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Utility Plant Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Agropur

Cheese Utility Operator

Hull, IA · On-site

The Cheese Utility Operator I develops and maintains a working knowledge of all plant positions to assist with personnel shortages thereby meeting manufacturing requirements in accordance with ...

Agropur Cooperative

Cheese Utility Operator

Hull, IA · On-site

The Cheese Utility Operator I develops and maintains a working knowledge of all plant positions to assist with personnel shortages thereby meeting manufacturing requirements in accordance with ...

Agropur

Whey Utility Operator

Hull, IA · On-site

The Whey Utility Operator I develops and maintains a working knowledge of all whey plant positions to assist with personnel shortages thereby meeting manufacturing requirements in accordance with ...

Agropur Cooperative

Whey Utility Operator

Hull, IA · On-site

The Whey Utility Operator I develops and maintains a working knowledge of all whey plant positions to assist with personnel shortages thereby meeting manufacturing requirements in accordance with ...

3M

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)

Beacon, IA

$37.28/hr

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to follow corporate, plant and department procedures always relating to work and safety ...

3M

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)

Swan, IA

$37.28/hr

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to follow corporate, plant and department procedures always relating to work and safety ...

3M

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)

Knoxville, IA

$37.28/hr

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to follow corporate, plant and department procedures always relating to work and safety ...

3M

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)

Columbia, IA

$37.28/hr

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to follow corporate, plant and department procedures always relating to work and safety ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsUtility Plant Operator JobsUtility Plant Operator Jobs in Iowa

Utility Plant Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$24

$34

How much do utility plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility plant operator in Iowa is $24.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $28.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utility plant operator?

Utility Plant Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and maintaining the equipment that generates and distributes utilities such as electricity, steam, gas, or water. They monitor gauges, meters, and control panels to ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, making adjustments as needed. Their work is essential for the continuous operation of power plants, water treatment facilities, and other utility services, and they often respond to emergencies or malfunctions to minimize downtime.

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

To thrive as a Utility Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, process controls, and safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and standard operating procedures is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help operators respond to issues and coordinate with team members. These skills and qualifications are critical to ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of utility plants.

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

Utility Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, responding to unexpected system alarms, and adapting to evolving safety regulations. Effective operators develop strong troubleshooting skills, stay current on safety protocols, and participate in regular training to keep up with technological advancements. Teamwork and clear communication with maintenance and engineering staff are also crucial for resolving issues promptly and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Utility Plant Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectUtility Plant OperatorPower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; may require state licensingHigh school diploma; often requires licensing or certification
Work EnvironmentUtilities, water treatment, or power generation facilitiesPower generation plants, including fossil fuel, nuclear, or renewable sources
Industry UsageUtilities, water, and energy sectorsElectric power industry, power plants

Utility Plant Operators and Power Plant Operators both work in energy-related facilities, often requiring similar certifications and working environments. While Utility Plant Operators focus on maintaining and operating utility systems like water or energy distribution, Power Plant Operators specifically control and monitor power generation equipment. Both roles are essential in the energy sector, but their specific responsibilities and work settings differ slightly.

How to get hired as a utility plant operator?

To get hired as a utility plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training, and sometimes a state license or certification. Experience with industrial equipment, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in shifts are also important factors in the hiring process.

What are popular job titles related to Utility Plant Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Utility Plant Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Utility Plant Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Utility Plant Operator jobs in Iowa are:

Utility Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Plant Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,979 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

HVAC-R Mechanic

Innovative Consulting & Management Services

Ames, IA • On-site

$31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description:

Innovative Consulting & Management Services (ICMS) is a Professional & Technical Management Consulting firm with over 20 years of consulting experience. We offer technical professional services to Federal and State Governments, and Commercial clients.


ICMS is a Small Business and Certified HUBZone employer. We deliver value to our clients by combining deep industry knowledge with strong functional capabilities. Our focus is to manage cost-effective programs while at the same time mitigating risk and improving results. Our success is about teamwork, a coordinated effort from all disciplines, from clients to consultants and most important, it’s about delivering on our commitments.


The purpose of this position is to provide operations and maintenance support services to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Center for Animal Health’s (NCAH) in Ames, IA. The NCAH is specially designed and operated to research, perform tests and ultimately contain highly infectious diseases of livestock and wildlife species where they may be studied safely, posing no threat to the nation’s food industry or people. These positions support the central utility plant and biocontainment facilities at NCAH and may require entry into BSL-3 laboratories which require additional layers of personnel security requirements.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of the position will include but not limited to:

  • Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on utility plant systems, including boilers, chillers, pumps, heat exchangers, turbines, condensate systems, water distribution, wastewater treatment, compressed air, and emergency generators
  • Monitor and operate central utility plant equipment in support of continuous facility operations.
  • Assist with air handling and refrigeration equipment maintenance, including filter replacement, motor/fan servicing, and control adjustments.
  • Support documentation of maintenance and service work orders in the IBM Maximo CMMS system.
  • Respond to Priority 1 work to protect health and safety, safeguard research, and prevent equipment/facility damage.
  • Follow OSHA, EPA, USDA, and biosafety requirements in all maintenance activities
  • Participate in snow/weather response as part of the facilities “snow crew” when required.
  • Collaborate with NCAH staff on scheduled maintenance, system shutdowns, and repairs.
  • Ensure all maintenance activities are documented and meet quality control standards.
Requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED is the minimum education requirement
  • At least 5 years of experience in operations, maintenance, and repair of central utility plant systems and equipment
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain and troubleshoot boilers, chillers, pumps, wastewater treatment equipment, compressors, turbines, and related systems.
  • Working knowledge of preventive maintenance programs, including CMMS software (IBM Maximo preferred).
  • Must possess or be eligible to obtain a LincPass (federal ID credential).
  • Ability to work safely in compliance with OSHA, EPA, and USDA biosafety guidelines.
  • Strong documentation and reporting skills.
  • Must be able to work onsite full-time (40 hours/week, Monday–Friday) and respond to emergencies as required.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to operate contractor vehicles on site.

Full-time Day Shift: Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Pay Rate: $31.00/hr.


Benefits:

  • Health & Welfare Benefits based on Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS)
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 100% covered for employee
  • Life and Accidental AD&D Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan with 3% automatic contribution
  • Generous sick and vacation leave based on SCLS


ICMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or veteran status, genetics, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.