re: How does one go about getting a plant operator job?

You're gonna start at the bottom if you get hired on as an operator. You don't start out making $100,000 a year. You work your way up to that, depending on who you work for. It will probably take you a good solid 3-4 years to get to that, unless you work a shitload of OT and take no time off. Even then, Uncle Sam will stick a dick up you with no lube and nail you on taxes getting taken out.