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Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a plant technician. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a plant technician.

 

Who is a Plant Technician?

A plant technician is responsible for overseeing plant operations and ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

 

Plant Technician Job Description

Below are the plant technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.

The responsibilities of a plant technician include all of the following:

• Follow company policies and procedures to operate and maintain all plant equipment and systems safely and efficiently.
• Maintain all plant equipment and systems regularly to reduce downtime and ensure peak performance.
• Check plant equipment and systems for potential problems and make repairs as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of all plant equipment and system maintenance activities.
• Contribute to the creation and implementation of new plant processes and procedures.
• Train other plant personnel in the proper operation and maintenance of plant equipment and systems.
• Work with other departments to ensure smooth operations and efficient resource utilization.
• Inspect plant equipment and systems regularly.
• Repair or replace faulty plant equipment and systems.
• Optimize the performance of plant equipment and systems.
• Keep accurate records of all plant equipment and systems.
• Investigate incidents and accidents involving plant equipment and systems.
• Make suggestions for improvements to plant equipment and systems.

 

Qualifications

A plant technician should typically have the following qualifications.

Education: A high school diploma or GED certificate is frequently required for a job as a plant technician. However, some employers prefer to hire technicians who have a related associate’s or bachelor’s degree, such as in horticulture or agriculture.

Experience and training: Most employers require plant technicians to have at least two years of related experience. This training can take place in a related position, such as that of a laborer, or a related industry, such as agriculture. Some employers may also require candidates to have prior experience as a supervisor or team leader.

Licenses and certifications: Plant technicians are not required by law to have any certifications, but there are certifications available for this role that can help you stand out when applying for jobs.

 

Essential Skills

To be successful, plant technicians must possess the following abilities:

1. Excellent communication skills: Throughout the day, plant technicians communicate with a variety of people, including coworkers, supervisors, clients, and customers. Effective communication skills, including written and verbal communication, can aid in the development of relationships and the improvement of overall job performance.
2. Excellent problem-solving abilities: Plant technicians must solve problems all day, so they must be strong problem solvers. They use these abilities to identify problems, research solutions, and put those solutions into action to repair equipment, machines, and other items.
3. Keen Attention to Detail: Plant technicians must pay close attention to detail to follow proper procedures and accurately record data. Their attention to detail can also aid them in troubleshooting any problems that may arise during the course of their work.
4. Good Teamwork Abilities: Plant technicians frequently collaborate with other technicians, engineers, and plant personnel. They may also collaborate with other plant personnel to ensure that the plant is fully operational. Working well with others is a necessary skill for plant technicians.
5. Quality Control: The ability to ensure that a product meets certain standards is referred to as quality control. As a plant technician, you may be in charge of ensuring that all equipment and machinery are in working order. This necessitates meticulous attention to detail as well as knowledge of how various machines operate. You can also use quality control skills when testing problem-solving solutions to see if they are effective.
6. OSHA Compliance: OSHA compliance is the ability to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regulations. Understanding safety protocols, documenting workplace injuries and accidents, and maintaining a safe work environment are all part of this. Plant technicians use their OSHA compliance knowledge when working with machinery and other industrial equipment.
7. Knowledge of Environmental Regulations: To ensure the safety of their workplace and surrounding areas, plant technicians must be knowledgeable about environmental regulations. They should understand how to operate machinery that complies with these regulations, as well as how to maintain equipment in a way that minimizes its environmental impact. This skill can also be used by plant technicians when completing paperwork for new or existing plants.
8. Understanding of Preventative Maintenance: The process of identifying and repairing potential issues before they become larger problems is known as preventative maintenance. Preventative maintenance skills are used by plant technicians to ensure that equipment continues to function properly. A plant technician, for example, may identify and repair an electrical problem in a machine before it causes any damage.
9. Record-Keeping Abilities: Plant technicians keep detailed records of their work, including equipment and machinery maintenance. They also collect data on machine performance to help them determine when repairs are required. Maintaining accurate records is critical for plant technicians because it allows them to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
10. Excellent Analytical Skills: Plant technicians solve problems and make decisions using their analytical skills. They examine data such as plant growth rates and chemical levels in water to determine whether action is required. A technician, for example, may notice that the pH level of a nutrient solution is too high and adjust it accordingly.
11. Data Entry Experience: The process of entering information into a computer system is known as data entry. You may be required to enter data about your work as a plant technician into an electronic log or database. This can include information about the equipment you used, the time you spent working, and anything else that may be useful for future reference. Strong data entry skills can assist you in keeping track of your work and maintaining accurate records.
12. Mechanical skills: The ability to use tools and machinery is referred to as mechanical skills. Understanding how machines work, how to repair them when they break down, and how to operate various types of equipment are all part of this. Plant technicians frequently require mechanical skills for their jobs because they may be in charge of maintaining all of the equipment in a plant. They will also need these skills if they want to advance to supervisory positions where they will be in charge of other technicians.
13. Attention to Detail: When working with machinery and chemicals, plant technicians must be able to precisely follow instructions. They must also be aware of their surroundings when performing tasks in a plant or laboratory, as they may notice potential safety hazards before they become a problem.
14. Knowledge of Safety Consciousness: Any job, especially one that involves working with machinery and chemicals, must prioritize safety. Plant technicians must be safety conscious to protect their health as well as the health of those around them. Safety consciousness can also help plant technicians advance in their careers by demonstrating their ability to keep themselves and others safe on the job.
15. Inventory Management Skills: Inventory management skills are used by plant technicians to track and maintain the supply of materials required for production. They also use these abilities to track the status of equipment, such as determining which machines require repair or replacement. Inventory management skills can also be used by plant technicians to keep track of tools and supplies in a tool room or storage area.
16. Equipment Operation: Plant technicians must be familiar with the equipment they use. This includes understanding how to use machinery, tools, and other devices in a manufacturing environment. When these items break down, you may also need to know how to repair or maintain them. For example, if you work on an assembly line, you should be able to troubleshoot any machine problems.

