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Assistant Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Operator I

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$19.72/hr

Properly label, fill and tape closed boxes * Assist operator with assigned tasks during production. * Scaling * Able to distinguish material and lot numbers. * Able to identify allergenic material ...

Operator I

Taylorville, IL · On-site

$19.72/hr

Properly label, fill and tape closed boxes * Assist operator with assigned tasks during production. * Scaling * Able to distinguish material and lot numbers. * Able to identify allergenic material ...

Utility Operator

Quincy, IL · On-site

$22.97 - $25.28/hr

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills Must be able to operate automatic and manual packers, set bag weights, operate bulk bag filling station, operate forklifts, assist operator in ...

Utility Operator

Quincy, IL · On-site

$22.97 - $25.28/hr

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills Must be able to operate automatic and manual packers, set bag weights, operate bulk bag filling station, operate forklifts, assist operator in ...

Leadership & Oversight Assign tasks to assistant operators to ensure workflow efficiency Provide guidance and training to new assistant operators Act as the first point of escalation for technical ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL

$17 - $22.50/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL

$17 - $22.50/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL

$17 - $22.50/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL

$17 - $22.50/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Lapper Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary preventative maintenance on machines as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous ...

Forming Operator

Geneva, IL

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous improvement process. * Use various testing devices and chemicals according to ...

Forming Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$18 - $23.55/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Participate in team problem solving as part of the departmental continuous improvement process. * Use various testing devices and chemicals according to ...

Press Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$21.97 - $23.07/hr

Help train and assist operators as required. * Perform necessary recordkeeping and paperwork for material certification. * Seek help if problems arise and ask questions if you don't understand.

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Illinois is $19.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $21.68 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 Illinois? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Assistant Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,945 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Operator I

Glanbia

Taylorville, IL • On-site

$19.72/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Glanbia Performance Nutrition rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 436 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

 

Reports To:                       Manufacturing Supervisor          

Department:                     Manufacturing

Location:                           Taylorville, IL
Pay: Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Illinois. This range may not be applicable to other locations. The hourly rate for Illinois based employees for this role is $19.72/hour.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, FSA, HSA, Life & Disability Insurance, 19 Days Paid Time Off and 6% 401K match!


Job Summary

Responsible for a team assigned to the cell for the preparation, production and/or packaging of blend material.  In addition to the base responsibilities of a Manufacturing Operator I, employee must specialize in ast least one or more of five specialty roles: 1) Blending, 2) Packaging, 3) Extrusion, and/or 4) Scaling 5) Tableting.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities (not restrictive)

  • Effectively read, understand and extract vital information from detailed batch records in written and electronic forms.  Utilize this information to execute proper work instructions.
  • Screen, blend and package a variety of amino acids, vitamins and minerals, including those which are allergenic.
  • Responsible for operating and monitoring all processing equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Operation of equipment to include; prep, clean, operate, as well as performing minor repairs.
  • Ensures proper cleaning, blending, packaging and material inspection per Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Report any equipment issues or damage to you immediate supervisor.
  • Perform retention sampling on products in sterile conditions.
  • Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Additional Functions

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Must specialize in one or more of five specialty roles: 1) Blend Specialist, 2) Packaging Specialist, 3) Weight Room Specialist, 4) Extruder Specialist, and/or 5) Tableting Specialist.

 

  • Blend Specialist
    • Operation of equipment (blenders, screeners, mills, forklifts, magnets, packaging equipment, metal detectors, etc...) to include;  prep, clean, operate, as well as performing minor repairs such as replacing seals and butterfly valves.
    • Working knowledge of 2 or more blenders
  • Packaging
    • Operates assigned packaging machine(s) in compliance with established Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures and Safety requirements.
    • Disassembles and assembles packaging machine(s)
    • Fills, seals and labels boxes according to the batch sheets.
  • Extrusion
    • Operates assigned extruder machine(s) in compliance with established Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures and Safety requirements.
    • Properly label, fill and tape closed boxes
    • Assist operator with assigned tasks during production.
  • Scaling
    • Able to distinguish material and lot numbers.
    • Able to identify allergenic material and labeling of this material.
    • Properly weigh minor ingredients according to the batch sheet.
  • Tableting
    • Operates assigned extruder machine(s) in compliance with established Good Manufacturing Practices, Standard Operating Procedures and Safety requirements.
    • Properly label, fill and tape closed finished material boxes
    • Assist room operator with assigned tasks during production.

Supervisory Responsibilities (If relevant)

N/A

Performance Indicators

1.

2.

3.

4.

 

Regular attendance

Follow company safety procedures.

Ensuring the proper Personal Protective Equipment is worn in all required areas.

Consistently maintain a sanitary work environment.

Proper and safe use of pallet jacks and forklifts when moving material in and out of blending rooms and loading and unloading the mezzanines.

Qualification & Experience Requirements

Education, Training:

  • High School Diploma or GED preferred.
  • Fork lift training and certification.

Experience Required:

  • Previous Manufacturing experience working as a Machine Technician at least of one year.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Successful completion of the Manufacturing Operator I Assessment
  • Ability to work with amino acids, vitamins and fine chemicals in powder and liquid form as well as allergen products.
  • Ability to follow direction and work with Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Must be able to work flexible hours to include overtime and weekends on short notice
  • Possess the ability to read and understand the information on the batch sheet.
  • Working knowledge of all aspects of production including documentation, weigh room and batch sheet system.

Language, Computer &   Numeracy:

  • Clear command of the English language both verbal and in writing
  • Basic computer skills to include MS Excel, Word and SAP

Travel Requirements

N/A

Typical Physical Activity

  • Regularly involves standing, talking or listening, and the use of hands and fingers.
  • Regularly involves going up and down stairs.
  • Frequently involves reaching with hands and arms, standing and walking.
  • Frequently involves crouching, stooping, kneeling and/or climbing or balancing.
  • Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Must be able to pass respiratory exam and fit test.
  •     Ability to work while wearing Personal Protective Equipment including respirator (which requires minimal to no facial hair).
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, works with the fingers, and perceives attributes of objects and materials.
  • Involves strenuous physical activity primarily labor intensive in nature.
  • Should be able to identify and distinguish colors, see clearly at 20 inches or closer and 20 feet or more, observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point, judge distances and spatial relationships, and adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus.

 

Typical Environmental Conditions

 

  • May be exposed to moderate to high noise levels (i.e. production equipment, forklifts, heavy traffic).
  • May be exposed to humidity, intense heat and cold, outdoor weather conditions, and fumes and toxic chemicals.
  • May work in areas with mechanical moving parts, above ground with risk of fall, or areas with risk of electrical shock.
  • May be exposed to ingredients that may cause allergic reactions and may be exposed to various allergen ingredients

 

At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. 

At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.


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