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

Lakeside Foods, Inc

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Lakeside Foods, Inc.

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Lakeside Foods

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

Lakeside Foods, Inc.

Machine Operator 1st Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible ...

VollRath

Machine Operator I - 1st Shift

Dane, WI · On-site

$24.50/hr

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:

VollRath

Machine Operator I - 1st Shift

Dane, WI · On-site

$24.50/hr

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:

VollRath

Machine Operator I - 1st Shift

Dane, WI · On-site

$24.50/hr

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:

INA Solution Inc

Production Machine Operator

Ripon, WI · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

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 ...

Neogen Corporation

Machine Operator I

Randolph, WI · On-site

$21.50/hr

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 ...

Neogen

Machine Operator I

Randolph, WI

$21.50/hr

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 ...

Lakeside Foods, Inc

Machine Operator 2nd Shift

Poynette, WI · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal ... What You?ll Get: 2nd Shift Position Competitive wages based on experience Off-season schedule ...

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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 25, 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:

1St Shift Machine Operator jobs near you
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 1st Shift

Lakeside Foods, Inc

Poynette, WI • On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Lakeside Foods rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

253rd of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

At Lakeside Foods and our family of companies, we're committed to providing wholesome foods to enrich people?s lives through food. We are a culture that pursues our vision of growth and innovation with passion, confidence, and commitment. We are strongest together valuing collaborative contribution, transparency and new ideas to enable change and growth. We are committed to an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes a healthy work-life balance, and there?s a seat at the table for you.Become One Of Our Valued Machine Operators:Here at Lakeside Foods, our Machine Operations team is the backbone of our packaging operations, ensuring that equipment runs optimally, while maintaining product flow. Machine Operators are respected team members responsible for operating packaging machines, metal detectors, check weighers, case sealers and all associated line equipment. They are also responsible for set up of equipment and making any adjustments necessary to keep the line operating efficiently. This is an entry level position with on the job training. If you are a creative problem-solver who perseveres through challenging situations, we want to talk with you.What You?ll Get: Competitive wages based on experience Off-season schedule (January July): Four 10?s Monday Thursday Production season (August December) Stable work environment with a growing company Schedules to maintain work/life balance Excellent market-leading medical insurance, dental and vision insurance. Paid vacation and personal time after 30 days of employment Retirement plan with company match of 50% up to 6% of pay Prescription safety glasses & safety shoe reimbursement Uniforms company provided Professional Mechanic Career Path Program Paid onsite and offsite training An Employer that works hard to ensure your safety on the jobWhat You?ll Do: Operates label machine, boxer, depalletizer or brenton. Fills out paperwork properly for completed work. Prevents off-quality product from being labeled. Stacks cases on pallets in proper pattern. Cleans out rail cars. Removes labels from cans. Assists in loading of rail cars and trucks.What You?ll Bring: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) is preferred Willingness to learn Positive attitude Strong work ethic Safety mindsetWhere You?ll Work:WELCOME TO POYNETTELocated less than 30 miles from Madison and Wisconsin Dells. On the northern edge of world class agricultural land of the Arlington Prairie and a few miles east of the mighty Wisconsin River and beautiful Lake Wisconsin. Poynette is a nature lover?s destination. No matter the time of year, Lake Wisconsin offers plenty to do; boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, ice fishing, snowmobile races and more.Lakeside Foods and our family of companies welcomes people of all backgrounds and the varied ideas they bring to the workplace. Being an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer is part of our heritage and culture. We recruit, hire and promote employees based on qualifications and merit, without regard to race, religion, age, gender, disability, marital or veteran status. Lakeside Foods participates in E-Verify.Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

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