ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plant Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Orion Talent

Batch Plant Manager

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$60K/yr

Description The Batch Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all personnel and operational ... Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education: * 5 years of experience operating batch plants ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlant Operator JobsPlant Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA

Plant Operator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$13

$21

$38

How much do plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operator in Decatur, GA is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $24.66 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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Some high-paying roles for plant operators or related industrial positions can reach $2000 per day, especially for specialized roles such as senior plant operators, project managers, or consultants with extensive experience and certifications. These jobs often require advanced skills, safety training, and sometimes overtime or shift work in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, or power generation.

What are plant operators?

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.

How to get a plant operator job?

To become a plant operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and sometimes a certification such as a boiler operator license. Gaining experience through apprenticeships or entry-level positions and developing skills in equipment operation and safety procedures are also important steps.

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 noisy and requires adherence to safety protocols.

How much do plant operators make?

Plant operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry. In some regions, experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher wages, especially if working overtime or in hazardous environments.
More about Plant Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA? For Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Plant Operator job openings:
Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,420 per year, or $21.8 per hour.
DWM Watershed Plant Operator Supervisor (Intrenchment Creek)

DWM Watershed Plant Operator Supervisor (Intrenchment Creek)

City of Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

City Of Atlanta (Georgia) rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 659 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Description
Posting expires: June 24, 2026
General Description and Classification Standards:
Responsible for overseeing and supervising a team of certified wastewater plant operators at the RM Clayton wastewater facility, ensuring adherence to safety and regulatory protocols. Responsibilities include training, advising, and motivating operators, managing payroll, employee reviews, and monthly reports, as well as assisting with plant upgrades and troubleshooting process issues. Additionally, this position monitors plant processes, implements standard operating procedures, and evaluates staff performance while procuring supplies, managing chemical inventory, and maintaining compliance documentation. This role involves daily operation and supervision of the entire facility, including equipment maintenance, scheduling, and emergency response planning.
This position conducts inspections, coordinates maintenance repairs, and enforces safety procedures to ensure clean and safe work environments. Collaboration with vendors and contractors, attendance at meetings, and on-call availability, especially during critical periods, are integral aspects of the position. Overall, the supervisor plays a key role in ensuring the efficient and compliant operation of the wastewater treatment process while maintaining facility integrity and safety standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.
  • Conduct meetings with assigned staff to discuss facility operations, review previous shift reports, and receive further directives from management.
  • Review and update the monthly schedule based on staffing needs, vacations, and callouts, ensuring adequate staffing levels.
  • Perform regular plant rounds throughout shifts to identify and address any issues that may affect compliance.
  • Operate plant areas when necessary due to staffing shortages or operational requirements.
  • Maintain the plant logbook to document daily activities and operating status for compliance purposes.
  • Generate and submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports to regulatory agencies such as the EPD and EPA.
  • Communicate operational issues to management as required and provide mid-shift reports.
  • Review process control lab results and instruct operators on necessary adjustments to maintain compliance.
  • Enter plant data into designated systems and ensure data accuracy.
  • Schedule and coordinate emergency maintenance on equipment, instrumentation, and safety systems.
  • Provide assistance to operations and maintenance staff as needed.
  • Manage inventory of chemical supplies, lab supplies, safety equipment, and other necessary items.
  • Train new and experienced employees on plant operations and procedures.
  • Organize and facilitate meetings covering safety, plant issues, SOPs, and other relevant topics.
  • Ensure a safe working environment for staff and address customer complaints promptly.
  • Schedule assignments and provide work area instructions for staff.
  • Process payroll and maintain attendance records for operations staff.
  • Draft daily reports and conduct site inspections as required.
  • Input work orders for equipment repairs into the designated system.
  • Attend supervisors and management meetings and provide shift pass downs.
  • Monitor and maintain equipment to ensure proper operation and compliance with regulations.
  • Record hourly plant data in the logbook and maintain documentation.
  • Complete required training courses to maintain active status with wastewater license.
  • Report necessary plant process changes and upsets to upper management promptly.
  • Follow standard operating procedures during storm flow events.
  • Provide upper management with assigned reports and work schedules regularly.
  • Assign plant cleaning tasks to operators on a routine basis.
  • Ensure minimum staffing requirements are met to operate the plant efficiently.
  • Offer problem-solving assistance to supervised operators as needed.
  • Evaluate wastewater plant processes and adjust settings to maintain compliance with permit regulations.
  • Monitor employees' workload, performance, and scheduling, and conduct yearly evaluations.
  • Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on plant equipment requiring technical expertise.
  • Utilize SCADA systems to evaluate trends and troubleshoot issues in the treatment process.
  • Conduct inspections and tours of the facility with environmental agency personnel and stakeholders.
  • Review projects with plant management and contractors to minimize disruptions and identify issues.
  • Provide tours of the plant to the public and stakeholders upon request.
  • Assist with the training, startup, and operations of new equipment and processes.
  • Complete quarterly stormwater sampling and inspections with the city stormwater management team.
  • Submit documentation to the payroll department and verify timekeeping records.
  • Control inventory and order necessary supplies for plant operations.
  • Respond to complaints from the public regarding water quality and odor issues.
  • Prepare work schedules for the operators supervised.
  • Provide safety literature and conduct safety talks regularly.
  • Ensure plant equipment is in good working order and conduct routine checks.
  • Pull samples for the laboratory and complete necessary documentation.
  • Take training courses to maintain an active status with wastewater licenses.
  • Provide regular payroll status reports to upper management.
  • Make necessary plant process changes and report upsets to upper management.
  • Assign operators plant cleaning duties on a routine basis.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list.
  • Knowledge of the operation, methods and procedures of a wastewater treatment plant
  • knowledge of the machinery used for wastewater treatment and pumping stations
  • knowledge of mechanical equipment; knowledge of basic machinery preventive maintenance and repair
  • knowledge of State and Federal rules governing wastewater discharges and workers safety
  • knowledge of laboratory procedures and terminology
  • knowledge of Chemistry terminology
  • knowledge of microorganism
  • knowledge of Back Flow Prevention
  • Skill in communicating effectively verbally and in writing
  • skill in solving complex problems independently
  • skill in operating incinerators, composite samplers, and various lab test equipment
  • skill in operating a computer and computer software
  • skill in performing analysis of laboratory data
  • Skill in basic math and chemistry, in oral and written communication, and in supervision
  • skill in water plant operation and in the use of maintenance equipment and water analysis equipment skill in utilizing various software programs relevant to the position
  • skill in organizational, management, and human resources techniques
  • Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems
  • ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information
  • ability to handle required mathematical calculations
  • ability to treat water in a safe, effective manner
  • ability to work outdoors in any kind of weather
  • ability to read and understand design drawings and plans
  • ability to operate a vehicle
  • ability to diagnose and correct equipment malfunctions

Minimum Qualifications:
Education and Experience -
  1. High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
  2. 5 years' of work experience in a wastewater plant or a related area.

Licensures and Certifications -
  • Valid State of Georgia Drivers License required.
  • Class III Water Distribution License required.

Preferred Requirements -
  1. High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and 5 years' of work experience in a wastewater plant, including 2 years' of supervisory experience in a wastewater plant or related area.
  2. Forklift Safety Certification.
  3. Georgia Class 1 Wastewater License, OSHA 30, State of Georgia Wastewater Operator Class I License, Incinerator Operator Training Certification, First Aid Certification.

Lifting Requirements:
Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
It is the policy of the City of Atlanta ("COA") that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.
The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran's status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.

What City Of Atlanta (Georgia) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply