Operator

Job Title: Plant Operator Job Description The Plant Operator plays a key role in inspecting, maintaining, and controlling process equipment at a water pollution control facility. In this role, you work closely with experienced operators to learn and support operations across multiple departments within the New Haven plant. You help ensure the facility runs safely, cleanly, and efficiently by performing mechanical maintenance, monitoring plant conditions, and assisting with general housekeeping and safety duties. We are targeting someone with strong mechanical aptitude coming from a maintenance or automotive field. This role is paying $24.04 an hour and the shift is 12 hour rotating so you'll be working all shifts. There is a strong odor in the facility as it is a waste water plant. Responsibilities Inspect, monitor, and operate process equipment throughout the water pollution control plant to support safe and efficient operations. Perform routine mechanical maintenance such as greasing equipment, changing belts, and completing oil changes in gearboxes. Handle the receipt and organization of supply shipments to ensure materials and parts are available when needed. Maintain accurate records of plant operations, including hourly operating data, plant violations, and abnormal operating conditions. Perform fire guard duty and act as a confined space watch as required to support safety procedures. Use hand and power tools to complete mechanical and general maintenance tasks around the facility. Carry out general housekeeping duties, including sweeping, shoveling, and other cleaning activities to maintain a safe and orderly work area. Move throughout all areas of the plant, including working at heights up to 20 feet, to inspect equipment and complete assigned tasks. Operate industrial forklifts and man lifts as needed to support plant operations and maintenance activities. Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment to maintain a safe work environment. Collaborate with tenured operators to learn plant processes and become proficient in both departments within the facility. Respond to on-call duties, overtime needs, holidays, and emergency call-ins to support the plants 24/7 operations. Essential Skills Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in areas such as construction, automotive work, mechanical repair, plant operations, production, warehouse, or general labor. Ability to perform basic reading, writing, and arithmetic, including reading a tape measure and using hand tools accurately. Ability to read and comprehend instructional manuals, technical data, work orders, and mechanical drawings in English. Capability to operate hand and power tools safely and effectively. Ability to operate industrial forklifts and man lifts, or willingness to learn. Reliable vehicle to commute to and from the facility and support varying shift schedules. Ability to work varying shifts, including second and third shift, as well as overtime, holidays, on-call duty, and emergency call-ins. Physical ability to work at heights up to 20 feet as required by plant tasks. Physical ability to lift up to 100 pounds and move about all areas of the plant. Ability to wear and properly use personal protective equipment as required. Additional Skills & Qualifications Previous experience in a water treatment, industrial, manufacturing, construction, or similar plant environment is beneficial. Experience using industrial equipment such as forklifts, man lifts, or other material-handling equipment is a plus. Comfort working in an environment that requires frequent use of hand and power tools. Strong attention to detail when recording operating data and reporting abnormal conditions. Willingness to perform both mechanical tasks and general housekeeping duties as part of daily responsibilities. Ability to learn quickly from experienced operators and adapt to different departments within the facility. Why Work Here? You join a team-based environment where experienced operators actively support your development and help you build strong mechanical and operational skills. The rotating shift structure offers opportunities to gain broad exposure to plant operations and, over time, to move into more desirable shifts as you gain experience. The role provides steady, year-round work in a critical infrastructure facility that supports the community, offering long-term stability and the chance to grow your skills in plant operations and maintenance. Work Environment The facility operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with three shifts covered by a team of operators. The schedule follows a six-week block pattern, typically working four days followed by two days off, and then repeating. New operators generally start on second shift (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.) or third shift (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), with the opportunity over time to move to first shift or arrange shift changes with other operators. Work takes place throughout the plant, including at heights up to 20 feet, and involves regular use of hand tools, power tools, industrial forklifts, and man lifts. The environment includes both mechanical and housekeeping tasks, requiring frequent movement around the facility and the ability to lift up to 100 pounds. Personal protective equipment is used as needed based on tasks and areas of the plant. The dress code allows work pants or jeans and T-shirts, provided they are neat and free of rips, holes, or explicit language, and steel-toed work boots are required. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New Haven, CT. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $24.04 - $24.04/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in New Haven,CT. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. #J-18808-Ljbffr Aerotek