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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets ...

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets ...

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets ...

1st shift 6am - 2:30 pm Monday - Friday with OT Saturday starting July 172nd shift 2pm - 10:30pm ... Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, plus Strong mechanical aptitude and proven machine operations and ...

Machine Operator Perm Mold

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

1st shift 6am - 2:30 pm Monday - Friday with OT Saturday starting July 17 2nd shift 2pm - 10:30pm ... Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, plus Strong mechanical aptitude and proven machine operations and ...

Machine Operator Perm Mold

Le Sueur, MN · On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

1st shift 6am - 2:30 pm Monday - Friday with OT Saturday starting July 17 2nd shift 2pm - 10:30pm ... Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, plus Strong mechanical aptitude and proven machine operations and ...

Maintain knowledge of safety requirements of job and equipment Your Shift: * 1st Shift; Monday ... Constantly operates machinery and handles products including print materials * Frequently required ...

Machinist B - First Shift

Mankato, MN · On-site

$24.58 - $28.57/hr

Requires experience, trade skill and knowledge of machine shop practice. Operation of CNC machines ... operating methods, and machinability of materials. Must be a sole US citizen. Additional Job ...

Showing results 21-40

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$12

$18

$23

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

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Mankato, MN is $18.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $19.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Mankato, MN look for? The top searched job categories for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs in Mankato, MN are:
What cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Mankato, MN with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Mankato, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,889 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Machine Operator

Conagra Brands, Inc.

North Mankato, MN • On-site

$24.90/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Shift: 6:00 AM-6:00 PM
Hourly Rate: $24.90 an hour
Reporting to the Production Supervisor, you will work safely to operate machinery on the production floor while ensuring all finished product meets food safety and quality requirements.
A Taste of Your Responsibilities
  • Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot production equipment to maintain continuous production flow.
  • Follow all safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized production area to support a safe work environment.
  • Perform hourly quality checks, including verifying lot and sell-by codes for accuracy.
  • Maintain an understanding of processing specifications and electronic inventory tracking systems.
  • Order and receive materials while supporting production needs.
  • Perform sanitation, preventative maintenance, and basic corrective maintenance on production equipment, and complete required documentation.

Ingredients Required for Your Success
  • 1+ years experience in food manufacturing or general manufacturing.
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts on a 2-2-3 schedule.

Physical Requirements
More information on the essential tasks and facility will be shared during the hiring process. Please be aware that in a manufacturing environment, the noise levels can be high and the temperatures may vary. Depending on the role, physical and environmental requirements can differ but include:
  • Being on your feet, walking around the facility, climbing stairs/ladders or kneeling for extended periods of time.
  • Performing consistent repetitive tasks.
  • Frequently lifting, pushing or carrying materials.

#LI-Onsite
Anticipated Close Date: August 30, 2026
Location: North Mankato, Minnesota
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:
  • Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance
  • Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan
  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration
  • Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities

Our Company
At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye®, Slim Jim® and Reddi-Wip®.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

What Conagra Brands employees say

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

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