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Plant Operations Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Operations Specialist is responsible for managing operations department training requirements ... Conduct job specific technical training to plant operators. * Conduct operator recertification ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

White Heath, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Forsyth, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Clinton, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Farmer City, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Shirley, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Maroa, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Mclean, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Weldon, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Lincoln, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Lake Fork, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Latham, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

De Land, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Heyworth, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Beason, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Sr Operations Specialist

Kenney, IL · On-site

$121K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

To achieve consistently high levels of performance in the area of plant operations, the Operations Specialist routinely interface with the operating crews and site counterparts to ensure continuous ...

Showing results 21-40

Plant Operations Specialist information

See salary details

$28.5K

$50.6K

$81.5K

How much do plant operations specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operations specialist in the United States is $50,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges plant operations specialists face, and how can they be addressed?

Plant Operations Specialists often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, coordinating with multiple departments to meet production goals, and adapting to evolving safety and regulatory standards. Effective communication, proactive maintenance, and continuous learning are key to overcoming these obstacles. Building strong relationships with maintenance teams and investing time in understanding plant processes can significantly enhance efficiency and job satisfaction.

Is plant operations specialist a good career?

A plant operations specialist is a role focused on managing and optimizing manufacturing or processing plant functions, often requiring technical skills and knowledge of equipment and safety protocols. It can offer stable employment, opportunities for advancement, and the potential for specialized certifications. The career's suitability depends on individual interests in industrial environments and technical problem-solving.

What does a plant operations specialist do?

A Plant Operations Specialist oversees the daily operations of industrial or manufacturing plants, ensuring that equipment runs efficiently and safely. They are responsible for monitoring production processes, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and coordinating maintenance activities. These specialists also help enforce safety protocols, optimize workflow, and support compliance with environmental and regulatory standards. Their role is crucial in maintaining productivity and minimizing downtime in plant operations.

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

AspectPlant Operations SpecialistMaintenance Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., OSHA, safety training), technical knowledgeTechnical certifications, trade licenses, safety training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, energy plantsIndustrial sites, manufacturing plants, equipment maintenance areas
Employer & IndustryPower plants, manufacturing companies, industrial facilitiesFactories, plants, industrial maintenance providers
Job FocusOverseeing plant operations, ensuring efficiency, coordinating processesPerforming repairs, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting equipment

While both roles operate within industrial environments and require technical skills, the Plant Operations Specialist focuses on managing overall plant processes and efficiency, whereas the Maintenance Technician concentrates on repairing and maintaining equipment. The Specialist often supervises or coordinates operations, while the Technician handles hands-on maintenance tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant operations specialist?

To thrive as a Plant Operations Specialist, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols, often supported by a technical diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with plant management systems such as SCADA, CMMS, and adherence to industry regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in monitoring operations and coordinating with teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant plant performance.
More about Plant Operations Specialist jobs

Who are the top companies hiring for Plant Operations Specialist jobs?

The top employers for Plant Operations Specialist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Plant Operations Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,612 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Department: Manufacturing

Location: Neal, WV

Travel Involved: 0%

Description: 

The Operations Specialist is responsible for managing operations department training requirements and supporting daily production direction and oversight through interaction with staff, shift leaders, and Operators/Technicians to achieve business objectives.  Provide technical support for the Production Group to accomplish business goals.

Key Responsibilities Include: 
  • Conduct job specific technical training to plant operators.
  • Conduct operator recertification training as required.
  • Monitor and establish schedules for operator recertification training to ensure compliance with Braskem and external requirements.
  • Prepare job specific training curriculum for each job classification.
  • Maintain controlled copies on SharePoint of job specific training curriculum for each job classification and provide for CBT module development.
  • Ensure that technical information contained in the unit operating manual/procedures is accurate and available in the required amount of detail.
  • Participate in and represent the Neal Site in the Braskem Production Trainer Forum.
  • Review, revise, and approve new or modified operations procedures to ensure accuracy and applicability.
  • Assist with implementing and training of Neal plant operating procedures.
  • Maintain technical knowledge of day-to-day operations.
  • Participate in Daily Production Team Meeting.
  • Serve as a technical resource for team members - assist team members when planning work, troubleshooting process deviations or upsets, executing startup and shutdown activities, and managing emergency situations.
  • Monitor, develop, and modify key unit performance parameters.
  • Coach operators on unit performance management.
  • Develop tools that improve unit operations.
  • Provide technical and operational expertise in the review of existing operational procedures.
  • Assist with creating a safe work environment by utilizing risk analysis, job hazard analysis, and risk assessments.
  • Provide mentorship to department team members.
  • Lead or serve as team member for incident investigations
  • Provide operations department representation for key activities such as PHA's, Capital project development and execution, and corrective maintenance prioritization.
  • Advocate for technical improvements, working actively between Operations, Maintenance, and technical disciplines
  • Support planned turnaround activities including
    • Scope development/refinement.
    • Clearing and blinding strategy development.
    • Work plan review and validation - walkdowns.
    • Staffing plan development.
    • Shutdown and startup schedule development.
    • LOTO Development
  • Create and maintain controlled copies of Blind Lists for Equipment and Systems on SharePoint.
  • Create and maintain controlled copies of LOTO plans for Equipment and Systems on SharePoint
  • Provide expertise and review for MOCs
Requirements:
  • Must be available during off hours to address issues with plant operations.
  • Must have a minimum of 5 years' experience in a polymers production facility.
  • High school diploma required.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to coordinate activities with other departments.
  • Must understand engineering basics and have a strong knowledge of overall plant operations.
  • Must have the ability to motivate, develop, and drive performance excellence through feedback, coaching, and shared learning.
  • Proficient computer skills required
  • Must be familiar with ISO, Process Safety Management procedures, and plant fire and safety regulations.
  • Previous experience supervising hourly personnel is preferred.