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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Seaway

1st Shift Machine Operator

Vadnais Heights, MN · On-site

$17.25 - $18/hr

In this hands-on role, you'll help produce plastic parts by operating molding machines, removing and trimming parts, performing basic quality checks, and completing simple assembly tasks. You'll work ...

seaway

1st Shift Machine Operator

Vadnais Heights, MN · On-site

$17.25 - $18/hr

In this hands-on role, you'll help produce plastic parts by operating molding machines, removing and trimming parts, performing basic quality checks, and completing simple assembly tasks. You'll work ...

CDI

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1st Shift Machine Operator

Elk River, MN · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * 1-year experience operating laser, press brake/turret or other metal fabrication tools * Excellent knowledge of fabrication machinery, electrical equipment, and ...

DOC Services

Machine Operator - 1st Shift

Lake City, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Position Summary As a Machine Operator, you will play a key role in producing Valley Craft's metal ... Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs Hours 1st Shift: Monday-Thursday 5:00 am - 3:30 pm (5:30 pm ...

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All Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Minnesota

1St Shift Machine Operator information

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How much do 1st shift machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Minnesota is $18.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a 1st Shift Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, basic computer skills, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help operators excel and maintain a safe, efficient work environment. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing downtime, ensuring product quality, and supporting overall plant productivity.

What is the difference between 1St Shift Machine Operator vs 2Nd Shift Machine Operator?

Aspect1St Shift Machine Operator2Nd Shift Machine Operator
Work HoursTypically 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMUsually 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
CertificationsRequires basic machine operation certificationsSame certifications as 1st shift
Work EnvironmentDaytime production floorEvening/night shift on the same production floor
Employer UsageCommonly advertised for day shifts in manufacturingOften sought for night shift roles in factories

The main difference between a 1St Shift Machine Operator and a 2Nd Shift Machine Operator lies in their working hours. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but they operate during different shifts. Employers often seek these roles based on shift timing preferences, with 1st shift covering daytime hours and 2nd shift handling evening or night hours.

What does a typical day look like for a 1st Shift Machine Operator, and how does the role interact with other departments?

As a 1st Shift Machine Operator, your day typically starts early in the morning and involves setting up, operating, and monitoring machinery to ensure efficient production runs. You'll be responsible for maintaining quality standards, troubleshooting minor equipment issues, and completing production reports. Collaboration is common—you'll frequently communicate with supervisors, maintenance teams, and quality assurance staff to address issues and meet production goals. This teamwork is essential for keeping the workflow smooth and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What is a 1st Shift Machine Operator?

A 1st Shift Machine Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining machinery during the first shift of the workday, typically starting in the early morning and ending in the afternoon. Their duties include setting up machines, monitoring production processes, conducting quality checks, and performing basic maintenance or troubleshooting tasks. This role is common in manufacturing, production, and warehouse environments, and requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:
1St Shift Machine Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,435 per year, or $18 per hour.
1st Shift Machine Operator

1st Shift Machine Operator

Liberty Diversified International

Golden Valley, MN • On-site

$26.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Description
As a Machine Operator with Liberty Packaging, you will contribute to the growth of our business by being a key player in safely producing quality corrugated products for our customers. You will work within a small group, and as an operator you will help be a leader within your crew to maximize machine efficiencies by setting up orders correctly, performing quality checks and communicating issues.
This full-time position reports directly to a Production Supervisor and is located at our Golden Valley, MN manufacturing facility.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operate machine by setting up orders according to customer specifications, following order readiness process of efficiently preparing the right tools to complete the job.
  • Perform quality checks by inspecting a first article, and articles throughout the order to identify errors, ensuring quality product along with monitoring equipment and raw materials.
  • Enter production metrics into a computer electronic system to accurately track progress of production rates, quality, maintenance, and downtime.
  • Proactively communicate issues with equipment to appropriate leaders, trouble shoot issues, and problem solve individually and as a team to maximize overall equipment efficiency and minimize downtime.
  • Provides guidance to Assistant Machine Operators, as needed.
  • Intermittently assist with minor repairs to equipment in partnership with maintenance team.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area by following post order cleaning process.
  • Follow plant safety processes and procedures outlined for the machine center.
  • Other duties, as assigned

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution AND 3+ years of work experience within a manufacturing environment OR 4+ years manufacturing experience in lieu of education.
  • Previous experience with reading a tape measure to within 1/16" measurement.
  • Previous experience with a computer using skills such as typing, printing, and data entry.
  • Previous experience applying math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Previous experience reading and completing detailed work instructions.
  • Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
  • Experience within the corrugated industry
  • Experience with operational excellence or continuous improvement programs - Lean 6 Sigma, Kaizen Events

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The starting pay rate for this position is $26.62 per hour (if applicable) plus hourly shift differential pay.
At LDI, we are pleased to provide employees with a comprehensive benefits package including health/dental/vision insurance options; paid vacation; paid holidays; 401(k) plus company matching; flexible spending and health savings account options; life and disability insurance; tuition assistance; wellness and mental health resources, and financial advising services.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to lift up-to 50 pounds
  • Must be able to work in hot, humid, and cold manufacturing environment
  • Must be able to work in crowded spaces for 4+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to bend and stoop for 7+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to stand for 6+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to walk for 6+ hours per shift
  • Must be able to reach and grasp up to 6+ hours per shift

ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Comprised of multiple companies with headquarters in New Hope, Minnesota, Liberty Diversified International (LDI) is a privately held company employing more than 1,900 individuals across our manufacturing facilities, production facilities and core business operations in Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Virginia, California, and Mexico. With deep roots in the corrugated box manufacturing industry, we operate in the core markets of paper, packaging, workplace products, corrugated plastics and building products.
Since 1918, our values - Caring, Innovation, Trust and Excellence - have guided our day-to-day activities. We believe that when our employees are aligned with these values, we create superior service and solutions for our customers. The LDI family of companies includes Liberty Packaging, Liberty Paper, Liberty Plastics ( Custom Solutions and Quarrix Building Products ) and Safco.
Liberty Diversified International is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, or any other protected class.

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