what is a plant operator?
A plant operator is a professional who operates, monitors and maintains machinery in an industrial plant. Your job involves using machines like cranes, backhoes, excavators, bulldozers and trenchers. You perform jobs like excavation, lifting, crushing rocks and transporting materials from one place to another. Many modern industrial plants have highly automated machines and equipment that use computer controls to handle different processes. In such cases, you monitor progress, observe the gauges, check the valves and operate alarms and switches from a centralized control room.
As a plant operator, you work in a broad range of industries. You could land a job in power, utilities, water treatment or chemical plants. The manufacturing, gas and oil industries also hire plant operators. Some plant operators specialize in a particular type of machinery, so they work on a single part of the industrial process. If you want higher-paying job offers, it is advisable to develop skills in a range of machines and equipment so you can work in all parts of the process.
Would working as a plant operator suit your ability to focus? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a plant operator role.
view jobs near youaverage plant operator salary
A report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that as a plant operator, you are likely to earn around $60,070 annually and on an hourly basis, you will earn $28.88 on average. However, if you are a plant operator at an entry-level, your take-home pay will be around $35,136 per year.
It is safe to say that the salaries of plant operators vary widely, depending on the level of experience, certifications and type of job. Also, the size of the company you are working in as a plant operator determines how much you earn on a monthly basis.
Salary increments usually depend on experience levels and credentials. When you have more experience, your expertise improves your salary prospects. Completing additional training courses also boosts your compensation package. You can increase your salary prospects by specializing in specific plant operations. For instance, power plant operators earn higher salaries than construction plant operators.
Wondering what you can earn as a plant operator? Find out immediately with the salary comparison tool! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a plant operator is.
types of plant operators
The types of plant operators depend on the industry of specialization. Some include:
- construction plant operators: As a construction plant operator, you operate construction machinery and equipment. For instance, you use dumper trucks and bulldozers or operate 360 excavators to dig foundations. You also use cranes to move construction materials.
- power plant operators: Your job is to manage the operations of a power plant facility. You control and monitor the performance of power-generating equipment. You also clean and maintain the power plant to improve safety.
- chemical plant operators: As a chemical plant operator, you control and operate the machinery that makes chemical products like cosmetics and paints.
working as a plant operator
If you are looking forward to being a plant operator, take the time to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities, working conditions, work schedules and job outlook.
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plant operator job description
As a plant operator, you handle various machine tasks each day. Although the roles vary from one industry to another, your primary duties include:
- overseeing plant operations: The job of plant operators involves monitoring plant operations via a computerized monitoring system. You should understand the operations of all machines within the facility.
- repairing the machines: You spot malfunctions early and initiate appropriate repair procedures. Before you call a mechanic or even an auto electrician, you should resolve the problem by resetting or performing minor repairs. Breakdowns often happen, and you need a deep understanding of every process to troubleshoot such issues.
- loading and unloading shipment: In industrial plants, there are always materials that need unpacking or shipping. Depending on your industry, you may physically load and unload trucks or oversee the operations.
- ensuring safety adherence: The duties of a plant operator extend to carrying out safety checks on the machines. You must also ensure that the company follows safety protocols and legal codes while operating the equipment to minimize the risk of harm to personnel or damage to machinery.
- maintaining the machines and plant site: A plant operator lubricates and cleans up the machinery and equipment. You also clean the worksite to keep it free from waste.
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plant operator work environment
Plant operators work in industrial settings in a very noisy and physically demanding workplace, indoors and outdoors. You may get a job in either the public or private sectors, and the working conditions vary from one industry to another.
Expect to work in dusty, hot, perhaps fume-filled areas. You usually work in a well-ventilated and spacious building when working indoors. Sometimes, you work in messy environments with odors, especially in a water treatment plant. This job suits a person comfortable with heights since you often operate tower cranes or large excavators.
Due to slippery walkways, dangerous gasses and loud machinery, you should always wear protective gear like safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, gloves and face covers. Expect to travel from one place to another when you move to other projects. Remote working options and working from home are impossible.
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who are your colleagues?
