H-1B Visa Plant Operator Jobs
H-1B visa jobs for Plant Operators are filed by employers who structure the role around degree-level process engineering, chemical technology, or industrial operations duties. Each position requires a certified Labor Condition Application and an approved I-129 petition before you can start work.
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Job Profile Summary
Assist with or perform activities related to operation and maintenance of oil and gas liquid processing facilities under supervision.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Assist with or operate processing plant equipment including, but not limited to:
- Compressors
- Motors
- Engines
- Cooling equipment
- Auxiliary units
- Pumps
- Turbines
- Treating systems
- Operate loading/unloading rack (as specified by position)
- Monitor and control equipment operating conditions
- Start, stop, and operate equipment
- Assist with equipment preparation for maintenance activities including, but not limited to:
- Permitting
- Lock out tag out
- Decommissioning
- Assist mechanics and others in performing repairs to equipment
- Identify and report any safety and/or environmental concerns
- Compile and/or maintain information such as time sheets, work logs, safety/environmental forms, and equipment maintenance and repair records
- Drive and ensure maintenance is complete on company vehicles
- Responsibilities may include Department of Transportation (DOT) covered functions, including operations, maintenance, or emergency response on a pipeline. Job duties also require the employee to be alert and respond immediately to dangerous or hazardous conditions, and where impaired performance, or failure to follow safety precautions, could result in serious injury or property damage.
Education
None Required.
Work Experience
None required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of: compressor station, storage field, gathering field, and/or processing plant operations
- Knowledge of: computers. Demonstrated ability to access and/or perform basic computer functions utilizing company software applications.
- Knowledge of: gas and liquid processing fundamentals
- Knowledge of: applicable company and governmental operating practices and procedures
- Knowledge of: safe handling of flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems
- Ability to: analyze, adjust, and perform minor repairs on equipment
- Ability to: apply addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Ability to: read/understand drawings, diagrams, work logs, dials, gauges, charts, procedures, and operational and repair manuals
- Ability to: maintain and prepare information such as safety/environmental reports, work logs, maintenance/repair logs, and time sheets
- Ability to: interact and communicate effectively
- Ability to: communicate and/or exchange information and instructions
Licenses and Certifications
None required.
Strength Factor Rating - Physical Demands/Requirements
Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
Strength Factor Description - Physical Demands/Requirements
- Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about (Frequently)
- Walking: Moving about on foot (Frequently)
- Sitting: Remaining in a seated position (Occasionally)
- Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling) (Occasionally)
- Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder (Occasionally)
- Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (Occasionally)
- Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking) (Occasionally)
- Climbing: Ladders, Stairs (Occasionally)
- Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling (Occasionally)
- Stooping: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist (Occasionally)
- Kneeling: Bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on the knee or knees (Occasionally)
- Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine (Occasionally)
- Crawling: Moving about on the hands and arms in any direction (Occasionally)
- Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction (Constantly)
- Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands (Manual Dexterity) (Constantly)
- Fingering: Picking, pinching or otherwise working with the fingers primarily (Finger Dexterity) (Constantly)
- Feeling: Perceiving such attributes of objects/materials as size, shape, temperature, texture, movement or pulsation by receptors in the skin, particularly those of the finger tips (Constantly)
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas/information by means of the spoken word (Frequently)
- Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sound by the ear (Frequently)
- Tasting/Smelling: (Constantly)
- Near Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less (Constantly)
- Far Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 feet for more (Constantly)
- Depth Perception: Three-dimensional vision; ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are (Constantly)
- Vision: Color - The ability to identify and distinguish colors (Constantly)
Working Conditions/Environment
Employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
Working Conditions
- Well lighted, climate controlled areas (Frequently)
- Outdoor weather conditions (Frequently)
- Wet or humid conditions (not weather related) (Frequently)
- Extreme cold (not weather related) (Frequently)
- Extreme heat (not weather related) (Frequently)
- Dust, fumes, gases (Frequently)
- Moving mechanical parts (Frequently)
- Potential electric shock (Frequently)
- Prolonged exposure to vibration (Frequently)
- High pitched noises/loud noises (Frequently)
- Unprotected heights (Frequently)
- Frequent repetitive motion (Constantly)
- CRT (Computer Monitor(s)) (Constantly)
Travel
Travel to company locations and/or for training.
