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Plant Operations Assistant Jobs in Springfield, IL

Quality Manager

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$190K/yr

Prepare the annual budget for the department and assist other departments in their budget ... the plant & department and reviews with key operations stakeholders, department personnel and ...

Quality Manager

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Prepare the annual budget for the department and assist other departments in their budget ... the plant & department and reviews with key operations stakeholders, department personnel and ...

In this role, you will assist the Operations Manager in the development of processes to achieve a ... Lead weekly department meetings to communicate safety topics, department or plant-wide activities ...

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Plant Operations Assistant information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do plant operations assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operations assistant in Springfield, IL is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plant Operations Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Operations Assistant, you need a basic understanding of facility maintenance, equipment operation, and general safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with maintenance management systems, hand tools, and possibly certifications in OSHA safety standards is typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and reliability are crucial soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure smooth plant operations, help prevent accidents, and support efficient teamwork and compliance with safety protocols.

What is the difference between Plant Operations Assistant vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectPlant Operations AssistantMaintenance Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusAssisting daily plant operations, monitoring equipment, supporting staffRepairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment
Employer UsageManufacturing, energy, utilitiesManufacturing, energy, utilities

While both roles work within industrial settings, a Plant Operations Assistant primarily supports daily plant functions and operations, whereas a Maintenance Technician focuses on equipment repair and maintenance. The roles often overlap but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

What are Plant Operations Assistants?

Plant Operations Assistants are support staff who help ensure that industrial or manufacturing facilities run smoothly. Their duties often include monitoring equipment, performing basic maintenance, assisting with inventory management, and helping maintain safety and cleanliness standards. They work under the supervision of plant managers or engineers and may be involved in coordinating with other departments to support overall plant operations. This role is essential for minimizing downtime and aiding the efficient operation of the facility.

What does a typical day look like for a Plant Operations Assistant, and what are the main responsibilities involved?

A typical day for a Plant Operations Assistant involves supporting the smooth running of facility operations by assisting with equipment maintenance, monitoring supply levels, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. You may be responsible for coordinating minor repairs, updating maintenance logs, and collaborating with technicians and supervisors to address any urgent operational issues. The role often requires flexibility and strong organizational skills, as priorities can shift based on production needs or unexpected equipment concerns. Working closely with other departments, you'll play a vital part in maintaining an efficient and safe plant environment.
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Plant Operations Assistant jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Plant Operations Assistant job openings:
Senior Director of Operations - Ice Cream

Senior Director of Operations - Ice Cream

Kemps

Springfield, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE

Provide direction to multiple manufacturing facilities to meet short- and long-range divisional objectives with optimum efficiency. Represent the plants as a cross-functional liaison to coordinate all phases of operations and provide optimum services. Participate in the development and oversee the implementation of long- and short-range business strategies and action plans (including but not limited to capital expenditure, operations budget, material procurement, and product pricing) to improve profitability. Provide general leadership with a focus on cultural change and manufacturing excellence and assist senior leadership on special assignments, projects or teams.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide expert guidance to facility/plant operations ensuring they operate effectively, accelerate productivity improvement, meet all Good Manufacturing practices, comply with state and federal regulations, and meet customer/sales/demand requirements while operating within established budgets

Direct and review operating results, evaluate progress at each plant, and control expenses related to budgets and inventory capital. This includes value analysis of systems, performance, people, procedures, activities, requirements, labor, utilities, product mix, controls, capital needs, and maintenance of assets to achieve profit, quality, service level, value and safety of all products produced

Contribute to the strategic planning efforts and communicate regularly with senior leadership to ensure that the company continues to maximize its short and long-term contributions to overall corporate growth and profitability

Determine long- and short-range requirements of personnel, material and facilities to meet sales demands and optimal network optimization

Lead operational sustainability to support utilizing resources efficiently and take an active role in ensuring that DFA is contributing to our industry and community social responsibility efforts

Advise management teams in developing and implementing plans, policies and practices that support their respective objectives

Lead the establishment of Key Performance Indicators to measure performance of the division and manufacturing facilities

Implement Continuous Improvement to generate improvement plans that feature both short and long-term improvements, with and without capital investment. Drive key initiatives in the areas of quality, safety, sustainability, cost, and service through Continuous Improvement Management Operating Systems

Drive consistency and standardization throughout the supply chain

Ensure facility operations comply with company policies, customer expectations and regulatory requirements

Cultivate an innovative, data driven, team-oriented culture that embraces continuous improvement within an environment of learning

Engage in the typical responsibilities of a manager requiring planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating, and controlling; may have one or two direct reports

The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required


Kemps logo

About Kemps

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Since 1914, Kemps has been delighting families throughout the upper Midwest with wholesome and delicious dairy products. We started as a small creamery in Southeastern Minnesota, but we’ve grown quite a bit through the years. Today, we’re owned by Dairy Farmers of America Inc. (DFA). At Kemps, we produce fresh milk, frozen yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and frozen novelty treats, to bring the goodness of Kemps to families and communities.

Industry

Animal farming

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1914