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Utility Operator Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

The Utility Operator is accountable to ensure the safe and productive operation of the plant equipment to produce quality product. This position works on rotating shifts and is a Safety Sensitive ...

Royal Oak is looking for a Utility Operator C. This position is responsible for the packaging of charcoal briquets. Packaging line workers are required to work several different positions on the ...

The Utility Operator is accountable to ensure the safe and productive operation of the plant equipment to produce quality product. This position works on rotating shifts and is a Safety Sensitive ...

Royal Oak is looking for a Utility Operator C. This position is responsible for the packaging of charcoal briquets. Packaging line workers are required to work several different positions on the ...

You will also showcase your expertise by operating machines in accordance with the operating manual ... The Division also manufactures solutions for medium-voltage applications used in the utility market ...

You will also showcase your expertise by operating machines in accordance with the operating manual ... The Division also manufactures solutions for medium-voltage applications used in the utility market ...

Position: 2nd Shift Utility Operator Job Summary Support the production and repack operations through the physical movement of products. Move other materials to and from storage and production areas ...

Join our Malvernteam as a Production Utility! This role currently follows a 5/8, Monday- Friday schedule with rotation from day shift to swing shift to night shift every four weeks. As staffing ...

Join our Malvern team as a Production Utility! This role currently follows a 5/8, Monday- Friday schedule with rotation from day shift to swing shift to night shift every four weeks. As staffing ...

Provide support service for operating, monitoring, and providing preventive maintenance to the refrigeration system. Makes reports and repairs resulting from malfunction, breakdown, relocation ...

The Plant Utility employee is responsible for performing all rework functions as necessary with respect to NDT lines, Autoline, and/or the rework grinding tables. This position will report to the ...

The Plant Utility employee is responsible for performing all rework functions as necessary with respect to NDT lines, Autoline, and/or the rework grinding tables. This position will report to the ...

Gas Operator

Hope, AR · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

This position will be required to operate a mini excavator to dig around live utilities. Operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner as required for placing utilities to new and ...

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Utility Operator information

See Arkansas salary details

$11

$21

$30

How much do utility operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility operator in Arkansas is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Utility Operator vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectUtility OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, certifications in safety and equipment operationHigh school diploma, certifications in water treatment and safety
Work EnvironmentFactories, power plants, utility facilitiesWater treatment plants, municipal facilities
Employer & IndustryUtility companies, energy providersMunicipalities, water service providers

Utility Operators and Water Treatment Plant Operators both work in utility environments and require safety and equipment operation certifications. However, Utility Operators often work across various utility sectors, while Water Treatment Plant Operators focus specifically on water purification processes. Both roles are essential in maintaining public utility services and share similar credentials and work environments.

What are the duties of a utility operator?

A utility operator is responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used in the production and distribution of utilities such as water, gas, or electricity. They monitor systems, perform inspections, troubleshoot issues, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working with control panels and tools. Certification and knowledge of safety standards are typically required for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Utility Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, operational procedures, and safety regulations, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, pumps, valves, and relevant certifications such as OSHA or water/wastewater operator licenses is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help operators manage issues and collaborate with team members. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of utility systems and help maintain compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges utility operators face during shift work, and how can they manage them effectively?

Utility Operators often work rotating shifts, which can affect sleep patterns and personal schedules. Managing fatigue, maintaining consistent communication with team members across shifts, and responding quickly to unexpected equipment issues are common challenges. Effective strategies include adhering to a sleep routine, staying updated on shift handovers, and participating in regular safety and equipment training. Building strong teamwork and clear communication helps ensure smooth operations and minimizes downtime.

What is a utility operator?

A utility operator is a machinist who works with different types of utility systems, such as water piping, wastewater plants, electrical cabling, or manufacturing equipment. Typical job duties include installation, maintenance, and repair of utilities. Qualifications for this job depend on the type of utilities but often include experience working with mechanical systems. Additional career skills include knowledge of specific types of machinery, such as overhead cranes and forklifts.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Operator jobs in Arkansas? For Utility Operator jobs in Arkansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Operator jobs in Arkansas look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Operator jobs in Arkansas are:
What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Utility Operator jobs? Cities in Arkansas with the most Utility Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Operator jobs in AR? For Utility Operator jobs in AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Utility Operator job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,881 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Utility Operator I

Covia

Fort Smith, AR

$25.15/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Covia Corp rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 41 rated mining


Job description

Covia responsibly provides minerals solutions for a better tomorrow. As a leading provider of diversified minerals, our products support a variety of industrial markets, including glass, ceramics, coatings, metals, foundry, polymers, construction, water filtration, and sports and recreation. Long-standing relationships with a broad customer base enable Covia’s market-inspired approach to innovation to enhance solutions and customer benefits. Underpinning these strengths is an unwavering commitment to safety and to sustainable development, further enhancing the value that Covia delivers to all its stakeholders.

