Entry Level Utilities Operator Jobs
New grad utilities operator jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where hands-on training, vocational coursework, or an internship can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Food & Beverage, Energy, and Automotive, with employers like Gotion, Leprino Foods, and SUNY Upstate Medical University hiring at this level now.
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INTRODUCTION
For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Utilities Team Lead.
This position pays $41.25 per hour. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Weekly pay.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Power & Utilities Team Lead is responsible for assisting the supervisor in achieving daily work assignments through delegation of duties to team members. The duties include the safe and efficient operation of all steam, refrigeration, compressed air and support equipment. This position is also responsible for the safe repair and troubleshooting of malfunctioning electrical or instrumentation systems, the calibration of instruments, performing mechanical, preventive, and predictive maintenance, and maintaining 5S standards. This position will participate on the hazmat response team.
All other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES (ACCOUNTABILITY CATEGORIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES):
NOTE: The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed on this form.
- Operate and troubleshoot designated power equipment to achieve required mode of operation, including completing assigned work and/or development of SOP’s focused on initiatives that streamline power and utility operations.
- Perform preventative maintenance activities. Development and implementation of maintenance SOPs. Coordination with outside vendors to perform out-sourced maintenance and service tasks.
- Coordinate daily operational and maintenance assignments and workload of Power & Utilities Technicians, especially across department shifts.
- Ensure completion of preventative maintenance activity and work orders to ensure highest quality of repair.
- Work with production supervisors to drive operational behaviors that drive conservation of utility supply resources.
- Ensure daily operational data entry for successful reporting of department metrics.
- Work in accordance with safe work practices at all times. Participate in department Safety Initiatives. Implement and maintain 5S standards.
- This position is responsible and accountable to ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Ability to speak, read, and write the English language in order to understand/adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)
- Ability to communicate effectively with others to complete required documentation both in written and electronic form, and to troubleshoot systems utilizing the English language.
- Ability to perform essential job functions, wear required personal protective equipment, comply with all applicable safety practices, maintain a clean work area, complete written reports.
- Ability to work in high noise area with exposure on occasion to temperature extremes on the roof and boiler room.
- Ability to perform intermediate mathematical calculations, enter data into and pull data from computer systems with proficiency in MS office.
- Must possess considerable problem-solving ability in dealing with equipment or troubleshooting when supervision is not readily available for consultation.
- Dairy or food manufacturing experience.
- Knowledge of government and industrial regulations (e.g. PSM, OSHA, and USDA)
- Computer proficiency in email, internet, Microsoft Office software, and computerized maintenance management systems (e.g. SAP, Maximo).
- 4-years operational and maintenance experience with steam boilers and distribution, ammonia refrigeration, cooling towers, HVAC, plant water supply and water quality treatment systems, glycol heating and cooling systems, and fire suppression and monitoring systems.
- 2-Years of dairy or food manufacturing experience
- Prior experience in a similar technician role with electrical background; experience in maintenance pneumatics, electrical controls, and schematic reading.
- Experience with AC frequency drives, instrumentation, welding, mechanical repairs (including rebuilding gearboxes and utility equipment, and PLC troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of various plant equipment and processes to understand, interpret, and schedule work orders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Electrical background or equivalent educational training and/or diesel engine mechanical training.
- Operational and maintenance experience with gas compression, gas turbine power generation, and steam generators.
- RETA CARO or CIRO certification.
- Forklift/Scissor Lift certification.
- Prior experience in a similar leadership role.
- Dairy or food manufacturing experience.
ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
- Signed Internal Non-Exempt Job Request Form
- At least 12 months in position (if applying for a lateral position)
- No current performance concerns
- Fewer than 1 full attendance point
- Supervisor/manager confirmation of career readiness
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
WORK ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION:
Power & Utilities Team Lead position is physically demanding and requires being on the feet the entire shift which includes standing and walking, kneeling for extended periods of time, working in wet/dry/cold/hot environments, working in tight spaces, climbing steps and ladders, working at extreme heights, making pipe connections, using hand tools, physically transporting parts and tools, and lifting equipment parts which can weigh up to 70 Lbs. Power & Utilities Team Lead must be able to work overtime and holidays when required.
Additional:
This position requires the incumbent to work on site at the facility to be able to perform the associated job responsibilities.
Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.
Our Story:
Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino Foods Company utilizes the services of Psychemedics to perform our Hair Follicle Drug Testing. Additional information about this process can be obtained at www.psychemedics.com Leprino Foods requires all individuals to wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required by the role and location. Leprino Foods Company supports a drug-free workplace and is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/Disability/Veteran
LOCATION
Nearest Major Market: Lubbock
INTRODUCTION
For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Utilities Team Lead.
This position pays $41.25 per hour. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Weekly pay.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Power & Utilities Team Lead is responsible for assisting the supervisor in achieving daily work assignments through delegation of duties to team members. The duties include the safe and efficient operation of all steam, refrigeration, compressed air and support equipment. This position is also responsible for the safe repair and troubleshooting of malfunctioning electrical or instrumentation systems, the calibration of instruments, performing mechanical, preventive, and predictive maintenance, and maintaining 5S standards. This position will participate on the hazmat response team.
All other duties as assigned.
JOB DUTIES (ACCOUNTABILITY CATEGORIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/KEY RESPONSIBILITIES):
NOTE: The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed on this form.
- Operate and troubleshoot designated power equipment to achieve required mode of operation, including completing assigned work and/or development of SOP’s focused on initiatives that streamline power and utility operations.
