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Senior Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mobius Renewables

Sr Plant Operator

Mayville, WI · On-site

Must Pass "Senior Operator Qualification" * Ability to work with limited supervision Preferred Qualifications * 7+ years of chemical/gas processing, production plant operations * Demonstrated ability ...

Mobius Renewables

Sr Plant Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

Must Pass "Senior Operator Qualification" * Ability to work with limited supervision Preferred Qualifications * 7+ years of chemical/gas processing, production plant operations * Demonstrated ability ...

Mobius Renewables

Sr Plant Operator

Delavan, WI · On-site

Must Pass "Senior Operator Qualification" * Ability to work with limited supervision Preferred Qualifications * 7+ years of chemical/gas processing, production plant operations * Demonstrated ability ...

Brazos River Authority

Senior Plant Operator

Belton, TX · On-site

$26.43 - $33.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Operator - Senior Pay Grade: 920 Location: Temple/Belton Wastewater Facility Vacancy Announcement NATURE OF THE WORK Safety Sensitive Position WC - 7520 water or 7580 wastewater BRIEF ...

Brazos River Authority

Senior Plant Operator

Belton, TX

$26.43 - $33.70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Operator - Senior Pay Grade: 920 Location: Temple/Belton Wastewater Facility Vacancy Announcement NATURE OF THE WORK Safety Sensitive Position WC - 7520 water or 7580 wastewater BRIEF ...

Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority

$64K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical Operations Opening Date: 07/08/2026 Closing Date: 8/15/2026 11:59 PM Atlantic (Canada) Job Summary Under General supervision of the Shift Supervisor, Senior Plant Operator(s) will maintain ...

Brazos River Authority

Senior Plant Operator

Belton, TX · On-site

$26.43 - $33.70/hr

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Operator - SeniorPay Grade: 920Location: Temple/Belton Wastewater FacilityVacancy AnnouncementNATURE OF THE WORKSafety Sensitive PositionWC - 7520 water or 7580 wastewater BRIEF DESCRIPTIONThe ...

OG&E

Plant Operator

Panama, OK · On-site

Relieves Senior Plant Operator (control room), as needed, with supervision. * Performs LOTO (Lock out tag out) management using SAP Work Clearance Management (WCM) system. * All other duties as ...

Airswift

Senior Plant Operator - Mallard WI

Delavan, WI · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Airswift is seeking a Senior Plant Operator to support the operation and maintenance in Delavan, WI. This position is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance while ...

The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority

$64K/yr

Job Summary Under General supervision of the Shift Supervisor, Senior Plant Operator(s) will maintain and report changes in plant loading, fuel selection, steam flow. Assist line crews dispatch ...

Fortera Corporation

Plant Operator

Redding, CA · On-site

$29 - $34/hr

Fortera is seeking Plant Operators for its computer-controlled pilot plant in Redding, California ... This position reports directly to the Senior Plant Engineer. RESPONSIBILITIES : * Operate the plant ...

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Senior Plant Operator information

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior plant operator in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior plant operator?

Senior Plant Operators are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of industrial plants or facilities, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, or manufacturing sites. They monitor equipment, control systems, and processes to ensure everything runs safely and efficiently. In addition to operating machinery, they often supervise junior staff, troubleshoot technical issues, and help implement safety and maintenance procedures. Their role is crucial for maintaining production targets and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.

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

To thrive as a Senior Plant Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of plant operations, process controls, and safety regulations, often backed by a technical diploma or relevant certifications. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA systems, and equipment maintenance protocols is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lead and communicate effectively with a team are highly valued soft skills. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations while minimizing downtime and maintaining compliance.

What is the difference between Senior Plant Operator vs Plant Operator?

AspectSenior Plant OperatorPlant Operator
CertificationsOften requires additional certifications or licenses, such as advanced operator licensesBasic operator licenses typically sufficient
Work EnvironmentSupervises operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasksPerforms routine operation and monitoring of plant equipment
ResponsibilitiesOversees team, ensures safety compliance, and handles complex issuesOperates equipment, monitors systems, and reports issues

The main difference between a Senior Plant Operator and a Plant Operator lies in responsibility level and required certifications. Senior Plant Operators typically oversee operations, handle complex troubleshooting, and may supervise staff, while Plant Operators focus on routine operations and monitoring. Both roles are essential in plant operations, but the senior position involves more leadership and technical expertise.

How much do senior plant operators make?

Senior plant operators typically earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience, certifications, and the industry sector. They often work in manufacturing, utilities, or processing plants and may require specialized training or licenses.

What are common challenges faced by senior plant operators and how can they be addressed?

Senior Plant Operators often face challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment issues, maintaining strict safety and environmental standards, and managing shift teams efficiently. Staying current with technological advancements and regulatory changes is essential, as is effective communication with maintenance, engineering, and management teams. Many operators address these challenges by participating in ongoing training, fostering a proactive safety culture, and developing strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

Is being a senior plant operator worth it?

A senior plant operator is a skilled role responsible for overseeing plant operations, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety standards. It typically offers competitive pay, job stability, and opportunities for advancement, especially with relevant certifications and experience.

What cities are hiring for Senior Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior Plant Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Senior Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Plant Operator jobs include:

Senior Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Senior Plant Operator

Johns Hopkins Health System

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Johns Hopkins Medicine rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 229 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The Senior Plant Operator operates and maintains Central Power Plant (CPP) steam generators, steam turbines, electrical chillers and auxiliary machinery. Oversees the work of the Jr. Plant Operator. This work is performed under general supervision, following standard procedures and using the tools and techniques of power plant operation and maintenance technology.
You Belong Here! Come see why the Johns Hopkins Hospital is a world-renowned leader in patient care, serving the greater Baltimore community and patients from all across the globe. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff teams provide support throughout our many specialty departments and centers, from primary visits to emergency care.
What Awaits You?
  • Career growth and development
  • Diverse and collaborative working environment
  • Affordable and comprehensive benefits package including Tuition Reimbursement

Job Location: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD
Shift: Full Time (40 hours), Evening Shift, Weekdays and weekends
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Current, valid First (1st) Class Operating Engineer license.
  • Completion of formal training in Boiler, Cooling Tower, Chiller, Pump, and Motor operation and maintenance at a vocational or technical school, college, or apprenticeship sponsor organization.
  • 5 years total related work experience.

Our competitive Benefit Package is designed to support the well-being and financial security of our employees. Visit https://jhh.mybenefitsjhhs.com/.
Salary Range: Minimum 33.47/hour - Maximum 38.84/hour. Compensation will be commensurate with equity and experience for roles of similar scope and responsibility. In cases where the range is displayed as a $0 amount, salary discussions will occur during candidate screening calls, before any subsequent compensation discussion is held between the candidate and any hiring authority.
We are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where we embrace and celebrate our differences, where all employees feel valued, contribute to our mission of serving the community, and engage in equitable healthcare delivery and workforce practices.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Johns Hopkins Health System and its affiliates are drug-free workplace employers.

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