Covia is looking for a dynamic Utility Operator who will have a positive impact on the Operations team at its Fort Smith, AR location. The Utility Operator is accountable to ensure the safe and productive operation of the plant equipment to produce quality product.  This position works on rotating shifts and is a Safety Sensitive Position/Job.

Compensation: $25.15/hr.

The successful candidate will have the following Key Accountabilities:

 Safety:

  • Comply with applicable MSHA regulations as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and procedures applying to the worker or person that are part of a safety and health management system for the facility.
  • If the worker has information that other persons need to know to fulfil their obligations or duties under the CFR, or to protect themselves from the risk of injury or illness, to give the information to the other persons.
  • Accept personal responsibility for your own safety by working to maintain a safe work environment and evaluating all tasks utilizing the Covia SLAM (Stop, Look, Analyze, Manage) risk protocol. Report all near miss incidents, unsafe acts, or situations and injuries immediately.
  • Administer all facets of the safety and health policies while adhering to the SLAM risk method within the sphere of all tasks.
  • Work at the operation only if the worker is in a fit condition to carry out the work without affecting the safety and health of others.
  • Not do anything willfully or recklessly that might adversely affect the health and safety of fellow employees or visitors at the operation.

Operations:

  • Adhere to site procedures and instructions given by supervisor or team lead.
  • Operate equipment in a safe manner, which is most efficient and reduces damage, downtime, and maintains product quality.
  • Physical manual labor including shoveling, sweeping, carrying material, as well as the climbing of ladders will be part of the daily required work.
  • Operate equipment including, but not limited to, bucket elevators, ball mill, belt and pneumatic conveyors, dust collectors, kiln, screens, and so forth.
  • Monitor all equipment in the plant, such as temperature, pressures, amperes, etc. and interpret data, charts, and instruments to make process adjustments as needed.
  • Complete required paperwork in an orderly, accurate, and professional fashion.
  • Assist with any continuous improvement projects as necessary.
  • Perform pre-shift and routine equipment and area inspections; maintain safe work environments in the facility. Communicate findings of daily shift inspections to Production Supervisor and Kiln Operators as to allow for a consistent and full understanding of production line conditions.
  • Ensure material flows through process to product bins and tanks.
  • Collect and process raw material and product samples, record and report results, and change operating parameters as required or directed.
  • Safely move, switch, offload, and load rail cars via Track Mobile.
  • Safely move, offload, and load trucks. Trucks being loaded will be loaded on the truck scale requiring accurate weighing and bill of lading preparation for transport.
  • Safely operate forklifts.
  • Maintain housekeeping in assigned areas by using a handheld shovel and broom.
  • Perform all other duties as needed or assigned.

The successful candidate will have the following Minimum Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • Kiln or ball mill operations experience will be given preference.
  • Experience in heavy industry, mineral processing, or manufacturing will be given preference.
  • Demonstrated experience contributing within a production/operations team to deliver against set targets.
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety and health with previous experience in identifying and managing risks.
  • Ability to operate computer programs as required.

Commitment to Our Culture:

Our core values - Safety, Team, Customers, Growth, and Courage—guide our work every day and will help us achieve our vision: Covia is the leading minerals solutions provider, and through the passion and commitment of our people, we enable customer success—ensuring a sustainable future for our company.

All Covia Team Members are expected to:

  • Live the Life-Saving Rules
  • Build high-performing work teams
  • Focus on customers
  • Demonstrate a growth mindset
  • Do the right thing, always

At Covia, we strive for and support a diverse workforce as we firmly believe this lays the foundation of our success.  Our compelling culture supports inclusion, individuality, and respect within the workplace.  We are committed to providing employment opportunities to the most qualified candidate based on work-related factors and without regard to non-work-related factors including race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or military service or reserve or veteran status.

The organization offers competitive salaries, advancement opportunities, and a full range of benefits. 

Benefits:

  • Excellent Healthcare Benefits – medical, vision, dental
  • 401K with company matching
  • Paid Time Off + Paid Holidays
  • Disability plans and Life / AD&D
  • Employee Assistance Program 

An Equal Opportunity Employer

IND2


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