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Temporary Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$28.84/hr

This is a temporary position and may be extended up to a maximum of eight (8) years. Experience ... Ability to do the work of a(n) WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR ~ without more than normal ...

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Temporary Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

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How much do temporary plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Temporary Plant Operator vs Permanent Plant Operator?

AspectTemporary Plant OperatorPermanent Plant Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and relevant certificationsSame as temporary, often with additional certifications for advanced equipment
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments at various facilitiesLong-term employment at a single facility
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by staffing agencies and contractors in industries like manufacturing, utilitiesEmployed directly by companies in similar industries
Work DurationTemporary, project-based or seasonalOngoing, full-time position

In summary, Temporary Plant Operators work on short-term assignments with similar credentials and work environments as Permanent Plant Operators, but differ mainly in employment duration and job stability.

More about Temporary Plant Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Temporary 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 Temporary Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Plant Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of July 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 $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Filtration Plant Operator (DPW Water)(Temporary & Provisional)

City of Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$40K - $61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Salary: $40,131.00 - $61,040.00 Annually
Location : Buffalo, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: POSTING
Department: PUBLIC WORKS
Opening Date: 02/05/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Fee: $0.00
RESIDENCE: Residence is a requirement for all positions. In the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, an applicant shall be deemed a non-resident if he/she cannot show ninety (90) days of continuous and uninterrupted residence in the City of Buffalo prior to filing application. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO ANYONE APPLYING FOR THE BUFFALO POLICE ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION. NO RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT-SUMMER LIFEGUARDS: Due to the nationwide lifeguard shortage, residency is NOT a requirement for the seasonal lifeguard position in the City of Buffalo. Applicants from any nearby municipality are encouraged to apply.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF BUFFALO MANDATE CONTINUOUS RESIDENCY IN THE CITY DURING YOUR EMPLOYMENT, EXCEPT FOR POSITIONS SPECIFICALLY EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW.
FEE: WHERE INDICATED, A NON-REFUNDABLE APPLICATION PROCESSING FEE MUST ACCOMPANY YOUR APPLICATION VIA CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDER (If using check for payment, your check must clear to complete processing.)
Check with Civil Service office for fee waiver info.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
Incumbents to positions in this class, on an assigned shift, controls the supply and treatment of potable water and maintains adequate supply for distribution demands. The Filtration Plant Operators are responsible for the purification and filtration of the City's potable water supply for distribution. Work involves the directing and operation of controls for pumpage, chemical feed and flow rates for water treatment. Work is performed in accordance with definite prescribed procedures and policies established by the Water Treatment Supervisor. Immediate supervision is received from a higher-ranking official and incumbents exercise supervision over the Assistant Filtration Plant Operators and other personnel assigned.
Examples of work (Illustration Only)
Supervises and operates all chemical control equipment and all controls for the purifying and filtering of the City's water supply;
Directs the rate of pumping water into the clear water reservoir and the rate of flow at which the filters operate according to consumer demands;
Operates supervised control and data acquisition (SCADA) computer and monitoring units for transmissions of information to and/or from the central computer unit which controls and monitors operating equipment at the Filtration Plant;
May manually override computer operations of low lift pumps in case of emergency;
Utilizes a water information management system software to record the weight and amounts of chemicals used.
Records hourly readings from the various control room logs and equipment.
Backwashes filters at frequency rate established by Water Treatment Supervisor;
Collects water samples and conducts chemical tests to establish water quality as directed;
Contacts those in authority upon the outbreak of unsuspected or unusual conditions;
Calibrates and makes minor adjustments and repairs to instruments as required during work shift;
Is responsible for keeping work area and station in good housekeeping order;
Performs related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Promotional
Continuous and permanent status in the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets as an Assistant Filtration Plant Operator for one year.
Open Competitive
(A) Associates Degree from an accredited college, university or technical institute in Water and Waste Treatment;
OR,
(B) Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and TWO YEARS of full time experience in the operation, maintenance or adjustment of mechanical or electrical equipment or machinery including motors, valves, pumps, compressors, blowers that are used in the purification of water;
OR,
(C) An equivalent combination as defined within the limits of A and B.
Special Requirement for both Promotional and Open Competitive
Possession of a current GRADE II-A Certificate for Operators of Public Water Treatment and Purification Plants as required by the NYS Department of Health and NYS Sanitary Code which must be presented at time of appointment. This certificate must be maintained throughout employment as a Filtration Plant Operator as required by the NYS Sanitary Code.
Additional Information
Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of pumps, valves and related mechanical and electrical equipment;
Good knowledge of the principles and applications of physics, chemistry and bacteriology as related to water treatment and purification including laboratory and field tests for plant operations;
Good knowledge of the practices and equipment used in the operation and maintenance of a water treatment plant;
Ability to detect flaws in the operation of the computer monitoring system;
Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;
Ability to follow oral and written instructions;
Mechanical aptitude;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
The City of Buffalo's benefit package is designed to give our employees and their love one's, comfort, safety, and stability they need in serving our community each and every day.
Our offerings include:
-Medical and vision, Dental, Life Insurance (basic) and (supplemental)
-New York State Retirement System
-Deferred Compensation Plan
-Employee Assistance Program for employee/family members
-Flexible Spending Accounts
-Liberal holidays & vacation
-Growth Opportunities and Steady earnings potential