Stationary plant and machine operators monitor and operate stationary industrial plant, machinery and equipment, or for which mobility is not an integral part of operation. Competent performance in most occupations in this sub-major group requires skills at the second ISCO skill level.

The work mainly calls for experience with and an understanding of the industrial plant, machinery or equipment being operated and monitored. Ability to cope with machine-paced operations and to adapt to innovations in machinery and equipment are often required.

Tasks performed by workers in this sub-major group usually include: setting up, operating and monitoring a variety of stationary plant and machinery; detecting malfunctions and taking corrective action; examining outputs for defects and conformity with specifications and adjusting machine settings accordingly; performing maintenance, repairs and cleaning; recording data and maintaining production records. Supervision of other workers may be included.