What does a plant worker do?
A plant worker performs various tasks according to facility procedures and guidelines. They usually work at manufacturing plants where they are in charge of operating tools and equipment, cutting or assembling parts, preparing and packing items for distribution, performing quality checks and assessments, and maintaining records. Moreover, as a plant worker, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with co-workers while adhering to the facility's safety standards and policies for a safe and efficient workflow.
Plant worker responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real plant worker resumes:
- Decontaminate vehicles and cargo-carrying portion, reload assigned racks, scan waste containers into Bio-track systems for proper recordkeeping.
- Load cafeteria trays/silverware/cookware into commercial dishwasher.
Plant worker skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Plant Workers are proficient in Recordkeeping, Conveyor Systems, and OSHA. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Dexterity, and Troubleshooting skills.
We break down the percentage of Plant Workers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Recordkeeping, 19%
Decontaminated vehicles and cargo-carrying portion, reloaded assigned racks, scanned waste containers into Bio-track systems for proper recordkeeping.
- Conveyor Systems, 17%
Stage waste on conveyor system and properly stack waste for scanning in the biotrack system.
- OSHA, 16%
Demonstrated knowledge of Hazardous Materials and OSHA Regulations.
- Hazardous Materials, 15%
Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling permits are generally required.
- Plant Operations, 13%
Complete purchase requisitions and payroll processing for plant operations.
- Customer Service, 8%
Worked different positions while utilizing excellent communication skills, customer service skills and performed administrative and clerical duties as assigned.
Common skills that a plant worker uses to do their job include "recordkeeping," "conveyor systems," and "osha." You can find details on the most important plant worker responsibilities below.
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a plant worker to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "these workers interact with customers on a regular basis." Plant workers often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "maintained excellent customer service and provided customer with craftsmanship of the highest ethical standards. "
Dexterity. Many plant worker duties rely on dexterity. "many repair and maintenance tasks, such as repairing small devices, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, require a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination.," so a plant worker will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways plant worker responsibilities rely on dexterity: "loaded and unloaded tractor trailers with fork lift,ran a baler, and ran a kabota. "
Troubleshooting skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of plant workers is troubleshooting skills. This skill is critical to many everyday plant worker duties, as "workers find, diagnose, and repair problems." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "responded to a variety of troubleshooting work requests related to computers and plant equipment. "
The three companies that hire the most plant workers are:
- Pilgrim's77 plant workers jobs
- Hormel Foods9 plant workers jobs
- BCforward2 plant workers jobs
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Compare different plant workers
Plant worker vs. Repair technician
A repair technician's role focuses on assessing the problem or damage of a device and implementing solutions for it to function again. Although the extent of a technician's tasks will depend on the device or industry of employment, most of it revolves around troubleshooting, providing technical support, installing and writing programs, detaching and re-attaching wirings, welding, and even thoroughly discussing problems and solutions to clients. Furthermore, there are instances when a repair technician must work in a team setting that requires coordination and communication.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, plant worker responsibilities require skills like "recordkeeping," "conveyor systems," "osha," and "hazardous materials." Meanwhile a typical repair technician has skills in areas such as "hand tools," "customer satisfaction," "preventative maintenance," and "hvac." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Repair technicians tend to make the most money working in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,974. In contrast, plant workers make the biggest average salary, $34,670, in the manufacturing industry.repair technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than plant workers. In fact, repair technicians are 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Plant worker vs. Maintenance specialist
A maintenance specialist is responsible for maintaining the company's technology equipment and machinery, as well as computer and network systems, and other related instruments to support the business operational functions, ensuring the highest client service and satisfaction. Maintenance specialists conduct preventive and repair maintenance, inspect defective lines and components, and perform troubleshooting to maintain optimal performance and service delivery. A maintenance specialist must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, especially when assisting the end-users with their concerns and inquiries.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real plant worker resumes. While plant worker responsibilities can utilize skills like "recordkeeping," "conveyor systems," "plant operations," and "bio," maintenance specialists use skills like "plumbing," "hand tools," "hvac," and "preventive maintenance."
On average, maintenance specialists earn a higher salary than plant workers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, maintenance specialists earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $57,768. Whereas plant workers have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $34,670.In general, maintenance specialists achieve similar levels of education than plant workers. They're 2.7% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Plant worker vs. Maintenance assistant
A maintenance assistant is responsible for maintaining the company's facilities' cleanliness, ensuring that all the equipment and machinery are in working condition, and escalating high defective items for repair. Maintenance assistants should adhere to the organization's safety standards at all times to prevent hazards in operations. They also assist with monitoring inventories and requesting office supplies, inspect electrical wirings and systems for inconsistencies, respond to cleaning and repair requests, and assist guests to the correct departments.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, plant workers are more likely to have skills like "recordkeeping," "conveyor systems," "hazardous materials," and "plant operations." But a maintenance assistant is more likely to have skills like "plumbing," "hvac," "patients," and "electrical equipment."
Maintenance assistants earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $35,031. Plant workers earn the highest pay from the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $34,670.When it comes to education, maintenance assistants tend to earn similar degree levels compared to plant workers. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Plant worker vs. Handyman
A handyman can perform various repair and maintenance tasks involving electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and even appliance installation. Most handymen work independently, but they can also choose to be part of a company. Furthermore, a handyman must also discuss the extent of repairs to clients, even sharing insights on maintaining facilities in good condition. There are instances when a handyman may be required to work in a group setting, which requires an active line of communication and coordination.
Types of plant worker
Updated January 8, 2025
