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Plant Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Luck Stone

2nd Shift - Plant Operator

Rockville, VA

$24.38 - $36.57/hr

Luck Stone's Rockville Plant is looking for a Plant Operator who's mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and ready to keep our crushers, conveyors, screens, feeders, and bins running at their best.

Airliquidehr

Plant Operator (Night)

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$23/hr

R10096309 Plant Operator (Night) (Open) Location: Hopewell, VA - Filling industrial - Dry-ice How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ...

Airgas

Plant Operator (Night)

Hopewell, VA · On-site

R10096005 Plant Operator (Night) (Open) Location: Hopewell, VA - Filling industrial - Dry-ice How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ...

Airgas

Plant Operator (Night)

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$23/hr

R10096309 Plant Operator (Night) (Open) Location: Hopewell, VA - Filling industrial - Dry-ice How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW? We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ...

Reworld

Back Plant Operator

Lorton, VA

About the role Back Plant Operator As a Back Plant Operator, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and environmentally sound operations of industrial systems and equipment associated with ...

New

ARC3 GASES Inc

Fill Plant Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

This position will serve as a multifunctional operator for the Chester Gas Plant, with its primary focus on the Specialty Gas Department. The ability to operate in multiple areas of the facility, as ...

Allan Myers, Inc.

Asphalt Plant Operator

Rockville, VA · On-site

Perform winter maintenance repairs on plant. * Assist as an equipment operator as needed - during production a CAT 980 or 966 Loader is operated to feed raw materials into cold feed/recycle bins and ...

Arc3 Gases, Inc.

Fill Plant Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

This position will serve as a multifunctional operator for the Chester Gas Plant, with its primary focus on the Specialty Gas Department. The ability to operate in multiple areas of the facility, as ...

City of Norfolk, VA

Asphalt Plant Operator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$46K - $78K/yr

The Asphalt Plant Operator I also performs major and minor repairs and maintenance on the plant, facility buildings and construction equipment. The Department of Public Works builds, maintains, and ...

Allan Myers

Asphalt Plant Operator

Rockville, VA

Perform winter maintenance repairs on plant. * Assist as an equipment operator as needed - during production a CAT 980 or 966 Loader is operated to feed raw materials into cold feed/recycle bins and ...

Allan Myers

Asphalt Plant Operator

Rockville, VA · On-site

Perform winter maintenance repairs on plant. * Assist as an equipment operator as needed - during production a CAT 980 or 966 Loader is operated to feed raw materials into cold feed/recycle bins and ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPlant Operator JobsPlant Operator Jobs in Virginia

Plant Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operator in Virginia is $22.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, process control, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with control panels, SCADA systems, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring smooth operations and responding quickly to issues. These skills are vital for maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and compliance in industrial plant environments.

What are some common challenges faced by plant operators, and how can they be effectively managed?

Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment malfunctions, maintaining safety protocols, and adapting to variable production demands. Managing these challenges typically involves staying vigilant during routine inspections, promptly reporting and addressing anomalies, and collaborating closely with maintenance teams. Continuous training on updated safety procedures and clear communication with supervisors and co-workers are also crucial for effective problem-solving and ensuring smooth plant operations.

What is a plant operator?

Plant operators are professionals responsible for controlling and overseeing industrial machinery and equipment in facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. Their main duties include monitoring systems, maintaining equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely. Plant operators must follow strict safety protocols, respond to emergencies, and perform routine inspections to keep the plant functioning efficiently. They often work in shifts and may be required to handle complex technical systems. This role typically requires technical training and a strong attention to detail.

What is the difference between Plant Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectPlant OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a certification or license specific to plant operationsOften requires a commercial driver's license (CDL) or equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentOperates machinery within industrial plants, power plants, or manufacturing facilitiesOperates heavy machinery outdoors, such as bulldozers, cranes, or forklifts
Industry UsageCommon in energy, manufacturing, and utility industriesCommon in construction, mining, and logistics industries

While both roles involve operating machinery, Plant Operators focus on managing and controlling plant systems within industrial facilities, often requiring specialized certifications. Equipment Operators typically handle heavy machinery outdoors, with a focus on construction or transportation tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and certifications.

What does a plant operator do?

A plant operator oversees the day-to-day operations of an industrial plant. As a plant operator, you operate different types of machinery and equipment from a control room. You might specialize in a specific type of machinery and work on one part of the process, or you might be a generalist who works on different machines in all parts of the process. Plant operators work in many industries such as the oil and gas industry, manufacturing, utilities and power plants.

What is the work of a plant operator?

A plant operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring machinery and equipment in industrial plants such as power plants, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing plants. They operate control panels, perform routine inspections, and ensure safety and efficiency of operations, often requiring technical skills and certifications. Their work environment can be demanding and may involve shift work to maintain continuous operations.

How much do plant operators make?

Plant operators in Florida typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. Skilled operators with certifications such as OSHA or EPA may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or power plant environments.
More about Plant Operator jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Plant Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plant Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Plant Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Plant Operator job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator jobs in VA?

For Plant Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,122 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

2nd Shift - Plant Operator

Luck Stone

Rockville, VA

$24.38 - $36.57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Luck Stone's Rockville Plant is looking for a Plant Operator who's mechanically inclined, safety-minded, and ready to keep our crushers, conveyors, screens, feeders, and bins running at their best. This is an overnight shift that rotates between our Rockville, Boscobel, Powhatan and South Richmond sites on a weekly basis. Production is the core of our business, and our Plant Operators are the hands-on experts who make sure our equipment stays in top-notch condition — because at Luck Stone, safety and quality go hand in hand.

Job Responsibilities
  • Conduct pre-shift inspections of the plant
  • Assist with preventative and reactive maintenance: changing screens, greasing, changing rollers, belt splices, rebuilding crushers, welding, and fabrication
  • Cut, weld, gouge, and fabricate as needed 
  • Run equipment as needed to support site operations
  • Consistently inspect and monitor the plant to ensure proper operation
  • Assist with other site projects as requested by management and team members
  • Stay flexible to support teammates on other projects as needed
  • Help keep the site clean and organized at the end of each shift
What You Bring

Required Skills: Mechanically inclined with proven work experience

Experience: Prior experience preferred operating and/or performing maintenance in a similar environment

Comfort Level: Comfortable working from elevated platforms and other heights without fear

Schedule

Onsite, Monday through Thursday 4PM-4AM

Pay & Benefits

Pay starts at $24.38 per hour plus shift differential, and could increase upon skills and experience evaluation from management.

Benefits start on Day 1 of employment and include:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability
  • Paid time off: personal, vacation, holidays, 5 well-being days
  • Matching 401(k) and retirement pension

Luck Companies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.  We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

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