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Senior Plant Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Central Plant Operator

Almont, MI · On-site

$34.88 - $53.07/hr

The Steam and Plant Systems Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and regularly provides "senior level" knowledge and solutions to the facility's plant operations team. Regardless of specialty ...

Regional Plant Controller

Paw Paw, MI · On-site

$97K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Regional Plant Controller partners with the Sr. Ops Directors and operations management team ... Lead the development of the annual Operating Plan for the manufacturing facilities within the ...

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Plant Operations Manager

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ensure production schedules, customer requirements, and daily operating targets are achieved ... Previous Production Manager or senior production leadership experience in a manufacturing ...

Posted today

Plant Controller

Constantine, MI · On-site

$103K - $128K/yr

Position Summary The Plant Controller is the most senior financial leader at the site and a key ... Ensure compliance with all Vaupell policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), especially ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Plant Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$21.8K

$70K

$142.5K

How much do senior plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior plant operator in Michigan is $69,978.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $89,800.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Senior Plant Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,978 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Senior, Plant Maintenance Technician

Waste Management

Saginaw, MI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 645 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description


I. Job Summary
The Senior Plant Maintenance Technician is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the operation of all plant systems and equipment. Including but not limited to balers, conveyor belts, gearboxes, electrical motors, pulleys, shafts and bearings. This position responds to all system failures by taking appropriate corrective action and completing or assigning the repairs needed to ensure that systems are operational and are functioning safely and efficiently. This position is directly responsible for leading all Plant Technicians and generally reports to the Plant Maintenance Manager.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

  • Performs repairs in accordance with WM's Safety and Life Critical Rules and OSHA. (Occupational and Safety Health Act) requirements.
  • Performs preventive maintenance inspection (PM) diagnose, repair, and rebuild major equipment/components including but not limited to balers, conveyors, hydraulic power packs, eddy currents, electro-magnetic belts, optical sorters, diverters, compressors, trash compactors, motors, glass breakers, wire tie systems, fans, pumps, forklifts, front-end loaders and building equipment.
  • Maintains Daily Equipment Inspections(DEI) backlog.
  • Establishes and adjusts work procedures to meet production schedules and advises Sr. Plant Maintenance Manager if additional work is needed or cannot be completed within the Standard Repair Times (SRTs).
  • Provides assistance, guidance and direction to other maintenance personnel. Interprets, prioritizes and assigns preventive maintenance & work requests.
  • Inspects the quality of third-party repairs and or rebuilds.
  • Recommends measures to improve production, equipment performance and product quality.
  • Responsible for inventory control, ordering of replacement parts, tools, and supplies through purchasing. Conducts physical parts inventories.
  • Leads non-supervisory employees and other staff that may include contractors, consultants, and/or temporary employees.
  • Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities.
  • Performs service calls for emergency breakdowns.
  • Ability to perform under limited supervision.
  • Requires a flexible work schedule which may include nights and weekends to support operating schedule and the needs of the facility.
  • Maintains a clean, safe work area in compliance with Corporate/OSHA Standards and performs all work in accordance with established safety procedures.


III. Qualifications 
A. Required Qualifications 
 

  • 4 years of relevant experience
  • Must be at least 18 years of age and
  • Legally eligible to work in the United States. and
  • Ability to perform physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. and
  • Successfully complete pre-employment screening, including drug screen and physical.


B. Preferred Qualifications 
IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
This role is designated as safety sensitive and will require the successful candidate to strictly comply with all safety rules and protocols. As part of the ongoing employment requirements, the successful candidate may be subject to drug and alcohol testing-including preemployment screening, postincident evaluations, reasonable suspicion checks, and random testing-in accordance with government regulations and company policies.
V. Benefits 
At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short-term disability. In addition, we offer a stock purchase plan, company matching on a 401(k), and more. Employees also receive paid vacation, holidays, and personal days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click Apply.

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

Wrench with the best! Our technicians are trained to provide superior maintenance on diesel equipment. We care about our technician's safety and show it by demanding solid safety practices of all our technicians and managers. Pride, safety, training, growth, opportunity, great benefits, rewards - check us out, we may be the company for you!

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