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Plant Operators Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator ...

Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator ...

Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator ...

Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator ...

Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator ...

Plant Operator

Traverse City, MI · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Share your ideas and help shape the way we work through improvement huddles, employee surveys, and town hall meetings A Day in the Life The Plant Operator is responsible for Operating stationary ...

Share your ideas and help shape the way we work through improvement huddles, employee surveys, and town hall meetings A Day in the Life The Plant Operator is responsible for Operating stationary ...

Plant Operator

Traverse City, MI · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Share your ideas and help shape the way we work through improvement huddles, employee surveys, and town hall meetings A Day in the Life The Plant Operator is responsible for Operating stationary ...

Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator ...

Share your ideas and help shape the way we work through improvement huddles, employee surveys, and town hall meetings A Day in the Life Assists the Licensed Chief Plant Operator in assignment and ...

Plant Operator III

Traverse City, MI · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Share your ideas and help shape the way we work through improvement huddles, employee surveys, and town hall meetings A Day in the Life Assists the Licensed Chief Plant Operator in assignment and ...

Plant Operator III

Traverse City, MI · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Share your ideas and help shape the way we work through improvement huddles, employee surveys, and town hall meetings A Day in the Life Assists the Licensed Chief Plant Operator in assignment and ...

Plant Operator B

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$43K - $59K/yr

This posting is subject to close after 14 days Responsible for operating plant processes, equipment and machinery; conducting routine laboratory analyses; collecting and reporting data; performing ...

Plant Operator B

Saginaw, MI · On-site

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This posting is subject to close after 14 days Responsible for operating plant processes, equipment and machinery; conducting routine laboratory analyses; collecting and reporting data; performing ...

Showing results 21-40

Plant Operators information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$19

$34

How much do plant operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for plant operators in Michigan is $19.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plant Operators vs Equipment Operators?

AspectPlant OperatorsEquipment Operators
CredentialsTypically require certifications in specific plant operations, safety trainingRequire equipment operation licenses or certifications for specific machinery
Work EnvironmentOperate within industrial plants, factories, or power plantsOperate construction, agricultural, or industrial machinery on-site
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, energy, and processing industriesCommon in construction, mining, and agriculture sectors

Plant Operators and Equipment Operators both operate machinery, but Plant Operators focus on managing entire industrial processes within plants, while Equipment Operators handle specific machinery in construction or field environments. The roles overlap in certifications and safety requirements, but their work settings and industry applications differ.

Is a plant operator a good career?

A plant operator is a skilled tradesperson responsible for operating and maintaining industrial equipment in manufacturing, power plants, or processing facilities. The role offers stable employment, often requires technical certifications, and can provide opportunities for advancement. It is suitable for individuals interested in technical work and working in a structured environment.

What is needed to be a plant operator?

To become a plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training or certification, and experience operating industrial equipment. Strong mechanical skills, attention to safety protocols, and sometimes a valid driver's license are also important. Certifications such as a state-issued license or specialized training in plant systems can enhance job prospects.

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.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Plant Operators jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Plant Operators job openings:

Infographic showing various Plant Operators job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,547 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Asphalt Plant Operator

Walbec Group

Houghton, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Walbec Group rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description:

AboutWalbecGroupWalbecproduces high-quality construction materials and delivers unparalleled professionaldesign,engineeringand construction services atits six companies, including Payne and Dolan, Northeast Asphalt, Zenith Tech, Parisi, Premier Concrete, and Construction Resources Management.Whether building bridges, stabilizing shorelines, rehabilitating structures, or providing site engineering and construction solutions for solar,Walbecis yourbridge toexpertisein construction and engineering.With safety and ethics at the core of everything we do, our experienced professionals are hard at work on commercial and industrial sites throughout the Midwest.The Position:We're looking for an Experienced Asphalt Plant Operator to work in our Asphalt manufacturing plants. Under the direction of the Foreman, the Plant Operator will help operate, maintain, and repair the equipment used to product asphalt mix for our paving operations while learning how to operator several types of related construction equipment in a safe and efficient manner.Responsibilities:
  • Follow all safety requirements to maintain a safe work environment
  • Maintain a clean and orderly work site including shoveling, sweeping, and skid steer operation.
  • Monitor equipment operation for consistent flow of materials to produce high-quality, in-spec hot mix asphalt for internal and external customers
  • Load out trucks for material distribution utilizing computerized operations
  • Willingness to learn new tasks, do different tasks throughout the day and be a team player
  • Feed aggregate materials into the asphalt plant
  • Replace wear components on plant equipment (including cutting, welding, fabricating)
  • Work on elevated platforms as well as enter and monitor confined spaces
  • Monitor aggregate gradations and moisture contents to ensure consistency of materials
  • Monitor hot mix asphalt test results to verify finish materials are consistent, of high quality, and are produced within job specifications
  • Use equipment such as: Welders (Stick, MIG), Oxy Acetylene Torches, Pneumatic Jackhammers, Power Tools (Drill, Grinder, Impact Wrench, etc.), Front End Loader, Skid Steer Loader, Aerial Man Lift, Telehandler Lift, Water Truck, Telescoping Boom Truck, Dump Truck
Requirements:
  • 5+ years of relevant work experienced preferred
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
  • Must be punctual and dependable.
  • Ability to work varied hours including nights, early mornings, and weekends as needed
  • Capacity to tolerate and work in variable weather conditions, and work in dirty and dusty environments.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and elevated platforms, including heights over 50'.
  • Mechanical/Fabricating and repair experience is preferred
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Successfully pass aptitude tests
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent preferred
  • Prior experience and/or education in a related field preferred
  • Member of the appropriate trade union or willingness to become a union member are required. Union membership is not required prior to employment. Our Human Resources Department is able to assist in that process as needed.
The Benefits:
  • Competitive union wages and strong benefits
  • Reliable, steady work across Southern Wisconsin
  • On-the-job training from experienced crew members
  • Supportive, family-focused work culture
  • Opportunities to grow within the company
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action employer, and it is our practice toprovideequal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. In addition, it is the policy of the Company tocomply withapplicable federal,stateand local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in each locality in which the Company has employees. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply!

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