Driving
Based on assigned tasks, employee may be assigned a company vehicle requiring the applicable driver's license.
ONEOK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, disability, military/veteran status, genetic information or any other categories protected by applicable law.
The job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of ONEOK.
ONEOK is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request an accommodation email HRSolutions@ONEOK.com or call 1-855-663-6547.
Expected Salary Range
$63,000.00 - $95,000.00
JOB SUMMARY
Job Profile Summary
Assist with or perform activities related to operation and maintenance of oil and gas liquid processing facilities under supervision.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Assist with or operate processing plant equipment including, but not limited to:
- Compressors
- Motors
- Engines
- Cooling equipment
- Auxiliary units
- Pumps
- Turbines
- Treating systems
- Operate loading/unloading rack (as specified by position)
- Monitor and control equipment operating conditions
- Start, stop, and operate equipment
- Assist with equipment preparation for maintenance activities including, but not limited to:
- Permitting
- Lock out tag out
- Decommissioning
- Assist mechanics and others in performing repairs to equipment
- Identify and report any safety and/or environmental concerns
- Compile and/or maintain information such as time sheets, work logs, safety/environmental forms, and equipment maintenance and repair records
- Drive and ensure maintenance is complete on company vehicles
- Responsibilities may include Department of Transportation (DOT) covered functions, including operations, maintenance, or emergency response on a pipeline. Job duties also require the employee to be alert and respond immediately to dangerous or hazardous conditions, and where impaired performance, or failure to follow safety precautions, could result in serious injury or property damage.
Education
None Required.
Work Experience
None required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of: compressor station, storage field, gathering field, and/or processing plant operations
- Knowledge of: computers. Demonstrated ability to access and/or perform basic computer functions utilizing company software applications.
- Knowledge of: gas and liquid processing fundamentals
- Knowledge of: applicable company and governmental operating practices and procedures
- Knowledge of: safe handling of flammable gases, liquids, and high-pressure systems
- Ability to: analyze, adjust, and perform minor repairs on equipment
- Ability to: apply addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
- Ability to: read/understand drawings, diagrams, work logs, dials, gauges, charts, procedures, and operational and repair manuals
- Ability to: maintain and prepare information such as safety/environmental reports, work logs, maintenance/repair logs, and time sheets
- Ability to: interact and communicate effectively
- Ability to: communicate and/or exchange information and instructions
Licenses and Certifications
None required.
Strength Factor Rating - Physical Demands/Requirements
Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
Strength Factor Description - Physical Demands/Requirements
- Standing: Remaining on one's feet in an upright position at a work station without moving about (Frequently)
- Walking: Moving about on foot (Frequently)
- Sitting: Remaining in a seated position (Occasionally)
- Lifting: Raising or lowering an object from one level to another (includes upward pulling) (Occasionally)
- Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder (Occasionally)
- Pushing: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves away from the force (Occasionally)
- Pulling: Exerting force upon an object so that the object moves toward the force (includes jerking) (Occasionally)
- Climbing: Ladders, Stairs (Occasionally)
- Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling (Occasionally)
- Stooping: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist (Occasionally)
- Kneeling: Bending the legs at the knees to come to rest on the knee or knees (Occasionally)
- Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending the legs and spine (Occasionally)
- Crawling: Moving about on the hands and arms in any direction (Occasionally)
- Reaching: Extending hands and arms in any direction (Constantly)
- Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the hand or hands (Manual Dexterity) (Constantly)
- Fingering: Picking, pinching or otherwise working with the fingers primarily (Finger Dexterity) (Constantly)
- Feeling: Perceiving such attributes of objects/materials as size, shape, temperature, texture, movement or pulsation by receptors in the skin, particularly those of the finger tips (Constantly)
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas/information by means of the spoken word (Frequently)
- Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sound by the ear (Frequently)
- Tasting/Smelling: (Constantly)
- Near Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less (Constantly)
- Far Vision: Clarity of vision at 20 feet for more (Constantly)
- Depth Perception: Three-dimensional vision; ability to judge distances and spatial relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are (Constantly)
- Vision: Color - The ability to identify and distinguish colors (Constantly)
Working Conditions/Environment
Employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
Working Conditions
- Well lighted, climate controlled areas (Frequently)
- Outdoor weather conditions (Frequently)
- Wet or humid conditions (not weather related) (Frequently)
- Extreme cold (not weather related) (Frequently)
- Extreme heat (not weather related) (Frequently)
- Dust, fumes, gases (Frequently)
- Moving mechanical parts (Frequently)
- Potential electric shock (Frequently)
- Prolonged exposure to vibration (Frequently)
- High pitched noises/loud noises (Frequently)
- Unprotected heights (Frequently)
- Frequent repetitive motion (Constantly)
- CRT (Computer Monitor(s)) (Constantly)
Travel
Travel to company locations and/or for training.