As a plant operator, your colleagues may include machine operators, tele-handlers, construction workers and plant mechanics. You may also work alongside tunneling operatives and highway maintenance technicians, as well as other specialists that could include crane operators, forklift drivers and project managers.
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work schedule
Plant operators work 48 to 50 hours a week, regularly from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the working hours vary, depending on deadlines. Most plant operators work 24/7; therefore, expect shift work, including weekends and holidays. Large plants require constant monitoring of the machines, so working overtime is common. While traveling between jobs, you sometimes stay away from home overnight. In smaller plants, you only work during the day, with a few calls at night and on the weekends. Companies hire plant operators full-time or on a contract basis during peak seasons.
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job outlook for plant operator
A plant operator working in construction can specialize in crane operations or move to supervisory roles like site supervisor or project coordinator. Some plant operators specialize in estimating project costs and choosing the right equipment for various functions. In manufacturing, you could become a plant supervisor or a facility manager. Some plant operators become independent contractors or trainers after gaining extensive experience.
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benefits of working for randstad as a plant operator
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as a plant operator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
plant operator skills and education
There are several routes for becoming a plant operator. These routes include:
- high school or general educational development (GED) diploma: The GED test consists of four subjects: social studies, science, math and language arts. Passing a GED test earns you a high school equivalency credential. According to bestcolleges.com, you need to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma at a minimum to be a plant operator.
- technical school background: You can also become a plant operator by going to a community college or vocational school. These institutions provide both classroom and hands-on experience to help increase your chances of being successful as a plant operator.
- other aptitudes: An aptitude test for science, math or computer skills may be requested to work as a plant operator. Furthermore, experience in the military or firefighting is highly recommended. Another thing to note is that, like other operators working in nuclear power plants, you have to consult with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to obtain a license. Created in 1974 by Congress, the U.S. NRC is an independent agency, which ensures that radioactive materials are safely used to benefit civilians and protect the environment.
skills and competencies
You need the following skill sets to succeed as a plant operator:
- problem-solving skills: As a plant operator, you need to possess the ability to find and quickly solve problems which may arise with controls and equipment.
- concentration skills: You also need to be persistent, attentive, careful and able to pay attention to detail. You must be able to focus on a task for a significant amount of time without being distracted. The concentration skill is vital since you will be monitoring the temperature of reactors that requires maximum focus to reduce the percentage of errors.
- mechanical skills: You also need to know how to use tools and work with machines. You have to be familiar with how to operate, maintain and repair equipment so you can effectively as a plant operator.
- dexterity: Dexterity requires that you use repeated and precise motions when working in a control room.
- attention to detail: A detail-oriented focus is an important skill in the sense that it ensures you monitor intricate machinery and complex controls to make sure everything is working as expected.
To become a fully qualified plant operator, you must have several years of experience under your belt. You also need to undergo solid on-site training for a significant amount of time.
FAQs about working as a plant operator
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about plant operators.
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what type of questions am I likely to be asked in a plant operator interview?
Some of the common questions the interviewer is likely to ask you during a plant operator interview include questions about your previous experience, including the length of time in that position. You could be asked about how you would like to change your next role, why you are interested in working for this company and what about being a plant operator interests you the most.
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what hard skills do I need to have as a plant operator?
Hard skills are essential if you want to succeed as a plant operator. Some of the hard skills you need as a plant operator include operating heavy machinery, carrying out preventive maintenance and dealing with compliance and plant equipment skills
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how long does it take to become a plant operator?
There is no specific amount of time you need to become a plant operator. In other words, a lot of factors affect the duration of time needed to become a plant operator. These are training and licensing requirements that some industries may need.
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is a plant operator a good job?
Plant operator is a good job that allows you to use your skills in operating machinery and to manage a plant to keep things running smoothly. The compensation package is also attractive.
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what qualities make a good plant operator?
To be a good plant operator, you must be able to work well under pressure. You also must be able to accept criticism and work well with your colleagues.
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how do I find a job as a plant operator?
Applying for a plant operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our financial analyst jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
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