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Plant Maintenance Operator Jobs in Raritan, IL (NOW HIRING)

CONAGRA

Operations Manager

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$109K - $159K/yr

... operating practices and autonomous maintenance. You will plan, organize, and coordinate production ... Execute the plant's vision and mission to drive continuous improvement and alignment with company ...

Conagra Brands

Operations Manager

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$109K - $159K/yr

... operating practices and autonomous maintenance. You will plan, organize, and coordinate production ... Execute the plant's vision and mission to drive continuous improvement and alignment with company ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Operations Manager

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$109K - $159K/yr

... operating practices and autonomous maintenance. You will plan, organize, and coordinate production ... Execute the plant's vision and mission to drive continuous improvement and alignment with company ...

Solenis

Process Design Engineer

Tennessee, IL · On-site +1

... plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments ... Process descriptions and operating philosophies * Equipment sizing and specifications * Process ...

Shearer's Foods

Operations Coordinator

Burlington, IA · On-site

$23.75 - $26.75/hr

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer's is ... Maintain clean work areas, ensure GMP compliance in area. * Support and train team members as ...

Shearer's Foods

Operations Coordinator

Burlington, IA · On-site

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer's is ... Maintain clean work areas, ensure GMP compliance in area. * Support and train team members as ...

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All JobsPlant Maintenance Operator JobsPlant Maintenance Operator Jobs in Raritan, IL

Plant Maintenance Operator information

See Raritan, IL salary details

$13

$21

$37

How much do plant maintenance operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant maintenance operator in Raritan, IL is $21.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.
Infographic showing various Plant Maintenance Operator job openings in Raritan, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,308 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Summer Intern - Engineering Support (Burlington IA)

Burlington, IA • On-site

Shearer's Foods
Food and Beverage Stores • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Shearer's Foodsexternal

$16 - $20/hr

Part-time, Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist with documenting plant infrastructure by identifying and recording pipelines, valves, and equipment layouts.

  • Take measurements and record observations of plant systems to support engineering documentation.

  • Organize and compile field data for handoff to the engineering team to aid in CAD development.

Shearer's Foods rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

274th of 445 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Overview

Shearer’s Foods, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Massillon, OH, is a leading manufacturer of salty snacks, cookies, and crackers. Specializing in private label and co-manufacturing, Shearer’s is the largest supplier of private brand salty snacks and second-largest supplier of private brand cookies and crackers. 

With a strong focus on innovation, service, quality, and sustainability, Shearer’s has been awarded the food industry’s highest award for environmental sustainability, as well as multiple Supplier of the Year awards. 

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer’s is driven by its core values of People, Grow, Impact and Win. The company mission is to deliver exceptional products and services that make snacking a time to celebrate for our customers, colleagues, and community. 

At Shearer’s Foods, we believe in a skills-first approach to recruitment and employment. This means focusing on what you can do and how you can grow, rather than traditional metrics alone. We are committed to adhering to anti-exclusion practices, removing barriers to access, and enhancing opportunities for all individuals based on merit and potential. Your skills, experience, and perspective are valuable—and we want to empower you to make your mark here with us.  


Responsibilities

Summer Intern - Engineering Support

Burlington Iowa Facility

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Part-Time Summer Intern to assist with documenting plant infrastructure and supporting engineering initiatives. This hands-on role is ideal for someone interested in gaining real-world experience in a manufacturing environment, working closely with plant systems and mechanical components.

The intern will play a key role in capturing accurate field data—including pipelines, valves, and equipment layouts—that will be used by the engineering team to develop CAD drawings of the facility. Specific responsibilities include: 

  • Walk the plant floor to identify and document pipelines, valves, and related components
  • Take accurate measurements and record detailed observations of plant systems
  • Perform manual assessments of equipment layout and infrastructure
  • Organize and compile field data for handoff to the engineering team
  • Collaborate with engineers to ensure documentation supports CAD development
  • Maintain a strong focus on accuracy, completeness, and timely results

Qualifications

  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to document information clearly and accurately
  • Ability to work independently and manage assigned tasks effectively
  • Results-oriented with a commitment to completing work efficiently and thoroughly
  • Interest in mechanical systems, engineering, or manufacturing environments
  • Capable of working in a typical manufacturing environment (noise, temperature variations, etc.)
  • Basic understanding of mechanical systems or industrial equipment
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to climb stairs and ladders as needed
  • Pursuing a degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field is a plus
  • Familiarity with measurement tools or technical documentation is plus

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

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