Driving
Based on assigned tasks, employee may be assigned a company vehicle requiring the applicable driver's license.
ONEOK is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, national origin, gender identity, disability, military/veteran status, genetic information or any other categories protected by applicable law.
The job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of ONEOK.
ONEOK is committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request an accommodation email HRSolutions@ONEOK.com or call 1-855-663-6547.
Expected Salary Range
$63,000.00 - $95,000.00
See all H-1B Visa Plant Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Plant Operator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Plant Operator
Match your degree to the role
Plant Operator H-1B visa petitions hinge on a direct connection between your bachelor's degree field and the specific duties in the job description. Review O*NET's task list for this occupation and confirm your transcript maps to process control, chemical engineering, or industrial technology.
Find sponsors through LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to see which employers have active H-1B LCA filings for Plant Operator roles. Targeting companies with recent certified LCAs tells you which employers already understand the sponsorship process for this specific position.
Verify prevailing wage tier before negotiating
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location before salary discussions. Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the applicable level, so knowing the floor protects you during offer negotiations.
Confirm each worksite gets its own LCA
If the role involves rotating between facilities or multiple plant locations, each worksite requires a separately certified LCA before you work there. Raise this with your employer's HR or immigration counsel early so filings aren't delayed when your assignment changes.
Get your credentials evaluated before applying
If your engineering or technology degree is from outside the U.S., obtain a credential evaluation from a NACES-member service before submitting applications. USCIS will assess whether your foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's in a directly related field.
Use your 60-day grace period strategically
If your current H-1B employment ends, you have a 60-day grace period to secure a new sponsoring employer and have a transfer petition filed. DOL's LCA certification alone can take several business days, so starting your job search well before any termination date matters.
H-1B Visa Plant Operator: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Plant Operator role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Not automatically. A standard Plant Operator position focused on manual monitoring or equipment operation does not typically require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, so it would not qualify as a specialty occupation. Sponsoring employers who successfully file H-1B petitions for this role structure the position around degree-level duties such as process engineering analysis, chemical process optimization, or industrial systems design, and document that requirement clearly in the job description submitted to USCIS.
How does the LCA process work for Plant Operator H-1B sponsorship?
Your employer files a Labor Condition Application with DOL through the FLAG system before submitting your I-129 petition to USCIS. The LCA certifies the offered wage meets the prevailing wage for the SOC code and worksite location. DOL typically certifies LCAs within seven business days. Your employer must also post a notice at the worksite for ten consecutive business days before the LCA is submitted.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Plant Operator employer?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can begin working for a new sponsoring employer once they file a nontrivial H-1B transfer petition with USCIS, without waiting for approval, provided you are currently in valid H-1B status. The new employer must file a fresh LCA certified for their specific worksite and wage rate. You don't need to restart the cap count since you're already cap-subject.
How do I find Plant Operator jobs where employers are already set up to sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate shows Plant Operator positions at employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history, so you're not cold-applying to companies unfamiliar with the process. Targeting employers who have filed for this specific occupation code reduces the risk of losing an offer because the company discovers the complexity mid-process.
How long does H-1B status last for a Plant Operator position?
H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended for an additional three years, reaching a six-year maximum under standard rules. Extensions beyond six years are possible only if your employer has an approved I-140 immigrant petition or a PERM labor certification that has been pending for at least 365 days. Each extension requires a new I-129 filing with USCIS.