ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Fort Kent, ME

Teksky

Machine Superintendent

Madawaska, ME · On-site

Promote a safety-first culture by actively participating in and supporting mill safety activities ... Maintain and enforce Management Operating Systems across the department. * Provide financial data ...

Walgreens

Pharmacy Customer Service Associate

Madawaska, ME · On-site

$16.10 - $18/hr

... the shift leader. * Performs duties as assigned by Pharmacy Manager, Staff Pharmacist and Store ... For consumable items, assists in stock rotation, using the first in, first out method and restock ...

J.D. Irving

Garage Planner

Saint John Plantation, ME · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

... various operating divisions. We are committed to creating accessible environments for our ... Shift work may be required * Troubleshooting equipment and perform equipment repairs * Maintain a ...

All Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Fort Kent, ME

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Fort Kent, ME salary details

$13

$19

$25

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Fort Kent, ME is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does a 1st shift machine operator do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to be a 1st shift machine operator?

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 are normal 1st shift hours for a 1st shift machine operator?

A 1st shift machine operator typically works during regular daytime hours, commonly from 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. These hours may vary slightly depending on the company but generally align with standard daytime shifts in manufacturing environments.

What cities near Fort Kent, ME are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Fort Kent, ME 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 Fort Kent, ME as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,342 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Machine Superintendent

Madawaska, ME • On-site

Teksky
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Tekskyexternal

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Machine Superintendent will oversee daily operations and production activities on the paper machines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. This hands-on leadership role requires a proactive approach to managing people, processes, and safety while supporting strategic business goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Promote a safety-first culture by actively participating in and supporting mill safety activities.
  • Oversee daily operations of paper machine production through team supervision, schedule management, and on-floor leadership.
  • Review production orders and schedules to maximize operational efficiency.
  • Collaborate with purchasing to secure high-quality materials at optimal cost.
  • Partner with sales and customer service to ensure product availability and customer satisfaction.
  • Maintain and enforce Management Operating Systems across the department.
  • Provide financial data to support the development of the annual operating budget.
  • Minimize production overruns and manage disposition of aging inventory.
  • Ensure timely communication of company priorities and performance metrics to direct reports.
  • Identify and provide training opportunities for both hourly and salaried staff to meet operational and succession planning needs.
  • Participate in daily and strategic meetings such as production, safety, capital projects, and performance reviews.
  • Serve as the on-call lead for paper machine operations on scheduled weekends.
  • Maintain awareness and compliance with Food Safety Policy, GMPs, HACCP principles, and food safety standards.
  • Proactively report any issues related to the food safety management system.

REQUIREMENTS

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum 5 years' experience in the pulp and paper industry
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • Strong leadership, time management, and communication skills
  • Ability to adapt to change and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Preferred:

  • 8+ years of experience in pulp and paper manufacturing
  • Demonstrated success in leading teams in a high-paced production environment
  • Familiarity with HACCP, GMPs, and other food safety systems