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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)
Knoxville, IA · On-site
$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 ...
Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)
Knoxville, IA · On-site
$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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Utility Plant Operator information
See Iowa salary details
$12.87 - $14.88
2% of jobs
$14.88 - $16.89
11% of jobs
$16.89 - $18.90
10% of jobs
$19.36 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$18.90 - $20.92
12% of jobs
$20.92 - $22.93
12% of jobs
The median wage is $23.82 / hr.
$22.93 - $24.94
10% of jobs
$24.94 - $26.95
12% of jobs
$28.46 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$26.95 - $28.96
11% of jobs
$28.96 - $30.97
11% of jobs
$30.97 - $32.98
7% of jobs
$32.98 - $35
4% of jobs
$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?
| Aspect | Utility Plant Operator | Power Plant Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; may require state licensing | High school diploma; often requires licensing or certification |
| Work Environment | Utilities, water treatment, or power generation facilities | Power generation plants, including fossil fuel, nuclear, or renewable sources |
| Industry Usage | Utilities, water, and energy sectors | Electric 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:
3M rating
7.9
Based on 245 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
159th of 543 rated manufacturers
Job description
Job Description:
Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a diversity of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Utility Operator, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this 3M Production role, in compliance with U.S. labor and safety laws.
Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
Work location:
Travel: None
Relocation Assistance: Is not authorized
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
The starting rate of pay for this position is $30.93 , with the potential to reach $37.28 . This targeted compensation range represents a good faith estimate and can vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Other benefits and incentives may apply; pay and benefits overview: . This information is being disclosed in accordance with local Pay Transparency Rules.
#INDPROD
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview:
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here) . Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.
Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a diversity of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Utility Operator, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
- Learning to read and understand mechanical, electrical, logic pneumatic and hydraulic prints when troubleshooting and/or repairing utility equipment.
- Learning to read and work to indicated accuracy, specifications and tolerances as detailed on engineering drawings, machine assembly prints, machine construction prints, blueprints, sketches, equipment manuals, and vendor diagrams, using both U.S. customary and SI (metric) systems of measurement.
- Working on equipment installed in cramped locations as well as elevated locations using scaffolding, ladders, hi-jackers, or boom truck, or on roofs of buildings, in pits, or in confined or hazardous locations.
- Learning to follow corporate, plant and department procedures always relating to work and safety procedures to avoid personal injury, injury to co-workers, and/or damage to company property.
- Continuously learn new technologies and methods through the installation/modification of equipment, in-house training, and external training.
- Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.
Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this 3M Production role, in compliance with U.S. labor and safety laws.
- Possess a High School Diploma/GED or higher (completed prior to start)
- Two (2) or more years' experience of industrial boiler maintenance experience in a private, public, government or military environment
- Current and Valid Driver's License
Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
- Within the first year you will be required to go to low- and high-pressure boiler classes, along with getting certified as a 1st class Engineer or equivalent through a reputable source.
- Three (3) years of applicable utility technician maintenance experience
Work location:
- Knoxville, IA
Travel: None
Relocation Assistance: Is not authorized
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
The starting rate of pay for this position is $30.93 , with the potential to reach $37.28 . This targeted compensation range represents a good faith estimate and can vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Other benefits and incentives may apply; pay and benefits overview: . This information is being disclosed in accordance with local Pay Transparency Rules.
#INDPROD
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview:
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here) . Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.
About 3M
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Coal, metals and minerals mining
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Saint Pau, MN, US
Year founded
1902