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 centralised control room.
plant operators work in many industries
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 specialise 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's 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 and patience? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a plant operator role.
plant operator jobsaverage plant operator salary
A plant operator's compensation package varies based on their experience, the company size and the industry.
According to National Careers, the median annual salary in an entry-level position is £19,000 while experienced workers take home over £36,000 per year.
When you are newly trained, you have minimal skills, and your earnings range from £19,000 to £25,000 per year, depending on your skills and educational qualifications. When you are a trained plant operator with a couple of years of experience, your compensation package rises to between £25,000 to £30,000 per year. Experienced plant operators with complex responsibilities earn more than £30,000 yearly, with senior positions attracting salaries of £40,000 annually.
how to increase your salary as a plant operator
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 specialising in specific plant operations. For instance, power plant operators earn higher salaries than construction plant operators.
types of plant operators
The types of plant operators depend on the industry of specialisation. 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're looking forward to being a plant operator, take the time to familiarise 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 computerised monitoring system. You should understand the operations of all machines within the facility.
- repairing the machines: you should 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 lorries 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 minimise 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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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 odours, 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 gases 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, telehandlers, construction workers and plant mechanics. You may also work alongside tunnelling 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 am to 5 pm, but the working hours vary, depending on deadlines. Most plants operate 24/7, so expect shift work, including weekends and bank holidays. Large plants require constant monitoring of the machines, so working overtime is common. While travelling 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
A plant operator working in construction can specialise in crane operations or move to supervisory roles like site supervisor or project coordinator. Some plant operators specialise in estimating project costs and choosing the right equipment for various functions. In manufacturing, you can become a plant supervisor or a facility manager. Some plant operators become independent contractors or trainers after gaining extensive experience.
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advantages of finding a plant operator job through randstad
Finding your plant operator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? 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!
education and skills
Some of the routes for becoming a plant operator include:
- college course: pursue a Level 2 Certificate in construction plant operations or a Level 3 Diploma in construction and the built environment. These courses equip you with knowledge of operating various heavy-duty equipment and performing maintenance.
- apprenticeship: you can join the profession through an apprenticeship programme with a plant hire company or construction firm. The plant operator or lifting technician intermediate apprenticeships take two years each and give you an NVQ Level 2 qualification in plant operations. You also require a construction plant competence scheme (CPCS) card to work on construction sites.
plant operator skills and competencies
To succeed as a plant operator, you require the following qualities:
- attention to detail: as a plant operator, you should pay close attention to minor details. Remember that your job involves monitoring complex controls to ensure everything works properly.
- critical-thinking skills: this occupation suits people who quickly interpret information and make logical decisions. Your job is to identify the strength and weaknesses of various equipment and machines and develop the best solutions for any problem.
- active listening and communication skills: you work with other team members and communicate vital information, so you should also pay attention to what others say, understand all the instructions, and ask relevant questions. Note that simple miscommunication mistakes result in expensive losses and time wastage in industrial plants.
- concentration: plant operators should be very careful to read and understand written instructions related to their job. Conducting tests and product evaluations requires a high level of concentration. While operating the machines, you should pay attention to temperature reactors and other operational parameters.
FAQs
Here are the most asked questions about working as a plant operator.
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what is the job description of a plant operator?
Plant operators control, operate and maintain the equipment and machines in an industrial plant. Your daily activities revolve around setting and preparing the machine for work, using controls to perform tasks, and moving the equipment to the worksite. Plant operators monitor the machines' gauges and clean, refuel and lubricate the equipment.
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how do I become a plant operator?
If you wish to work as a plant operator, get your GCSEs and go to college to pursue a diploma or certificate course in plant operations. Most plant operators complete a Level 2 Certificate in construction plant operations. If you meet the requirements for a Level 3 Diploma, take a course in construction and the built environment. You need a CPCS card to work on construction sites.
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do plant operators make good money?
Plant operators make decent money, and your salary will vary based on your industry. On average, expect to earn between £19,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on your experience level and academic qualifications.
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is plant operator a good job?
A plant operator role is a great career with a competitive salary and good job security. Companies are always looking for operators with specialised knowledge about operating plant machines safely and effectively. There are many job opportunities if you have the right skills and experience.
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how do I apply for a plant operator vacancy?
Applying for a plant operator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our operator job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