 

How to Become a Plant Technician

The following are some steps you should take to become a plant technician.

1. Complete a high school diploma or its equivalent: Although a high school diploma or equivalent is required for plant technicians, some employers prefer candidates with an associate degree. If you want to pursue an associate degree, take classes in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science while you’re still in high school to help you decide which program is best for you.

If your high school does not offer these courses, take as many math and science courses as you can to prepare for college-level coursework.

2. Think about earning an associate degree or certificate in plant technology or a related field: Associate degrees or certificates in fields such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer networking are available to plant technicians. These programs teach the fundamentals of plant technology and prepare you for entry-level jobs. Consider earning an associate degree or certificate in renewable energy to advance your career.

Some colleges and universities provide two-year associate degrees or certificates that combine plant technology with another field, such as electrical engineering or renewable energy.

3. Gain on-the-job experience by pursuing an apprenticeship or an entry-level position: The majority of entry-level plant technicians receive on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are common in the field, and they combine classroom instruction with on-the-job training at a job site or facility.

If you do not have access to an apprenticeship, consider applying for an entry-level position that provides similar training opportunities. You can find open positions through your professional network or by searching online job boards.

4. Obtain American Society of Power Engineers certification (ASOPE): Plant technicians who pass an exam covering electrical engineering principles and practices can earn certification from the American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE). The certification validates your knowledge and abilities in this field, making you more appealing to employers. You must complete continuing education requirements to keep your certification current.
5. Keep your certification current by meeting continuing education requirements: The ASOPE certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by completing 30 hours of continuing education. You can select from a variety of plant technology and electrical engineering courses. Some employers may require ASOPE-certified technicians to maintain their certification through continuing education.
6. Become a member of a professional organization such as ASOPE or the International Society of Electrical Engineers (IEEE): Professional organizations can keep you up to date on industry developments and connect you with other industry professionals. The American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) is a professional organization for electrical power engineers, whereas the IEEE is for electrical and computer engineers. Joining these organizations can help you find work and expand your network of contacts.
7. Stay current on technological advancements and industry developments: Because technology is constantly evolving, plant technicians must stay current on the latest developments. For example, as renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power become more prevalent, new equipment and techniques for maintaining these systems are being developed.

Plant technicians should also be aware of new industry developments that may affect their job responsibilities or working conditions. For example, if a company installs a new system that necessitates technicians wearing specialized protective gear, being aware of this change in advance can help you prepare.

 

Where to Work as a Plant Technician

Plant technicians work in a variety of environments, such as factories, power plants, and water treatment plants. They may work in offices, but they also spend time on-site performing maintenance and repairs. Plant technicians typically work a 40-hour week, but overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required to keep the plant running smoothly. Plant technicians must be able to lift heavy objects and work in cramped spaces, and the work can be physically demanding. They must also be able to work in hazardous environments, such as those with high noise levels or toxic chemical exposure.

 

Plant Technician Salary Scale

In the United States, the average plant technician’s salary is $48,750 per year or $23.44 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $39,000 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to $67,416 per year.

In the United Kingdom, the average plant technician salary is £30,000 per year or £15.38 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at £25,764 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to £38,603 per year.

In Canada, the average plant technician’s salary is $54,815 per year or $28.11 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $40,518 per year, with the most experienced workers earning up to $66,425 per year.

In Ireland, the average plant technician salary is €40,000 per year or €20.51 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level positions start at €32,517 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to € 53 569 per year.

In Australia, the average plant technician salary is $84,338 per year or $43.25 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $68,250 per year, with the most experienced workers earning up to $108,225 per year.

In Germany, the average plant technician’s salary is $38,805 per year or $18.66 per hour. Entry-level salaries begin at $32,175 per year, with most experienced workers earning up to $63,781 per year.

In Nigeria, a plant technician earns about 261,000 NGN per month.

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