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Utility Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HKA Enterprises

Facilities Plant Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$22/hr

Pay: $22.00- $24.00 per hour DOE We're looking for an experienced Central Utility Plant Operator to perform a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of a Central Utility Plant - including ...

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Utility Plant Operator information

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How much do utility plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility plant operator in the United States is $26.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

More about Utility Plant Operator jobs
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What states have the most Utility Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Utility Plant Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Utility Plant Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Plant Operator jobs are:
Utility Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,276 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Utility Plant Operator / Boiler Operator

Fluor Corporation

Rochester, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Fluor rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

312th of 447 rated engineering

Job description

At Fluor, we are proud to design and build projects and careers. We are committed to fostering a welcoming and collaborative work environment that encourages big-picture thinking, brings out the best in our employees, and helps us develop innovative solutions that contribute to building a better world together. If this sounds like a culture you would like to work in, you're invited to apply for this role.
Job Description
SUMMARY: Operates, inspects, and performs preventive maintenance and repairs to the Central Utility Plant, ensuring that all work is completed within industrial standards and codes, and Fluor's policies.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Safety
  • Ensure the appropriate safety practices are followed.
  • Ensure all certification and training is in accordance with the requirements.
  • Implement safety standards with Fluor and client Safety.

General Duties (include but not limited to):
  • Perform Operator duties for the Central Utility Plant. Equipment operated but not limited to Boilers, chillers and air compressors.
  • Ability to perform inspections and make necessary adjustments to conform to job specifications and log results.
  • Ability to discern colors for colorimetric testing of water samples and/or reading of color-coded plan instrumentation.
  • Dismantles, moves, installs, or repairs machinery and mechanical equipment.
  • Examines machinery or mechanical equipment; identifies reasons for malfunction and completes repairs and/or maintenance.
  • Installs, repairs, and replaces piping and fittings for oil, natural gas, water, steam, compressed air, heating and plumbing lines, and systems for equipment such as steam turbines, air compressors, pumps, and boilers.
  • Installs new equipment and systems and repairs and maintains current equipment and systems as needed.
  • Prepares boilers and related equipment for state and insurance inspections.
  • Repairs and overhauls pumps and heat exchangers; removes and replaces coils, and replaces valves and associated equipment on steam turbines, steam distribution systems, boilers, and other related systems and equipment.
  • Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices.
  • Uses a computerized maintenance management system.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Experience as Utility Plant Operator
  • Education: 2 year BUM degree preferred
  • Preferred: MN State Engineer's License First Class "B"
  • Would Consider an Applicant with the following qualifications.
    • MN State Engineer's License Second Class "A or B". Must obtain a State Engineer's License First Class "B" with in 24 months of date of hire.
  • Ability to complete heavy physical labor (pushing, pulling, lifting objects up to 50 lbs.)
  • Experienced in monitoring Automated Process Control System (HMI / SCADA)

SKILLS / ABILITIES
  • Computer Skills (MS Excel, MS Word, Email)
  • Ability to perform preventive maintenance according to published guidelines.
  • Ability to interpret technical manuals.
  • Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
  • Knowledge of computerized maintenance management principles as related to supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
  • Ability when needed to physically enter boiler steam and water drums, boiler fireboxes and exhaust stacks, cooling towers, and other tight spaces.
  • Ability to work in elevated locations up to 30 feet.
  • Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade.
  • Must be able to work independently.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by governing law.
Salary is based upon experience. Base Salary:

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About Fluor

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Fluor provides technical and professional solutions that deliver safe, well-executed, capital efficient projects to clients around the world. Fluor has been providing engineering, procurement, and construction services for more than 100 years. Our focus on innovation and providing cost-effective technology-based solutions to address our client's needs is second to none. As we look to the future, we need creative, ambitious, and innovative professionals who can help us achieve our goals.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1912

Social media

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