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Plant Operations Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SSM Health

Plant Operations Technician

Ripon, WI · On-site

Plant Operations Technician 📍 Ripon, WI | 🕒 Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM (On-call/after hours required) | 🏢 Onsite Do you enjoy hands-on work, solving mechanical problems, and keeping ...

Targa

Plant Operations Technician

Jal, NM · On-site

Review and monitor plant operation/processes for optimizing quality and production of products ... Technician or similar role. SPECIAL SKILLS OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS: * Must be willing to work 12 hour ...

Targa

Plant Operations Technician

Velma, OK · On-site

Review and monitor plant operation/processes for optimizing quality and production of products meeting required data specifications. The responsibility of the technician is to work safely, have good ...

Targa Resources

Plant Operations Technician

Velma, OK · On-site

Review and monitor plant operation/processes for optimizing quality and production of products meeting required data specifications. The responsibility of the technician is to work safely, have good ...

Casa of Hobart

Plant Operations Technician

Hobart, IN · On-site

Position Overview Casa Healthcare is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Technician to join our team to support six skilled nursing and two assisted living facilities in Lake County Indiana. This ...

Casa of Hobart

Plant Operations Technician

Hobart, IN · On-site

Position Overview Casa Healthcare is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Technician to join our team to support six skilled nursing and two assisted living facilities in Lake County Indiana. This ...

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How much do plant operations technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operations technician in the United States is $23.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Plant Operations Technician, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, troubleshooting abilities, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in industrial maintenance. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and industry safety protocols is often required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure help technicians excel in this dynamic environment. These skills ensure safe, efficient plant operations and help minimize equipment downtime, directly supporting facility productivity.

What is the highest paid technician job?

In the field of plant operations, senior or specialized roles such as Plant Maintenance Managers or Process Control Engineers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and technical expertise in areas like automation, instrumentation, or process optimization.

What does a Plant Operations Technician do?

A Plant Operations Technician is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and operating equipment and systems in industrial or manufacturing plants. Their duties often include inspecting machinery, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that production processes run safely and efficiently. They also follow strict safety protocols and may assist with quality control. Strong attention to detail and technical skills are essential in this role.

Is plant operation a good career?

A career as a Plant Operations Technician involves maintaining and operating industrial equipment in manufacturing or energy facilities. It offers stable employment, requires technical skills, and often involves shift work and safety training. The role can provide good job prospects and opportunities for advancement in industrial sectors.

How much do plant technicians make in the US?

Plant operations technicians in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often require technical skills, certifications, and familiarity with equipment and safety protocols, and may work shifts in manufacturing or energy plants.

What is a plant operations technician?

A plant operations technician is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment in industrial or manufacturing plants. They often operate control systems, perform routine inspections, and ensure safety and efficiency standards are met, typically requiring technical skills and relevant certifications. The role may involve shift work and working in environments with machinery and hazardous materials.

What are some common challenges faced by Plant Operations Technicians, and how can they be managed?

Plant Operations Technicians often work in fast-paced environments where equipment reliability and process efficiency are critical. Common challenges include troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, managing time-sensitive repairs, and adapting to evolving safety protocols. Effective communication with maintenance and engineering teams, staying proactive with preventive maintenance, and participating in ongoing training can help technicians successfully navigate these challenges and maintain smooth plant operations.

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

AspectPlant Operations TechnicianMaintenance Technician
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or associate degrees in industrial technology or related fieldsOften requires certifications in HVAC, electrical, or mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsFacilities, manufacturing plants, equipment repair settings
Job FocusOverseeing plant operations, monitoring systems, ensuring safety and efficiencyRepairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment and machinery

The Plant Operations Technician primarily focuses on managing and monitoring plant systems to ensure smooth operations, while the Maintenance Technician concentrates on repairing and maintaining equipment. Both roles often work in similar environments and require technical certifications, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Plant Operations Technician jobs
What cities are hiring for Plant Operations Technician jobs? Cities with the most Plant Operations Technician job openings:
What states have the most Plant Operations Technician jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Operations Technician jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plant Operations Technician jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Operations Technician jobs are:
Plant Operations Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operations Technician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,108 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Plant Operations Technician

Plant Operations Technician

Auburn University

Auburn University, AL • On-site

$63K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Auburn University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

485th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Overview
Facilities Management at Auburn University is excited to begin the search for a Plant Operations Technician to join our Utilities & Energy team! In this role, you'll play a vital part in keeping Auburn's campus running smoothly by supporting the operation and maintenance of our district energy systems that provide heating and cooling across campus.
The Plant Operations Technician is responsible for maintaining boiler and hot-loop water chemistry while performing routine repairs and preventative maintenance on a wide range of plant equipment. From motors and pumps to cooling towers and control systems, this position offers hands-on work across multiple skilled trades in a collaborative and team-focused environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with complex mechanical systems, and contributing to the behind-the-scenes operations that support the Auburn community. As a Plant Operations Technician, you'll be part of a skilled team dedicated to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and service to the Auburn campus.
Responsibilities
  • Performs preventative maintenance and basic repairs on district energy plant equipment, including motors, pumps, boilers, cooling towers, controls, valve actuators/operators, and flow meters; conducts seasonal heating and cooling system transitions.
  • Assists contracted water treatment specialists with installation, maintenance, and monitoring of primary hot water, chilled water, and condenser water systems.
  • Completes and maintains daily digital plant logs and shared event logs for chilled water, hot water, and steam plants.
  • Performs utility operations and outage response-including valve exercising, load shifting, plant monitoring, operation of utility distribution and diagnostic equipment, and transitioning boilers to backup diesel fuel-during planned and unplanned events, during and after normal work hours as needed.
  • Responds to after-hours alarms and plant call-ins as required.
  • Utilizes utility and facilities software systems (e.g., Metasys, AiM, Optimum Energy, Elevate FM) to operate plants, troubleshoot issues, and perform maintenance activities.
  • Will be responsible for meeting and maintaining training and certification requirements as outlined by the Auburn University Facilities Management Policy: "Training, Education, and Certification Requirements for Mechanical and Electrical Trades Personnel".

Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED and 2 years of experience in installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of a wide array of common plant system components.
  • Valid Driver's License.

Contract Type
Continuing
Why Work at Auburn?
  • Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
  • Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
  • We're Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
  • Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
  • A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
  • Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Posted Date
6/24/2026

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