1

Production Plant Operator Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

$1,500 Employee Referral Bonus Eligible Job Summary The Plant Operator I is responsible for the ... Essential Functions Operates production material plant. Maintain material quality Perform basic ...

Essential Functions • Operates production material plant. • Maintain material quality • ... operating at peak efficiency, and take steps to optimize production • Must have basic computer ...

Our products protect human life and personal property, improve the quality of life, generate ... Titan Virginia Ready Mix has an excellent opportunity for a Floating Plant Operator for its NOVA ...

Our products protect human life and personal property, improve the quality of life, generate ... Titan Virginia Ready Mix has an excellent opportunity for a Floating Plant Operator for its NOVA ...

Our products protect human life and personal property, improve the quality of life, generate ... Titan Virginia Ready Mix has an excellent opportunity for a Floating Plant Operator for its NOVA ...

Our products protect human life and personal property, improve the quality of life, generate ... Titan Virginia Ready Mix has an excellent opportunity for a Floating Plant Operator for its NOVA ...

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

About the Role We are seeking a skilled and dependable Plant Operator to support the operation and ... and our vendor's products), and an Employee Assistance Program that offers free financial ...

Our products protect human life and personal property, improve the quality of life, generate ... Titan Virginia Ready Mix has an excellent opportunity for a Floating Plant Operator for its NOVA ...

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

... and our vendor's products), and an Employee Assistance Program that offers free financial ... Responsibilities We are seeking a skilled and dependable Plant Operator to support the operation ...

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

We are seeking a skilled and dependable Plant Operator to support the operation and maintenance of ... and our vendor's products), and an Employee Assistance Program that offers free financial ...

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

About the Role We are seeking a skilled and dependable Plant Operator to support the operation and ... and our vendor's products), and an Employee Assistance Program that offers free financial ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Production Plant Operator information

See Reston, VA salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do production plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for production plant operator in Reston, VA is $18.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $20.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production plant operator?

Production Plant Operators are professionals responsible for managing and controlling the equipment and systems that produce goods in factories or industrial plants. They monitor machinery, adjust controls, troubleshoot issues, and ensure that production processes run efficiently and safely. Their duties also include maintaining quality standards, following safety protocols, and performing routine maintenance or repairs as needed. Production Plant Operators play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of manufacturing facilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a production plant operator?

To thrive as a Production Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication set outstanding operators apart. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and high-quality production in a plant environment.

What challenges do production plant operators face during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Production Plant Operators often work in rotating shifts, which can lead to challenges such as fatigue, maintaining focus during night hours, and balancing personal life with work schedules. To manage these challenges, it's important to develop good sleep hygiene, communicate openly with supervisors about workload, and use established safety protocols to stay alert and minimize risks. Many plants also offer support through shift scheduling tools and team-based rotations to help operators adjust more comfortably.

What is the difference between Production Plant Operator vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectProduction Plant OperatorManufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications vary by industryHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, industrial facilitiesManufacturing floors, assembly lines, industrial settings
Job FocusOperating and monitoring equipment, ensuring safety and efficiencyMaintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing manufacturing equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in production plants across various industriesUsed in manufacturing facilities for equipment maintenance

While both roles work in industrial settings, Production Plant Operators primarily focus on operating and monitoring production equipment, ensuring smooth plant operations. Manufacturing Technicians, on the other hand, concentrate on maintaining and repairing manufacturing machinery. Both roles are essential for efficient production processes and often require similar certifications and work environments.

Where do production plant operators make the most money?

Production plant operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a strong manufacturing or industrial sector, such as areas with large chemical, oil, or power generation facilities. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized industries or facilities with hazardous environments can also increase earning potential.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Production Plant Operator jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Production Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Plant Operator job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,384 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Plant Operator

Manassas, VA • On-site

Vulcan Materials Company
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Vulcan Materials rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

$1,500 Employee Referral Bonus Eligible

Job Summary
The Plant Operator I is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the automated processing of rock products at an aggregate location. The incumbent will monitor and control the equipment, identify and resolve any issues, and ensure that the plant is operating at peak efficiency.
Essential Functions
Operates production material plant.
Maintain material quality
Perform basic maintenance activities
Critical Competencies
Communication: Ability to clearly and effectively convey information, ideas, and messages to others in both written and verbal formats; can express one's thoughts clearly but also demonstrate active listening, understands the needs of the audience, and adapts the message to ensure it is understood.
Team Player: Actively contributes to the success of a team by working collaboratively with others, sharing responsibilities, and supporting team goals. Possess the ability to effectively communicate, listen, work harmoniously with others to achieve common objectives. Willing to help others with the ability to create a cohesive and productive work environment.
Safety Awareness- Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
Work Ethic- Demonstrates commitment and dedication toward completing tasks with high standards of quality, responsibility, and diligence; demonstrates reliability, professionalism, and a strong sense of personal responsibility in fulfilling job duties.

Education
High School Diploma/GED or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.
Experience
Minimum two years experience in the construction/mining industry preferred
Experience with automated processing equipment preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must have strong working knowledge of industrial processing equipment such as screens, crushers and conveyor systems.
Must be observant and alert to the movement and condition of equipment within assigned responsibility area.
Identify and resolve any issues with the equipment, such as mechanical failures, electrical problems, or software glitches.
Perform routine maintenance and inspections on the equipment
Ensure that the plant is operating at peak efficiency, and take steps to optimize production
Must have basic computer skills.
Other Requirements
Performs housekeeping - maintain a clean and safe working station.
Performs record-keeping requirements.
Complies with all Safety, Health, Environmental and other Company policies, procedures and requirements
Must be able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; grip, climb, reach, shovel, squat, crawl, or pull, push, as well as, bend and lift up to 45 pounds.
The employee is outdoors and exposed to varying and/or extreme weather conditions (i.e., heat, wet, cold, etc)
Must be able to work required overtime and flexible work schedule.
Must be able to speak, read, and have a working knowledge of the English language.

Hourly Range: the hourly range for this role is between $24.90 - $37.35.  This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package.  When determining a candidate's compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data.  
JD Disclaimer
Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.


What Vulcan Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom