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1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Portage, WI (NOW HIRING)

Experience operating injection molding machines. * Ability to read and interpret prints, work ... Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs frequently throughout the shift. * Stamina & Positioning:

Experience operating injection molding machines. * Ability to read and interpret prints, work ... Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs frequently throughout the shift. * Stamina & Positioning:

Experience operating injection molding machines. * Ability to read and interpret prints, work ... Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs frequently throughout the shift. * Stamina & Positioning:

Production Machine Operator

Ripon, WI · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Typically four 10-hour first-shift days * Harvest season (July through mid-November): Flexible to work rotating 12-hour day or night shifts (5:00 AM-5:00 PM or 5:00 PM-5:00 AM) * One scheduled day ...

Machine Operator I

Randolph, WI · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

THE SCHEDULE - 1st shift * Monday-Wednesday 6am-6pm, Thursday 6am-11:30am * 3 1/2 day weekends ... down machines according to standard operating procedures (SOP) for each product run and daily ...

Machine Operator I

Randolph, WI · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

THE SCHEDULE - 1st shift * Monday-Wednesday 6am-6pm, Thursday 6am-11:30am * 3 1/2 day weekends ... down machines according to standard operating procedures (SOP) for each product run and daily ...

Operator - 1st Shift

Windsor, WI

$21 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title: Operator - 1st Shift The 1st Shift Operator plays a key role in a GMP, climate ... Operate and maintain fermentation tanks and food production machinery, including packaging ...

Labeling Line Operator/ Machine operator

Ripon, WI · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Labeling Line Operator / Machine Operator A stable food manufacturing operation needs two careful ... First shift (outside harvest); rotating day/night shifts during harvest (July-mid-November). Role ...

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Showing results 1-20

1St Shift Machine Operator information

See Portage, WI salary details

$13

$19

$25

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

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for 1st shift machine operator in Portage, WI is $19.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $20.96 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 Portage, WI are hiring for 1St Shift Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Portage, WI with the most 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Shift Machine Operator job openings in Portage, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,610 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Machine Operator - First Shift

Filtration Group Corp

Reedsburg, WI

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Filtration Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Machine Operator Job Description

Zinga Industries is part of Filtration Group. Filtration Group is a global market-leading provider of filtration consumables that are designed to drive innovation and deliver solutions across a broad spectrum of applications and end-markets, with a focus on life sciences, indoor air quality and industrial technologies.

Cultivating Talent and building strong Teams are critical to our success. We know that fulfilling our mission is only possible when we foster an entrepreneurial culture built on a foundation of trust, in which our leaders exhibit a strong bias for action. Join us as we build a truly remarkable company that will long outlast us!

Position Summary – Machine Operator

The position of Machine Operator performs the tasks associated with advanced machine operation which include (but not limited to) setup and operation of trim presses, drilling and tapping, port and stem, vibratory systems, CNC, and parts washing. The employee in this position has been cross trained and is fluent in setup, operation, and troubleshooting the various equipment to produce quality parts. The advanced machine operator can independently perform these tasks with minimal input from the machine shop supervisor and is available to train basic machine operators in the setup of individual machines through on-the-job training.

This is a general description of the Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications required for this position. Physical, mental, sensory, or environmental demands may be referenced to communicate the way this position traditionally is performed. Whenever necessary to provide individuals with disabilities with an equal employment opportunity, Filtration Group will consider reasonable accommodations that might involve varying job requirements and/or changing the way this job is performed, provided that such accommodations do not pose an undue hardship.


Responsibilities – Machine Operator:

  • To perform any of the machining operations assigned by the team lead or production supervisor.
  • Has the ability and proficiency to set up and operate trim presses, various port and stem machines, vibratory machines, drill, and tap fixturing.
  • Works in quality conscious and safe manner.
  • Ability to perform at work at process speed and/or standard rates.
  • Advises supervisor with any problems with tools, equipment, fixtures, materials, or setup operator.
  • Maintains daily product and scrap records.
  • Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned by the machine shop or production supervisor.
  • Keeps workstation and surrounding area clean.
  • Maintain all assigned tools.
  • Any other duties are required by management

Skills and Experience – Machine Operator:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 2-3 years’ work experience in related field a plus
  • Must be able to read, write, and count.
  • Good hand eye coordination. Good communication skills
  • Must be able to work sitting or standing for up to 8 hours.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours.
  • Follow all plant and departmental safety rules and regulations.

Skills and Experience – Machine Operator:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • 2-3 years’ work experience in related field a plus
  • Must be able to read, write, and count.
  • Good hand eye coordination. Good communication skills
  • Must be able to work sitting or standing for up to 8 hours.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours.
  • Follow all plant and departmental safety rules and regulations.

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