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Utility Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veolia Environnement SA

Plant Operator

Detroit, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hospital Central Utility Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the hospital's central utility plant systems. These ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Plant Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hospital Central Utility Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the hospital's central utility plant systems. These ...

Veolia

Plant Operator

Detroit, MI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hospital Central Utility Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the hospital's central utility plant systems. These ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Plant Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hospital Central Utility Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the hospital's central utility plant systems. These ...

Veolia Environnement SA

Plant Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Hospital Central Utility Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the hospital's central utility plant systems. These ...

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Utility Plant Operator information

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$13

$26

$37

How much do utility plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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
What cities are hiring for Utility Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Utility Plant Operator job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Utility Plant Operator jobs? The top employers for Utility Plant Operator jobs are:
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.

Central Plant Operator

University of Vermont Health

Burlington, VT • On-site

$30.47 - $45.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Behind every patient room, operating room, laboratory, and life-saving procedure is a Central Utility Plant operating around the clock. As a Central Plant Operator, you'll be part of the team responsible for ensuring the hospital's critical infrastructure remains safe, reliable, and fully operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You'll join a team of experienced operators responsible for maintaining one of the region's most critical healthcare facilities, where reliability, teamwork, and sound technical judgment are essential every day.
This is more than a maintenance position. You'll operate and maintain the systems that provide steam, chilled water, medical gases, heating, cooling, ventilation, and other essential utilities that directly support patient care. During evenings and other off-hours, you'll also serve as the Facilities point person for critical building systems, responding to alarms, troubleshooting equipment, and coordinating the Facilities response to equipment issues and building emergencies.
Whether your experience comes from a hospital, industrial facility, manufacturing plant, power generation, higher education campus, commercial HVAC, or another large mechanical operation, you'll find an opportunity to apply your technical expertise while learning the unique systems that support healthcare. If you enjoy solving complex mechanical problems, collaborating with a skilled team, and playing a critical role in ensuring essential systems operate safely and reliably, we'd like to hear from you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Operate, monitor, inspect, and maintain the hospital's Central Utility Plant.
  • Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on boilers, chillers, pumps, HVAC equipment, and associated mechanical systems.
  • Monitor and respond to equipment alarms using Niagara and Automated Logic building automation systems (BAS).
  • Respond to facility emergencies, equipment failures, and service requests throughout the hospital.
  • Operate and maintain five high-pressure steam boilers totaling 2,650 horsepower, providing steam for heating, humidification, sterilization, and domestic hot water.
  • Monitor and maintain four 1,340-ton centrifugal chillers supporting patient care areas, medical equipment, and facility cooling.
  • Assist with the operation and maintenance of medical gas systems, emergency generators, fire protection systems, and other critical building infrastructure.
  • Document inspections, maintenance activities, and operational data while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
  • Collaborate with fellow operators and Facilities staff to maintain reliable, uninterrupted operation of all critical building systems.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
  • Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical equipment.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and respond effectively during emergency situations.
  • Strong communication and documentation skills.
  • Valid driver's license.

Preferred:
  • Experience operating or maintaining central utility plants, commercial HVAC systems, industrial mechanical equipment, healthcare facilities, power plants, or similar environments.
  • Experience with building automation systems (Niagara, Automated Logic, or similar).
  • Experience with steam generation, chilled water systems, boilers, pumps, or industrial refrigeration.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
No licenses are required at the time of hire; however, successful candidates will be expected to obtain the required certifications within 12 months of employment. Training and development support are provided to help you succeed.
  • Evening shift differential.
  • Free on-site employee parking.
  • Opportunities for technical training, licensing, and career growth.
  • Meaningful work supporting the safe operation of a mission-critical healthcare facility.

Every day, thousands of patients, visitors, and caregivers depend on systems they never see. As a Central Plant Operator, you'll be the professional who ensures those systems never miss a beat.

Apply