1

1St Helper Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Rotate 1st & 2nd Shift, every other week. Ability to flex to 3rd Shift. Will train for the first 3 weeks on first shift Area of Focus: We are currently looking for experienced Production Associates ...

Del Helper-Hourly

Saint Joseph, MN · On-site

$19 - $20.91/hr

... others first, valuing diverse perspectives by sincerely appreciating and considering others ... Help champion an inclusive working environment; empower others to bring their full selves to the ...

Shift Options 1st shift 5am- 3:30pm Monday -Thursday Weekend Shift 5am-5:30pm Friday- Sunday ... year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals ...

With "DailyPay", you can get paid on your very first day. No more waiting for direct deposit or a ... help power many of the world's most recognizable brands. With more than 50 years of category ...

First Cook

Fergus Falls, MN · On-site

$22.28 - $23.05/hr

Elementary First Cook: $21.54 - $22.30/hr Secondary First Cook: $22.28 - $23.05/hr QUALIFICATIONS ... Kitchen Helpers with daily functions as needed Maintain food and supply inventory Check in and ...

Bus Helper

Duluth, MN · On-site

$17.93/hr

School Bus Helper Transportation Department Minimum of 25 hours/38 weeks | Monday - Friday Starting ... First Aid and CPR Certification preferred but will provide. In addition to rewarding career ...

Showing results 21-40

1St Helper information

What is a 1st helper?

A 1st Helper is an entry-level worker who assists skilled tradespeople, such as welders, pipefitters, or electricians, on construction or industrial job sites. Their primary responsibilities often include preparing materials, maintaining a clean workspace, handing tools to journeymen, and performing basic tasks under supervision. The role serves as a starting point for those looking to gain experience and eventually advance to more skilled positions within the trade. Good physical stamina, the ability to follow instructions, and a willingness to learn are important qualities for a 1st Helper.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a 1st Helper, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and familiarity with safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with hand and power tools, as well as knowledge of workplace safety systems like OSHA regulations, is typically required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills are vital for supporting skilled tradespeople efficiently, maintaining a safe work environment, and contributing to successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st helper in a manufacturing environment, and how can they be addressed?

As a 1st Helper in a manufacturing setting, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production schedules, maintaining a high level of attention to detail, and coordinating effectively with machine operators and other team members. Staying organized, being proactive in asking questions, and keeping up with safety protocols can help address these challenges. Open communication with supervisors and colleagues also ensures smoother workflow and helps resolve any issues quickly.
Infographic showing various 1St Helper job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Finishing General Helper

Westrock

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$23.44/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Safely perform tasks supporting manufacturing areas, including handling corrugated products and conducting quality checks.

  • Participate in product make readies and assist with maintaining a clean and organized workspace.

  • Record safety, quality, and production data accurately and participate in preventive maintenance activities.


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR64951
Posting Job Title
Production Associate/Finishing Helper
Locations
MN St Cloud
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
19-Aug-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Production Associate
Work Location: Minneapolis, MN
Work environment: Manufacturing non-climate controlled
Pay Rate: $23.44 with a shift differential of $0.55
Shift: Rotate 1st & 2nd Shift, every other week. Ability to flex to 3rd Shift.
Will train for the first 3 weeks on first shift
Area of Focus:
We are currently looking for experienced Production Associates to join our team who can excel in our fast-paced, high-performing team- oriented environment. No experience? We will train you to succeed and play to win! Attitude is everything and Opportunity is Everywhere! Primary duties include safely performing a wide range of tasks supporting the manufacturing areas, that include handling corrugated products, conducting quality checks, materials set-up, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to working safely, demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, a strong desire to learn manufacturing processes and operating complex machinery, and have a desire to advance within the company.
We are a major, recognized, and growing company within the Paper/Packaging/Recycling manufacturing industry.
You will have a direct impact on our ability to safely deliver quality products at a competitive cost.
How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:
  • Follow all safety procedures and promote safety & safety programs throughout the facility.
  • Maintain full compliance with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
  • Maintain housekeeping excellence.
  • Participate and ensure the department is compliant with SQF audit regulations.
  • Ability to read and understand product specification sheets.
  • Inspect finished product to ensure quality specifications are being adhered to by performing.
  • All departmental quality checks and accurately document same.
  • Accurately identify and prepare completed material for movement to the next operation.
  • Accurately and thoroughly fill out daily production records and enter in the computer system.
  • Participating in product make readies as directed by Operator
  • Demonstrate a progressive learning process of the corrugated and die cutting process with full intent to become an operator.
  • Demonstrate consistent ability to relieve the Operator in a temporary capacity.

  • Participate in daily and weekly preventive maintenance activities, as directed by management.
  • Ability to record safety or mechanical concerns to maintenance through Maintenance.

What you need to succeed:
  • Heavy industrial manufacturing or prior box plant experience preferred.
  • Intermediate computer skills preferred.
  • Demonstrated mechanical aptitude through prior work experience.
  • Experience with manufacturing equipment and machine maintenance.
  • Ability to work safely and comply with all safety regulations.
  • Ability to operate various manufacturing equipment, follow specific direction, and other
    • duties as assigned.
    • Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance
    • instructions, and procedural manuals.
    • Ability to read a tape measure and have basic math and computer skills.
    • Ability to lift, push and/or pull 50 lbs., stand, walk, bend, and kneel throughout the entire
    • shift. Ability to perform all essential functions of this job with or without reasonable
    • accommodation.
    • Flexibility to work longer hours, which include days, nights, and weekends.
    • Ability to work overtime as needed; overtime may be required during busy periods.
    • At least 18 years old and high school diploma or equivalent.

What do we offer:
  • Great Starting Pay
  • We focus on career development and internal promotions
  • If you are looking for a career and not just a job you are in the right place.
  • Amazing opportunities for career progression
  • Safety and Quality are the foundation we build on
  • Recognition by celebrating Team accomplishments
  • Extensive OSHA safety training program
  • We invest a phenomenal amount into our employees on the job training program, which is one
  • of the things that make us so fantastic to work for
  • Very competitive benefit packages which include vacation time, health insurance, dental, life
  • insurance, tuition reimbursement and 401k plan with company match
  • Corporate culture based on integrity, loyalty, respect, and safety
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • A career with a global packaging company where sustainability, safety and inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.