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

Neogen Corporation

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Randolph, WI · On-site

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Machine Operators work with our Formulators, Manufacturing Supervisors, and Packaging Techs to maximize production output. THE SCHEDULE - Second Shift: * Monday 12:30am - 6:00am * Tuesday ...

Neogen

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Randolph, WI

$21.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our Machine Operators work with our Formulators, Manufacturing Supervisors, and Packaging Techs to maximize production output. THE SCHEDULE - Second Shift: * Monday 12:30am - 6:00am * Tuesday ...

Alsum Farms

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Cambria, WI

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Join our dynamic team as a Machine Operator, where your role is vital to ensuring the efficient and high-quality packaging of fresh produce. We are committed to continuous improvement, teamwork, and ...

Alsum Farms

Machine Operator - 2nd Shift

Friesland, WI · On-site

$19.25 - $23.75/hr

Join our dynamic team as a Machine Operator, where your role is vital to ensuring the efficient and high-quality packaging of fresh produce. We are committed to continuous improvement, teamwork, and ...

DPSpro

Machine Operator

Sun Prairie, WI

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Currently looking for First (5:30am to 2:00 pm) and Second shift (1:45pm to 9:30 pm) Extrusion Operators. Do you want to be part of a manufacturing company that gives you the opportunity to learn new ...

VollRath

Machine Operator I - 3rd Shift

Dane, WI · On-site

$24.50/hr

Pay: Up to $24.50 per hour (based on experience) + shift premium. Sign on Bonus: $3,000 Essential ... Experience operating injection molding machines. * Ability to read and interpret prints, work ...

VollRath

Machine Operator I - 3rd Shift

Dane, WI · On-site

$24.50/hr

Pay: Up to $24.50 per hour (based on experience) + shift premium. Sign on Bonus: $3,000 Essential ... Experience operating injection molding machines. * Ability to read and interpret prints, work ...

VollRath

Machine Operator I - 3rd Shift

Dane, WI

$24.50/hr

Pay: Up to $24.50 per hour (based on experience) + shift premium. Sign on Bonus: $3,000 Essential ... Experience operating injection molding machines. * Ability to read and interpret prints, work ...

Schumann Printers

Bindery Machine Operator

Fall River, WI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our family-owned and operated facility is ready to welcome you aboard our award-winning team of ... Second Shift: 2 pm - 10 pm (shift premium) *Regular wage increases at performance milestones. *Paid ...

Schumann Printers

Bindery Machine Operator

Fall River, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our family-owned and operated facility is ready to welcome you aboard our award-winning team of ... Second Shift: 2 pm - 10 pm (shift premium) *Regular wage increases at performance milestones. *Paid ...

Schumann Printers

Bindery Machine Operator

Fall River, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Our family-owned and operated facility is ready to welcome you aboard our award-winning team of ... Second Shift: 2 pm - 10 pm (shift premium)*Regular wage increases at performance milestones.*Paid ...

COATING PLACE LLC

Packaging Operator - 1st Shift

Sauk City, WI · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

**New Hires eligible for $2,000 Sign-On Bonus!** 1st Shift: 7:00am - 3:00pm, Mon - Fri *All levels of ... The Packaging Operator is responsible for transferring product from bulk packaging containers ...

EK Machine

Electrical Helper - 1st Shift

Fall River, WI

$19 - $24.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... machining, fabrication, welding, powder coating, and power products. We operate four ... Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands for handling, assembling, and operating tools

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Showing results 21-40

All Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs1St Shift Machine Operator Jobs in Portage, WI

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:

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 - 2nd Shift

Neogen Corporation

Randolph, WI • On-site

$21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Neogen rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

Come Be Part of a Mission that Matters!
Come and be a part of something BIGGER....
Who is Neogen?
From farm to fork, we offer solutions to enhance the quality, quantity and safety of the global food supply. Our animal safety solutions are used on farms, veterinary practices and manufacturers around the world to provide the best animal care possible. Whether food or pharmaceuticals, Neogen's provides a one-stop shop for the health and safety to our animals and our customers operations.
Neogen's culture combines stability with a deep belief in providing professional and personal growth. Our Pillars of Trust - the principles that guide our everyday decision-making, include Openness, Honesty, Credibility, Respect, and Service. It's our belief in these characteristics that provides a consistent, happy and healthy work environment for our employees.
THE POSITION: Neogen is looking for a Machine Operator to join our Randolph, Wisconsin team. Compensation starts at $21.50 an hour including the shift differential and the opportunity for overtime. Our Machine Operators work with our Formulators, Manufacturing Supervisors, and Packaging Techs to maximize production output.
THE SCHEDULE - Second Shift:
  • Monday 12:30am - 6:00am
  • Tuesday - Thursday 6:00pm - 6:00am
  • Enjoy 3.5 days' work week and 3.5 days' weekends!

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
  • Ability to set up, run a line from start to finish, and shut down machines according to standard operating procedures (SOP) for each product run and daily production schedules
  • Consistently produce high quality products in a safe and efficient manner that meet product specifications and labor standards
  • Demonstrate good documentation processes (GDP) to maintain accurate quality checks and other required paperwork
  • Maintains the general cleanliness and organization of work areas using 6S lean processes
  • Operate material handling equipment including but not limited to forklifts, pallet jacks, and barrel handlers
  • Identify areas to improve safety, efficiency, and ergonomics
  • Assist with maintaining organization of warehouse including inventory control using RF guns and counts
  • Compliance with all safety and environmental health requirements and strictly adhere to PPE required to handle all materials.
  • Label and palletize manufactured products according to standardized pallet patterns.
  • Assist in setting up production lines and moving production equipment as necessary from line to line
  • Other Duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS, EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
  • Stamina to work 12 hour shifts 3.5 days per week and overtime as needed on Thursdays and/or Fridays
  • Report to work daily and on-time for scheduled workdays and shift times
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Committed to working and communicating in a team environment
  • Must communicate effectively with others by speaking, reading, and understanding written English and the ability to write legibly in English.
  • High school diploma, GED equivalent or applicable experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who possess experience working with packaging machinery, in a food or feed manufacturing facility for a minimum of six months.

WHY APPLY?
  • Competitive compensation starting at $21.50 an hour including the shift differential.
  • Full benefit package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), short and long-term disability, paid time off and more!
  • Opportunity for Overtime.

WHO IS NEOGEN:
From farm to fork, we offer solutions to enhance the quality, quantity and safety of the global food supply. Our animal safety solutions are used on farms, veterinary practices and manufacturers around the world to provide the best animal care possible. Whether food or pharmaceuticals, Neogen's provides a one-stop shop for the health and safety to our animals and our customers operations.
Neogen's culture combines stability with a deep belief in providing professional and personal growth. Our Pillars of Trust - the principles that guide our everyday decision-making, include Openness, Honesty, Credibility, Respect, and Service. It's our belief in these characteristics that provides a consistent, happy and healthy work environment for our employees.

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