- Perform preventative maintenance activities. Development and implementation of maintenance SOPs. Coordination with outside vendors to perform out-sourced maintenance and service tasks.
- Coordinate daily operational and maintenance assignments and workload of Power & Utilities Technicians, especially across department shifts.
- Ensure completion of preventative maintenance activity and work orders to ensure highest quality of repair.
- Work with production supervisors to drive operational behaviors that drive conservation of utility supply resources.
- Ensure daily operational data entry for successful reporting of department metrics.
- Work in accordance with safe work practices at all times. Participate in department Safety Initiatives. Implement and maintain 5S standards.
- This position is responsible and accountable to ensure product meets food safety, regulatory, and quality requirements by following the Food Safety Plan, Quality Plan, and company policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Must be 18 years of age
- Ability to speak, read, and write the English language in order to understand/adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)
- Ability to communicate effectively with others to complete required documentation both in written and electronic form, and to troubleshoot systems utilizing the English language.
- Ability to perform essential job functions, wear required personal protective equipment, comply with all applicable safety practices, maintain a clean work area, complete written reports.
- Ability to work in high noise area with exposure on occasion to temperature extremes on the roof and boiler room.
- Ability to perform intermediate mathematical calculations, enter data into and pull data from computer systems with proficiency in MS office.
- Must possess considerable problem-solving ability in dealing with equipment or troubleshooting when supervision is not readily available for consultation.
- Dairy or food manufacturing experience.
- Knowledge of government and industrial regulations (e.g. PSM, OSHA, and USDA)
- Computer proficiency in email, internet, Microsoft Office software, and computerized maintenance management systems (e.g. SAP, Maximo).
- 4-years operational and maintenance experience with steam boilers and distribution, ammonia refrigeration, cooling towers, HVAC, plant water supply and water quality treatment systems, glycol heating and cooling systems, and fire suppression and monitoring systems.
- 2-Years of dairy or food manufacturing experience
- Prior experience in a similar technician role with electrical background; experience in maintenance pneumatics, electrical controls, and schematic reading.
- Experience with AC frequency drives, instrumentation, welding, mechanical repairs (including rebuilding gearboxes and utility equipment, and PLC troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of various plant equipment and processes to understand, interpret, and schedule work orders.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:
- Electrical background or equivalent educational training and/or diesel engine mechanical training.
- Operational and maintenance experience with gas compression, gas turbine power generation, and steam generators.
- RETA CARO or CIRO certification.
- Forklift/Scissor Lift certification.
- Prior experience in a similar leadership role.
- Dairy or food manufacturing experience.
ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTS
- Signed Internal Non-Exempt Job Request Form
- At least 12 months in position (if applying for a lateral position)
- No current performance concerns
- Fewer than 1 full attendance point
- Supervisor/manager confirmation of career readiness
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
WORK ENVIRONMENT DESCRIPTION:
Power & Utilities Team Lead position is physically demanding and requires being on the feet the entire shift which includes standing and walking, kneeling for extended periods of time, working in wet/dry/cold/hot environments, working in tight spaces, climbing steps and ladders, working at extreme heights, making pipe connections, using hand tools, physically transporting parts and tools, and lifting equipment parts which can weigh up to 70 Lbs. Power & Utilities Team Lead must be able to work overtime and holidays when required.
Additional:
This position requires the incumbent to work on site at the facility to be able to perform the associated job responsibilities.
Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.
Our Story:
Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino Foods Company utilizes the services of Psychemedics to perform our Hair Follicle Drug Testing. Additional information about this process can be obtained at www.psychemedics.com Leprino Foods requires all individuals to wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required by the role and location. Leprino Foods Company supports a drug-free workplace and is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/Disability/Veteran
LOCATION
Nearest Major Market: Lubbock
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Entry Level Utilities Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level utilities operator job?
Start by highlighting any hands-on experience you have, whether from vocational training, a community college program, an internship, or coursework in water treatment, electrical systems, or industrial operations. Employers at this level typically look for a high school diploma or equivalent, a willingness to earn required certifications on the job, and a demonstrated ability to follow safety protocols. Applying to utility companies, municipalities, and contractors that explicitly post entry level or trainee openings gives you the strongest starting point.
Which companies hire entry level utilities operators?
Companies hiring entry level utilities operators right now include Gotion, Leprino Foods, and SUNY Upstate Medical University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from municipal utility departments, public works agencies, and private contractors that run structured trainee or apprenticeship programs designed to bring in candidates with little to no prior experience.
Are there remote entry level utilities operator jobs?
Yes, though most utilities operator roles are inherently on-site given the hands-on nature of the work. About 6% of entry level utilities operator openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve monitoring systems, data entry, or administrative support functions rather than direct plant or field operations.
Are these new grad utilities operator jobs?
Yes, many of these listings are new grad and junior roles that welcome recent graduates and candidates with limited professional experience. A new grad friendly posting typically states that zero to two years of experience is acceptable, mentions on-the-job training, or accepts relevant internships and vocational credentials in place of full-time work history. If a posting lists a degree or certification as preferred rather than required, that is another strong signal it is open to entry level applicants.
Which industries hire the most entry level utilities operators?
Entry Level utilities operator roles concentrate in Food & Beverage, Energy, and Automotive, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they operate continuous infrastructure that requires round-the-clock staffing, making them well suited to bringing in and training candidates who are just starting out in the field.