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Utility Operator Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

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Utility Operator information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do utility operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility operator in Wisconsin is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.11 and $31.06 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 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 Utility Operators?

Utility Operators are responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining equipment and machinery in various utilities such as water treatment plants, power plants, or manufacturing facilities. Their main tasks include ensuring equipment runs safely and efficiently, performing routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, and making adjustments as needed. They may also record data, follow safety protocols, and coordinate with other team members to maintain continuous operations. Utility Operators play a crucial role in ensuring that essential services are delivered reliably to communities or businesses.
What are popular job titles related to Utility Operator jobs in Wisconsin? For Utility Operator jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Operator jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Operator jobs in WI? For Utility Operator jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Utility Operator job openings in Wisconsin as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,783 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Press Utility Operator

Press Utility Operator

American Packaging Corporation

Columbus, WI • On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


American Packaging Corporation rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 109 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Description:

For over a century, American Packaging Corporation (APC) has been a leading flexible packaging converter for customers throughout North America. We nurture our employees by providing competitive salaries, excellent benefits, 401(k) plans and tuition reimbursement programs. These are just a few reasons why we were named a “Best of the Best” in the Best Workplaces in the Americas awards for 12 years in a row. APC’s longstanding success is fueled from the inside out, and we consistently seek to improve our internal operations to propel that success into the future.


LOCATION: Columbus


SHIFT: Rotating 1st and 2nd


SUMMARY: Assist in daily operations of the Rotogravure press.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

  • Participates in training, embrace concepts of and actively practice the STOP Safety Program fundamentals to aid American Packaging Corporation’s efforts to achieve a zero-accident rate.
  • Retrieves all necessary set up information/specifications/guidelines and follows instructions on the job jacket.
  • Completes all machine changeover/set-up processes minimizing machine downtime and meeting or exceeding set-up standard requirements. Develop set up procedure documentation as required.
  • Correctly completes daily production sheets, process condition sheets, waste logs, final release forms, ink paperwork and quality inspection logs. Ensure job order information (size, construction, print position, packing instructions, adhesive structures, proper substrates being used) corresponds with the product being manufactured.
  • Safely, efficiently and effectively assists with the assigned production machinery equipment monitoring quality, production and waste adhering to all customer specifications.
  • Ensures immediate work area and work areas for which Machine Operator has responsibility are free of clutter and debris. Perform all cleaning/sanitation responsibilities, safely using all required cleaning solutions and protective equipment.
  • Removes rolls from rewind, hangs rolls on rewind, makes up doctor blades, preps print carriages, brings correct inks and lacquers to the press, configures ink ratios, disposes of ink, solvents and lacquers, maintains ink viscosities and cuts cores.
  • Ability to operate the viscosity control system.
  • Ensures all required on-line quality data is properly documented.
  • Monitors all quality requirements as outlined by company procedure and specification. Completes necessary sheets for quality checks.
  • Actively participates in safety programs and completes required safety observations. Understands and follows plant safety rules.
  • Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings (Continuous Quality Improvement, safety, special projects, departmental, etc.).
  • Able to work all scheduled shifts and required overtime hours.
  • Trains new employees as necessary.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or equivalent required. Previous manufacturing experience preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. This position may require manual lifting not to exceed 50 lbs – reference your department-specific JHA (job hazard analysis) for departmental lifting restrictions.


WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.



American Packaging Corporation is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. American Packaging Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at APC-Careers@americanpackaging.com.


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