How to hire a gas operator

How to hire a gas operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step gas operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a gas operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new gas operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the gas operator you need to hire. Certain gas operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect gas operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list shows salaries for various types of gas operators.

   Type of Gas Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Gas Operator		$12-29
   Gas Controller	A gas controller operates pipelines to make sure that customers receive proper oil or gas flow requirements. Gas controllers typically work with oil and gas companies to prevent any unforeseen problems... Show more	$13-39
   Process Plant Operator	Process plant operator positions require skills in forklifts, crushers, and forklift operation, as well as management, trucking, and a plethora of other skills. They must first pass a medical and NRC licensing exam, as well as a plant-operating exam each year, in addition to license renewal applications every six years... Show more	$13-29

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • DOT
   • Dehydration
   • Plant Equipment
   • Routine Maintenance
   • SCADA
   • GC
   • Gas Meters
   • Gas Plant
   • Gas Processing
   • Production Equipment
   • RAN
   • Gas Compressors
   • Assembly Line

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage work and heater logs, overtime budget, project delegation and PPE gear inventory.
   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
   • Monitor temperatures, pressures, levels, gauges, controllers, transmitters, and flows for unit operation

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your gas operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A gas operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, gas operators' average salary in illinois is 33% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level gas operators earn 56% less than senior-level gas operators.
   • Certifications. A gas operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a gas operator's salary.

   Average gas operator salary

   $41,086yearly

   $19.75 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level gas operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a gas operator job description

   A gas operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a gas operator job description:

   Gas operator job description example

   MasTec, Inc. is a leading national infrastructure construction company. Utility Services Group (USG) is part of the Power Delivery Segment and focuses on the electrical distribution, substation, water, transmission, and natural gas distribution infrastructures.
   
   The Gas Operator is responsible for operating the machines required to trench for natural gas pipelines. Must be able to dig safely around underground utilities, install natural gas pipelines in the ditch, and provide for sufficient backfill. This position supports the Line team and works with personnel within the department.
   Core Responsibilities
   
   * Operate jobsite equipment safely.
   * Perform service, safety checks, and minor repairs on equipment, check oil and fluids.
   * Load trucks in safe and accident-free manner.
   * Observe pipe laying for safety purposes, such as possible cave-ins.
   * Dig around all live utilities, both underground and overhead.
   * Install natural gas pipelines in ditch and provide sufficient backfill.
   * Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.
   
   Minimum Qualifications
   
   * High school diploma, or equivalent.
   * 1 year of experience operating heavy equipment.
   
   Preferred Qualifications
   
   * 2 or more years of experience operating heavy equipment.
   * Operator Qualification.
   * DOT Certified Flagger
   * CDL Class A license.
   
   Physical Demands and Work Environment
   
   This job operates in a field environment. This role routinely requires extended periods of bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, lifting in awkward positions, standing, and twisting. Also, working in inclement weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, ice, snow, and wind.
   
   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position is physically active, with lifting required. Must be able to bend and lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Clarity of vision at 20 feet or more or 20 inches or less, with the ability to judge distance and space relationships. Precise hand-eye coordination. Ability to identify and distinguish colors.
   
   Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. The Company reserves the right to revise or change the job duties as the need arises. Management reserves the right to change the description, duties, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
   
   Benefits available include Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance, a 401k plan and Employee Stock Purchase plan. MasTec is a publicly traded company MTZ (NYSE).
   
   Equal Employment Opportunity:The Company's policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and EEOC regulations. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right gas operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with gas operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit gas operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your gas operator job on Zippia to find and recruit gas operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit gas operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new gas operator

   Once you've selected the best gas operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new gas operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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