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Plant Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Mentor Technical Group

Utilities Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Performs routine tasks relative to equipment operations as directed. * Assist Plant Operator in operations of plant controls as instructed. * Performs minor preventative maintenance of systems as ...

Mentor Technical Group

Utilities Operator

Durham, NC · On-site

Performs routine tasks relative to equipment operations as directed. * Assist Plant Operator in operations of plant controls as instructed. * Performs minor preventative maintenance of systems as ...

Town of Cary

OPERATOR- THERMAL BIOSOLIDS DRYER

Cary, NC · On-site

$54K - $83K/yr

Operate plant in regular or fill in capacity; Performs other job-related tasks as required. TYPICAL TASKS IN THE ROLE OF PLANT OPERATOR: Makes regular tours of plant and checks bar screens, engines ...

Town of Cary, NC

OPERATOR- THERMAL BIOSOLIDS DRYER

Cary, NC · On-site

$54K - $83K/yr

Operate plant in regular or fill in capacity; Performs other job-related tasks as required. TYPICAL TASKS IN THE ROLE OF PLANT OPERATOR: Makes regular tours of plant and checks bar screens, engines ...

GRIFOLS, S.A.

Utilities Shift Operator

Clayton, NC · On-site

Understand industrial plant safety and environment requirement Utilities Shift Operator 2 * Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities as defined in previous job level * Able to work independently Utilities ...

Town of Cary

WATER TREATMENT PLANT MECHANIC

Cary, NC

$54K - $83K/yr

As a Mechanic/Operator, you will perform responsible technical and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant including sampling and analyzing, regulating processes and ...

Town of Cary, NC

WATER TREATMENT PLANT MECHANIC

Cary, NC · On-site

$54K - $83K/yr

As a Mechanic/Operator, you will perform responsible technical and skilled work in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant including sampling and analyzing, regulating processes and ...

Sunrock

Plant Utility Person

Durham, NC

$14.75 - $19.75/hr

Key responsibilities include greasing and lubricating plant equipment, ensuring plant cleanliness, operating machinery, and assist with routine maintenance on both the plant and its equipment. The ...

Amcor plc

Plant Manager

Youngsville, NC · On-site

The Plant Manager is a key leadership role which manages all plant operations with overall ... Financial- Control operating expense in order to achieve low variances within target to actual cost ...

Sunrock

Plant Utility Person

Kittrell, NC

$14 - $18.75/hr

Key responsibilities include greasing and lubricating plant equipment, ensuring plant cleanliness, operating machinery, and assist with routine maintenance on both the plant and its equipment. The ...

Sunrock

Plant Utility Person

Butner, NC

$12.25 - $16.50/hr

Key responsibilities include greasing and lubricating plant equipment, ensuring plant cleanliness, operating machinery, and assist with routine maintenance on both the plant and its equipment. The ...

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All JobsPlant Operator JobsPlant Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Plant Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$21

$38

How much do plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operator in Raleigh, NC is $21.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $24.52 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
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What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Plant Operator job openings:
Plant Operator jobs near you

Utilities Operator

Mentor Technical Group

Durham, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

Mentor Technical Group (MTG) provides a comprehensive portfolio of technical support and solutions for the FDA-regulated industry. As a world leader in life science engineering and technical solutions, MTG has the knowledge and experience to ensure compliance with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device safety and efficacy guidelines. With offices in Caguas, PR, Boston, MA & San Francisco, CA and we serve life sciences clients in six global markets: United States, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Germany, Canada, and South America.
Responsibilities:
  • Performs routine tasks relative to equipment operations as directed.
  • Assist Plant Operator in operations of plant controls as instructed.
  • Performs minor preventative maintenance of systems as designated.
  • Assists in maintaining records of equipment operations.
  • Must have ability to maintain records of activities.
  • Performs required tests on boiler water, circulating water, closed cooling water, etc.
  • Makes adjustments and adds required chemicals to maintain water systems within guidelines.
  • Maintains log of water treatment systems.
  • Keep work area clean, neat and orderly
  • Responsible for the operation of the demineralizer and associated equipment.
  • Lines up, starts, stops and secures equipment as required by the plant operator.
  • Knows and abides by all safety rules and regulations.
  • The utility operator will operate the critical and non-critical utilities equipment to assure their continuous operation on a 24/7 schedule basis.
  • Able to work extra hours, at night or on week-ends and irregular shifts.
  • Able to respond to emergency calls.
  • Able to support other departments or projects according to business needs.
  • Strictly follow company's safety and cGMP policies and procedures.
  • Any other duties as required by the supervisor to support normal operations at the department.

Qualifications Requirements/Knowledge/Education/Skills:
  • Technical College Degree in Electricity, Associate Degree preferred
  • Technical Degree in Mechanics, Electricity or Refrigeration with 1-3 years of experience required or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment:
  • He / she may frequently work inside weather conditions, near moving mechanical parts, exposed to wet and or humid conditions, and an odorous atmosphere, may be exposed to fumes and the risk of electrical shock, and occasionally work on ladders in high places, in small spaces, such as lift/metering stations, manholes, tanks and wet wells. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate equipments, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, talk, or hear; sit; climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and smell. The employee may lift and/or move up to 25-35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Mentor Technical Group es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y todos los solicitantes calificados recibirán consideración para el empleo sin importar raza, color, religión, sexo, orientación sexual, identidad de género, información genética, origen nacional, estado de veterano protegido, estado de discapacidad o cualquier otro grupo protegido por ley.
Mentor Technical Group is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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