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Assistant Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Georgia-Pacific is looking for safety-oriented individuals to join our team as an Assistant Machine Operator in Tolleson, AZ ! Salary * $26.75 per hour * Shift differential is $1.00 per hour between ...

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Operator

Lupton, AZ · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

The Operator role will primarily be focused on: * Complete all tasks and responsibilities safely ... and assist as needed. * Complete necessary documentation for all incoming and outgoing fuel ...

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Showing results 21-40

Assistant Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$10

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How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Arizona is $18.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.33 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges assistant operators face during shift changes, and how can they be managed effectively?

Assistant Operators often encounter challenges during shift changes, such as incomplete handovers or miscommunication about ongoing tasks. To manage these effectively, it’s important to follow standardized handover procedures, maintain accurate and up-to-date logs, and communicate proactively with both outgoing and incoming team members. Building strong teamwork and attention to detail helps ensure a smooth transition and minimizes operational disruptions.

Which assistant operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying assistant operator roles are often found in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or power generation, where specialized skills and certifications like OSHA training or technical licenses are required. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry, with some positions offering higher compensation due to the complexity of equipment or hazardous environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, control panels, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and good teamwork skills help you excel in supporting smooth operations. These skills ensure safe, efficient production processes and help maintain workplace safety and productivity.

What is the difference between Assistant Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectAssistant OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in setup, monitoring, and maintenance of machineryOperates machinery directly, responsible for production output
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, and industrial plantsPrimarily in manufacturing, processing, and production facilities

Assistant Operators support Machine Operators by preparing equipment and monitoring processes, while Machine Operators handle the direct operation of machinery. Both roles require similar credentials and are vital in industrial settings, but Machine Operators have more responsibility for operating equipment independently.

What is an assistant operator?

Assistant Operators are entry-level professionals who support the operation of machinery or equipment in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or logistics. They work under the supervision of senior operators to help monitor processes, perform basic maintenance, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Their responsibilities may include setting up machines, loading materials, inspecting products, and reporting any issues to supervisors. Assistant Operators play a key role in maintaining efficient production and minimizing downtime. This position is often a stepping stone to more advanced operator roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Arizona are:

What cities in Arizona are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities in Arizona with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,414 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Assistant Machine Operator

Koch Industries

Tolleson, AZ • On-site

$26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Georgia-Pacific is looking for safety-oriented individuals to join our team as an Assistant Machine Operator in Tolleson, AZ!
Salary
  • $26.75 per hour
  • Shift differential is $1.00 per hour between the hours of 7pm and 7am
  • You will have the ability to increase your compensation based on skills and contribution to the overall performance of the plant.
  • This role is eligible for our Performance Pay program that could offer up to a 6% quarterly bonus.

Shift
• This facility works a 5-2-2-5 schedule.
• These are 12 hour shifts working 7am-7pm and 7pm-7am, you will work both shifts on the rotating schedule.
• Every 2 weeks you will rotate between working days and nights.
• Only candidates who are able to work this schedule will be considered.
• Tolleson operates on a point-based attendance program.
Our Team
Georgia-Pacific's Mailers is a part of the Packaging and Cellulose business, the Mailers business is expanding its product lines, working with key customers to create and launch one or more new products to complement our already thriving recyclable padded mailer business.
Watch a short 60 sec video to see what we do at Mailers: How We Make Mailers Georgia-Pacific - YouTube
What You Will Do
  • Perform necessary functions to operate the line with minimal supervision while maintaining facility standards in safety, productivity, waste, housekeeping and quality standards
  • Operate the line while the lead operator is assisting other lines or performing other tasks
  • Perform minor mechanical repairs and adjustments; operates in line systems with minimal supervision including manual duties such as handpacking
  • Perform makeready/changeover machine setups according to production schedules
  • Consistently looks for improvements and efficiencies to reduce waste and increase production within quality standards set
  • Drive safety excellence through promoting employee involvement and ownership
  • Scan all material related to the job ticket into Plex at time of use and ensure that scrap is recorded correctly once material has been consumed completely
  • Maintain and clean machines and work area as needed

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • 1+ years' experience operating production machinery
  • Previous experience in a manufacturing, military, or industrial environment
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance
  • Ability to read a tape measure in both standard and metric units of measure
  • This role works rotating 12 hour shifts, on a 5-2-2-5 schedule

What Will Put You Ahead
  • 2+ years of experience as a paper setter, operator, tender, or printing process experience such as offset printing, digital printing, web printing, or corrugating or converting experience, including inspecting quality of printed materials for alignment, registration and print defects
  • 1+ years of experience working in a maintenance department
  • Experience with the make ready process to prepare equipment for a new job
  • Experience trouble shooting machine setup, adjusting machines and solutioning key issues safely
  • Experience using a computer, tablet, or smart device

Other Considerations/Physical Requirements
  • This role will perform tasks such as lifting 35 lbs, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, sitting, pushing and/or pulling for up to 12 hours/day in a loud/noisy, and high-volume environment

For this role, we anticipate paying $26.75 per hour.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company and a leading manufacturer of bath tissue, paper towels, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers, building products and much more, Georgia-Pacific works to meet evolving needs of customers worldwide with quality products. In addition to the products we make, we operate one of the largest recycling businesses. Our more than 30,000 employees in over 150 locations are empowered to innovate every day -to make everyday products even better.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, all offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please visit the following website for additional information: http://www.kochcareers.com/doc/Everify.pdf

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