control panels and graphs. Under supervision, makes operational adjustments. Works with energy conservation and recovery program. Operates valves and controls. Assists with plant security.
  • Repairs broken equipment such as rag pickers, trunions, digester parts and clarifiers. May train other employees in the operation and repair of plant equipment.
  • May operate heavy equipment including loaders and 10-wheel dump trucks.
  • Lubricates machinery and, under supervision, assists or performs new or replacement installations. May assist with major projects under supervision or complete pre-assigned work orders with responsibility for accounting of time and materials.
  • Completes work records and work orders. May suggest inventory replacement or original accesses.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator III:

  • Performs journey-level skilled inspection and servicing of equipment such as boilers, compressors, lifts, hoists, chillers, steam systems, pumps, air conditioners, swamp coolers, electrical generators, fans, motors, digesters, rag pickers and related equipment.
  • Provides expertise and instruction for preventive and specialized maintenance. Performs most maintenance and repairs without supervision, according to work orders, maintenance schedules or as needed. May work alone or as part of a group. Reads and interprets blueprints. Completes work records and work orders. Suggests inventory replacement or original accesses. Trains other employees.
  • Reads and interprets performance charts, control panels and graphs. Makes operational adjustments. Works with energy conservation and recovery program. Operates valves and controls. Assists with plant security.
  • Repairs broken equipment such as rag pickers, trunions, digester parts and clarifiers.
  • May operate heavy equipment including loaders and 10-wheel dump trucks.
  • Lubricates machinery and performs new or replacement installations. Assists with major projects and completes pre-assigned work orders with responsibility for accounting of time and materials.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator IV:

  • Helps determine the need, frequency and schedule of major building and process equipment maintenance and performs in according to plant operations, emergency needs and availability of parts and supplies. Assists in the scheduling and supervision of all general maintenance.
  • Provides expertise and "hands on" instruction for preventive and specialized maintenance and repairs. Performs many maintenance tasks without direct assistance. Orders parts and supplies through departmental channels. Trains other employees.
  • Performs major adjustments to various types of equipment. May repair broken equipment such as rag pickers, trunnions, digester parts and clarifiers. May train other employees in the operation and repair of plant equipment.
  • Prepares training and instructional material including operations and maintenance manuals for plant equipment. Works with designers, contractors and consultants to improve maintenance and provide those maintenance skills after warranty periods.
  • May work with stockroom to assist vendors for maximum cost benefits to plant and to lessen operational interruptions.
  • May operate heavy equipment including loaders, 10-wheel dump truck, and crane.
  • Responds to emergencies and suggests changes in plant procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator I:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Ability to read, write and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Some knowledge of methods, tools and materials used in general maintenance and repair work.
  • Ability to operate various hand and power tools.
  • Possession of valid state driver's license or Utah driving privilege card.
  • Ability to wear respiratory protection devices.

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator II:

  • Satisfactory completion of the Salt Lake City Corporation training for a Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator I. Minimum of two years as a Wastewater Maintenance Worker or similar occupation may be substituted for the Operator Level I training.
  • Proven ability to use hand and power tools for repair of machinery.
  • Possession of a valid driver's license or driving privilege card.
  • Ability to work well with co-workers, supervisors and the general public under varying circumstances.
  • Ability to wear respiratory protection devices.

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator III:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent plus three years' paid experience as a plant maintenance operator installing, repairing and maintaining a variety of industrial or process plant equipment at either a wastewater treatment or water treatment facility, a chemical process plant, or other industrial plant facility.
  • Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints, circuit diagrams and various manuals and maintenance schedules.
  • Possession of a valid state driver's license or Utah driving privilege card.
  • Ability to wear respiratory protection devices.

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator IV:

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent plus four year's paid experience as a plant maintenance operator installing, repairing and maintaining a variety of industrial or process plant equipment at either a wastewater treatment or water treatment facility, a chemical process plant, or other industrial facility; or one year as a Salt Lake City Public Utilities Department Wastewater Plant Maintenance Worker III.
  • Ability to supervise as a lead worker.
  • Proven ability to operate, maintain and repair equipment such as boilers, chillers, conveyors, speed reducers, pumps, compressors, motors and similar equipment and to present and prepare manuals for their operation and maintenance. Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
  • Proven ability to use hand and power tools for repair of machinery.
  • Possession of a valid state driver's license or Utah driving privilege card.
  • Ability to work well with co-workers, supervisors and the general public under varying circumstances.
  • Ability to train and teach other plant personnel.
  • Ability to wear respiratory protection devices.

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:

  • Possession of a Class A or B Utah Commercial Driver's License.

CAREER LADDER:

  • Upon satisfactory completion of training as a WW Plant Maintenance Operator I, incumbent may be advanced to WW Plant Maintenance Operator II based upon the supervisor/manager recommendation, review by Human Resources, and Department Director approval.
  • After one year of successful performance as Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator II, incumbent may be advanced to Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator III based on the supervisor/manager recommendation, review by Human Resources, and Department Director approval. This is based on the need for a Level III worker.
  • After one year of successful performance, during which incumbent demonstrates ability to lead and facilitate team members in the discharge of duties, incumbent may be advanced to WW Plant Maintenance Operator IV based upon the supervisor/manager recommendation, review by Human Resources, and Department Director approval. This is based on need for a Level IV worker.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to stand, walk or sit uncomfortably for extended periods; push, pull or lift medium to heavy weights. Exposure to confined spaces, high voltage equipment, dust, grease, heat, cold, dampness, cuts, scrapes, extremely disagreeable odors, noise, heights (tops of holding tanks, basins, vaults, etc.), unknown levels of pathogenic bacteria, and other environmental aspects which may be considered unfavorable or disagreeable. Significant potential exists for exposure to hazardous chemicals and gases. Employees are to follow prescribed safety and hygienic procedures.
  • Low exposure to stress as a result of human behavior and the demands of the position.
  • Subject to emergency call on a 24hour, sevendayweek basis.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

POSITION SALARY RANGE

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator I: $21.57- $28.35

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator II: $23.57- $31.04

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator III: $27.35- $35.99

Wastewater Plant Maintenance Operator IV: $29.08- $38.26

DEPARTMENT

Public Utilities

Full Time/Part Time:

Full time

Scheduled Hours:

40