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Senior Operator Jobs in Zion, IL (NOW HIRING)

Purpose The Senior Operator position is an advancement from Operator requiring completion of all core tasks from the previous levels. Serves as a highly experienced operator, recognized for excelling ...

Purpose The Senior Operator position is an advancement from Operator requiring completion of all core tasks from the previous levels. Serves as a highly experienced operator, recognized for excelling ...

Purpose The Senior Operator position is an advancement from Operator requiring completion of all core tasks from the previous levels. Serves as a highly experienced operator, recognized for excelling ...

B Operator-2nd Shift

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

The operator is working towards becoming a senior operator. Responsible for the conduct of daily chemical production and processing tasks. Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Run assigned plant ...

Experience supporting senior operating management, with executive presence and ability to challenge the status quo while building relationships * Experience working independently as well as team ...

Experience supporting senior operating management, with executive presence and ability to challenge the status quo while building relationships * Experience working independently as well as team ...

Experience supporting senior operating management, with executive presence and ability to challenge the status quo while building relationships * Experience working independently as well as team ...

Responsible for operating power industrial truck to transport material within the facility. The role routinely uses standard warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks, hand trucks, forklifts, and ...

Warehouse Operator

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Warehouse Operator Supervisor Title: Warehouse Supervisor Department: Warehouse FLSA Status: Non ... Step in for Senior Warehouseman when needed. Maintain good communication within the warehouse team ...

Warehouse Operator

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Warehouse Operator Supervisor Title: Warehouse Supervisor Department: Warehouse FLSA Status: Non ... Senior Warehouseman when needed. • Maintain good communication within the warehouse team and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Operator information

See Zion, IL salary details

$24K

$77.2K

$157.3K

How much do senior operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior operator in Zion, IL is $77,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior operator?

Senior Operators are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the operations of machinery, equipment, or production processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or logistics. They ensure that operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely while adhering to company policies and regulations. Senior Operators often train and supervise junior staff, troubleshoot technical issues, and may be involved in process optimization and reporting. Their extensive knowledge and leadership skills are vital for minimizing downtime and maintaining high standards of productivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior operator?

To excel as a Senior Operator, you typically need in-depth knowledge of production processes, strong troubleshooting abilities, and relevant experience, often supported by a technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems, PLCs, SCADA software, and safety protocols is essential. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills to manage teams and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are crucial for maintaining production efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime in complex industrial environments.

What are the typical challenges a senior operator might face when managing a production shift?

Senior Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, ensuring team members adhere to safety protocols, and maintaining production efficiency under tight deadlines. They are also responsible for coordinating communication between various departments, quickly adapting to changes in production schedules, and mentoring less experienced operators. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and a proactive approach to process improvements.

What is the difference between Senior Operator vs Process Technician?

AspectSenior OperatorProcess Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often additional certifications in equipment or safetyHigh school diploma; certifications in process control or safety may be preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, refineries, or production facilitiesIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, or chemical processing facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOversees operations, monitors equipment, troubleshoots issues, and ensures safetyMaintains and calibrates equipment, assists in process control, and supports production

Both roles operate in similar industrial environments and require related certifications. Senior Operators typically have more responsibilities in overseeing operations and troubleshooting, while Process Technicians focus on maintaining and calibrating equipment. The roles often overlap, but Senior Operators usually have more experience and supervisory duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Zion, IL?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Zion, IL are:

What cities near Zion, IL are hiring for Senior Operator jobs?

Cities near Zion, IL with the most Senior Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Operator job openings in Zion, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,222 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Senior Operator, Hazardous Waste

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$23.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 102 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Purpose The Senior Operator position is an advancement from Operator requiring completion of all core tasks from the previous levels. Serves as a highly experienced operator, recognized for excelling across multiple operational areas within the facility. Independently executes, coordinates, and delegates daily operational tasks, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to safety and compliance standards. Acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME), supporting training, certification, documentation, and audit activities to uphold process integrity and regulatory requirements. Responsible for system set-up, advanced troubleshooting, minor maintenance, and providing critical support to ongoing projects and equipment reliability initiatives. Proactively identifies improvement opportunities, fosters operational excellence, and can fill in and perform the roles of Operations Coordinator when needed. Demonstrates leadership, technical depth, and reliability essential for supporting team development and maintaining high standards throughout materials management operations. Able to fill-in, execute and perform roles of Operations Coordinator as necessary.
Responsibilities
All Operator core tasks plus the following:
  • Operates key process equipment and instruments (e.g., tanker trucks, pumps, machines, etc.) according to all applicable procedures in a wide range of outdoor operating conditions.
  • Serves as backup coordinator as needed or supports the designated coordinator by monitoring project changes and operational workflows to ensure ongoing process compliance and scheduled output.
  • Monitors critical parameters, anticipates and addresses deviations to mitigate risks of material loss, and coordinates or executes removal, cleaning, and testing operations.
  • Submits work orders for equipment repair and maintenance, documents production and equipment status, and maintains logs.
  • Ensures compliance with all AbbVie policies/procedures and regulatory requirements; serves as SME during training, ensuring proper use of PPE, operational procedures, and project/process knowledge
  • Documents events and observations from system checks escalate unresolvable issues to supervision.
  • Coordinates logistic requests, tracks inventory transactions, and ensures required resources are available to meet project/process objectives.
  • Promotes environmental stewardship and occupational health and safety by supporting EHS programs (incident reporting, waste management/disposal, use of PPE, etc.) and drive continuous improvement in these areas.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 3 to 4 years experience preferred.
  • Forklift and portable hand truck certification.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • EPA/RCRA, and DOT 49 CFR certifications (including ability to sign compliance documents), and respirator certification.
  • Ability to obtain certification to drive trucks up to 10,000 pounds and vans on public roads.
  • Knowledgeable in handling, storage, and compliance for hazardous, chemical, and biologic materials.
  • Strong analytical training, problem-solving, teamwork, organizational, and customer service skills, including manual material handling.
  • Previous experience in industrial, military, pharma, chemical or utility plant operations
  • Demonstrates broad technical knowledge of processes, equipment and site-specific systems, maintains maturity in responding effectively to emergencies or unplanned situations.
  • Proficiency in computerized systems; ability to read, write, interpret, and communicate effectively
  • Strong mathematical/mechanical aptitude, understanding of lean tools, and regulatory compliance knowledge.
  • Proven ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision, strong interpersonal skills.

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

What AbbVie employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Get the full story on Breakroom


AbbVie logo

About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013