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Area Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operating forklifts * Operating robotic palletizers * Understanding and adhering to all safety ... Experience using the SAP system Considered candidates will receive a phone call from a (952) area ...

Lead Base Area Operator

Vail, CO · On-site

$23 - $26.88/hr

As a Lead Base Area Operator, you will perform critical operations in the base area to deliver an incredible arrival experience. It is a great opportunity to perform a variety of different work ...

As an Advanced Base Area Operator, you will perform critical operations in the base area to deliver an incredible arrival experience. It is a great opportunity to perform a variety of different work ...

Lead Base Area Operator

Stowe, VT · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

As an Advanced Base Area Operator, you will perform critical operations in the base area to deliver an incredible arrival experience. It is a great opportunity to perform a variety of different work ...

As an Advanced Base Area Operator, you will perform critical operations in the base area to deliver an incredible arrival experience. It is a great opportunity to perform a variety of different work ...

As a Lead Base Area Operator, you will perform critical operations in the base area to deliver an incredible arrival experience. It is a great opportunity to perform a variety of different work ...

As a Lead Base Area Operator, you will perform critical operations in the base area to deliver an incredible arrival experience. It is a great opportunity to perform a variety of different work ...

Showing results 41-60

Area Operator information

See salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do area operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for area operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Area Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectArea OperatorMaintenance Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications vary by industryHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training often required
Work EnvironmentIndustrial sites, factories, or plants; operating equipment and monitoring processesIndustrial or commercial settings; performing repairs and preventive maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, or processing industriesManufacturing, facilities management, or industrial sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Area Operator and a Maintenance Technician lies in their primary responsibilities. An Area Operator focuses on operating equipment and monitoring processes within a specific area, while a Maintenance Technician specializes in repairing and maintaining equipment. Both roles require technical skills and certifications, often found in manufacturing or industrial settings. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

More about Area Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Area Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Area Operator job openings:

What states have the most Area Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Area Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Area Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Processing Area Operator

Cargill

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$22.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate forklifts and robotic palletizers to handle materials within the warehouse.

  • Document completed work and observed conditions using maintenance computer software.

  • Adhere to safety policies and procedures to maintain a safe and clean work environment.


Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 225 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers


Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life’s essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our Food Enterprise where we are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. Our portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.

Job Type: Full Time
Shift(s) Available: 1st Shift
Compensation: $22.50/hr

New, easy-to-apply options are available for this role: chat with our recruiting assistant Ana at careers.cargill.com or text CargillJobs to 60196.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription
  • Drug Insurance
  • Health and Wellness Incentives
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • 401(k) with Cargill matching contributions
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
  • Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Discounts

Principal Accountabilities: 

  • General operational responsibilities for all areas of the warehouse buildings and grounds
  • Documenting completed work and observed conditions, utilizing maintenance computer software as necessary
  • Operating forklifts
  • Operating robotic palletizers
  • Understanding and adhering to all safety policies and procedures
  • Maintaining a safe and clean work environment
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

  • Must be eligible to work in the US without visa sponsorship
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Ability to understand and communicate in English (verbal/written)
  • Basic use of a computer
  • Ability to work in varied indoor and outdoor conditions which may include heat, cold, dust, loud noise, etc., with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Ability to work in elevated areas (4 feet and above)
  • Ability to perform physical job duties which may include bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, kneeling, climbing,crawling, and twisting, with or without a reasonable accommodation
  • Ability to work overtime including weekends, holidays, or different shifts with advance notice
  • Must have a valid driver’s license (current and in good standing)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 1–3 years of previous forklift experience
  • 1–3 years of prior experience in production-related work
  • Demonstrated reliability in attendance and punctuality
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain consistent and reliable commuting to the work location
  • High school diploma/GED or a minimum of two years of equivalent work experience
  • Experience using the SAP system

Considered candidates will receive a phone call from a (952) area code. Please note that this position does not include relocation reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet


To apply using chat/text, please click Apply Now button OR use this link to create a login to apply.

What Cargill employees say

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US