How to hire a plant operator

How to hire a plant operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step plant 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 plant operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new plant operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a plant operator do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a plant operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   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 plant 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.

   Here's a comparison of plant operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Plant Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Plant Operator	Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.	$15-26
   Water Technician	Typically working at water treatment facilities, a water technician specializes in installing and repairing equipment to ensure the good quality of water and consumers' safety. It is their duty to operate tools and equipment, gather and analyze samples to detect any contaminants, participate in adjusting chemical levels, and perform regular maintenance checks on machines to ensure efficiency... Show more	$13-25
   Stationary Engineer	Stationary Engineers are employees who are trained to operate machines and equipment. They mainly operate mechanical equipment, boilers, steam engines, and other stationary engines... Show more	$21-51

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Plant Equipment
   • Plant Operations
   • Preventative Maintenance
   • Boilers
   • Minor Maintenance
   • Ladders
   • Asphalt
   • Safety Rules
   • Safety Procedures
   • Hand Tools
   • OSHA
   • SCADA
   • Math
   • Routine Maintenance

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage and operate the DCS system or control board.
   • Manage and perform preventive maintenance, electrical repairs, millwright work, and MSHA safety functions.
   • Maintain buildings HVAC / lighting automation systems and make adjustments as needed for tenant's comfort and to manage energy consumption.
   • Used basic math skills to calculate the weight of the ammonia by the price it are per ton.
   • Operate compressors, scrubbers, pipeline, pumps, coolers, and evaporators to liquefy or compress gas.
   • Maintain and repair all equipment involve in plant processes to keep within OSHA safety standards and EPA environmental codes.

   More plant operator duties

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, plant operators' average salary in south carolina is 54% less than in idaho.
   • Seniority. Entry-level plant operators earn 43% less than senior-level plant operators.
   • Certifications. A plant 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 plant operator's salary.

   Average plant operator salary

   $42,697yearly

   $20.53 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level plant operator salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 24, 2025

   Average plant operator salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$58,152	$28
   2	Minnesota	$51,016	$25
   3	Alaska	$49,769	$24
   4	Delaware	$49,196	$24
   5	Colorado	$47,811	$23
   6	Wisconsin	$46,932	$23
   7	Arizona	$46,484	$22
   8	Pennsylvania	$45,181	$22
   9	Ohio	$43,393	$21
   10	Iowa	$41,969	$20
   11	Missouri	$37,600	$18
   12	Florida	$36,421	$18
   13	Texas	$36,297	$17
   14	Kansas	$34,695	$17
   15	Oklahoma	$34,021	$16
   16	Kentucky	$33,116	$16
   17	Tennessee	$32,414	$16
   18	Georgia	$31,959	$15
   19	Mississippi	$30,003	$14
   20	South Carolina	$29,345	$14

   Average plant operator salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	NW Natural	$54,279	$26.10
   2	South Tahoe Public Utility District	$53,864	$25.90
   3	Halifax Health	$53,859	$25.89	3
   4	Newpark	$53,546	$25.74
   5	DCP Midstream	$53,311	$25.63
   6	Orange County Sanitation District	$52,761	$25.37
   7	Enterprise Products Partners	$52,181	$25.09	9
   8	NAM	$52,021	$25.01
   9	Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation	$50,522	$24.29
   10	Palomar Health	$50,408	$24.23	1
   11	Exxon Mobil	$50,392	$24.23	3
   12	Fort Pierce Utilities Authority	$50,335	$24.20
   13	University of California-Berkeley	$50,301	$24.18
   14	American Water	$50,298	$24.18	9
   15	Schlumberger	$50,150	$24.11	1
   16	Encompass Health	$50,123	$24.10
   17	Aqua	$50,097	$24.09	8
   18	MFA Incorporated	$50,045	$24.06	1
   19	Vector Group	$49,845	$23.96
   20	WEC Energy Group	$49,723	$23.91	3

4. Writing a plant operator job description

   A plant 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 plant operator job description:

   Plant operator job description example

   Responsible for the safe operation, and maintenance of the central heat plant and related systems in all campus facilities. Includes boiler operation, monitoring, corrective and preventative maintenance, seasonal cleaning, and other services to all related equipment on campus.
   Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Responsible for the safe operation of the campus boilers and related equipment in the central heat plant and other campus facilities. Systems include: feed water pumps, fuel systems, valves, safety valves, deaerator, water softeners, condensate pumps, system automation, circulation pumps, compressors, monitoring, steam traps, distribution system, emergency equipment, etc.
   2. Involved with testing and maintaining correct boiler water treatment in all systems.
   3. Will supervise and instruct student employees in proper heat plant operation.
   4. Will be first response on campus to trouble calls that occur outside the 7am to 5pm work day.
   5. Will participate in repairs, renovations, and remodels as they relate to the heat plant, steam distribution system, and associated equipment.
   6. Maintains and creates operational guidelines and maintenance records for the heat plant that show a comprehensive history of heat plant operations.
   7. Requires shift work, assigned as required, to suit the needs of the University and 24 hour, 7 days per week heat plant operation.
   8. Must have the ability to communicate clearly, in English, both written and verbal, with Facilities Management staff regarding critical information, shift occurrences, work orders, problems, upcoming needs, and tasks beyond the individual's scope and capability.
   9. Responsible for good housekeeping and professional workmanship throughout the heat plant and related areas.
   10. Ensures compliance with safe work practices as outlined by campus standards and OSHA regulations.
   11. Performs other duties as assigned.
   Education and Experience Requirements: 1. Graduation from high school or equivalent GED. Higher education or trade school preferred.
   2. Basic computer operation skills such as email, word-processing, and spreadsheets
   3. Completion of a boiler operator certification course within 6 months of starting the position.
   4. Must have good mechanical aptitude.
   5. Must have a valid Utah driver's license.
   Experience: 1. Prefer three years of full-time work in related area, with emphasis on boiler operation and operation and repair of mechanical systems related to HVAC.
   2. Operator level experience with electronic control systems preferred.
   3. Formal training in air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, plumbing, or boiler systems certification preferred.
   Working Conditions: 1. Requires shift work, including graveyard, to meet the needs of the University and 24 hour, 7 days per week heat plant operation.
   2. Works indoors or out, in all seasons, often in industrial conditions typical to a higher education setting.
   3. Must be able to work overhead and in confined conditions and work from ladders, scaffolding, and elevated platforms, as required
   4. Must be able to adjust work schedule to meet the needs of the university.
   5. Must be able to work in abnormal ambient temperatures.
   6. Shift and duty reassignment is possible in the event of summer heat plant shut down.
   7. Must be able to respond to after-hours emergencies and reside within 20 minutes of SUU for emergency response.
   8. Travels in a university vehicle as required, sometimes overnight.
   Documents Needed to Apply: Resume Cover Letter Contact Information for at least 3 Professional References Southern Utah University is committed to maintaining a community which recognizes and values the worth and dignity of every person; fosters tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect among its members; and encourages individual commitment to personal responsibilities in equal measure with personal rights. In pursuit of its goal of academic excellence, the University seeks to develop and nurture diversity. The University believes that diversity among its many members strengthens the institution, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches campus life. Southern Utah University does not discriminate against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related condition, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.
   
   Job Posted by ApplicantPro

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right plant operator for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting plant operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 plant operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect plant operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new plant 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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