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Assistant Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Novolex

Machine Operator Assistant

Grottoes, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Machine Operator Assistant| Grottoes, Virginia| Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting pay rate is a $21.86 -Paid Weekly! * Eligible for annual wage increases * Eligible for monthly bonus based upon ...

Novolex

Machine Operator Assistant

Grottoes, VA

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Machine Operator Assistant| Grottoes, Virginia| Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting pay rate is a $21.86 -Paid Weekly! * Eligible for annual wage increases * Eligible for monthly bonus based upon ...

Novolex

Machine Operator Assistant

Grottoes, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Machine Operator Assistant| Grottoes, Virginia| Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting pay rate is a $21.86 -Paid Weekly! * Eligible for annual wage increases * Eligible for monthly bonus based upon ...

Novolex

Machine Operator Assistant

Grottoes, VA

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Machine Operator Assistant| Grottoes, Virginia| Now Hiring Compensation: * Starting pay rate is a $21.86 -Paid Weekly! * Eligible for annual wage increases * Eligible for monthly bonus based upon ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

North Chesterfield, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $20/hr

Operate, or assist operators with, extrusion and casting equipment while following safe job practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality requirements. * Move materials on and off ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

North Chesterfield, VA

$16.75 - $20/hr

Operate, or assist operators with, extrusion and casting equipment while following safe job practices, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and quality requirements. * Move materials on and off ...

ESI

ESI Plant Operator RNG

Suffolk, VA · On-site

Travel to assist Operators at other Plants, backup or fill in for another Operator, or for training. * Use ESI's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) where available. Recommend and assist in further ...

Transtech Energy

ESI Plant Operator RNG

Suffolk, VA · On-site

Travel to assist Operators at other Plants, backup or fill in for another Operator, or for training ... Use ESI's Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's) where available. Recommend and assist in further ...

ESI

ESI Plant Operator RNG

Suffolk, VA · On-site

Operator will work closely with Plant Manager to conduct all plant routine and non-routine ... Recommend and assist in further SOP development. · Maximize Plant efficiencies. · Other duties as ...

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Assistant Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Virginia is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

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 significantly higher compensation due to the complexity and risk involved.

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

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Assistant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,868 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Operator Trainee - Paper Bowl - Night

Richmond, VA • On-site

Sabert Corporation
Plastics Packaging Film and Sheet (including Laminated) Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Sabert Corporationexternal

$16.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Sabert rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
The Paper Bowl Machine Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, and basic maintenance of paper bowl equipment. This role ensures the production of high-quality paper bowls by maintaining equipment performance, enforcing quality standards, documenting production activity, and complying with all safety and regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Functions:
Operation
  • Lead and operate all paper bowl machines to ensure safe, efficient, continuous production
  • Perform machine setups, adjustments, and advanced troubleshooting to minimize downtime
  • Monitor machine performance, product quality, and production targets across all machines
  • Ensure machines are supplied by coordinating and delivering raw materials, paper rolls, and blanks
  • Provide operational support or operate any machine as required to maintain continuous production
  • Provide hands-on support to Assistant Operators during start-ups, jams, adjustments, and troubleshooting
  • Assign and manage break schedules to maintain uninterrupted production
  • Operate a forklift in accordance with company policies and safety procedures

Quality Control
  • Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards and specifications are met
  • Print and verify labels for all finished pallets from all machines
  • Ensure scrap is removed, emptied, and transported to the trailer properly
  • Accurately track scrap and enter data into SAP

Maintenance
  • Coordinate preventive maintenance (PM) activities and communicate equipment issues to Maintenance and Supervisors
  • Perform basic machine repairs
  • Clean bottom oil filters
  • Add and empty white mineral oil
  • Adjust and repair tape machines
  • Adjust feeding section fingers, belts, and sensors
  • Communicate effectively with Maintenance to repair or replace broken parts

Support
  • Support, coordinate, and assign Assistant Operators to each machine
  • Train and coach Assistant Operators on safe work practices, quality standards, and machine operation
  • Train new employees in machine operation and safety procedures
  • Prepare and submit daily production reports to the Supervisor

Compliance/Other Tasks
  • Verify Assistant Operators consistently comply with all company policies and procedures including GMP, PPE, HACCP, LOTO, and JSA regulations.
  • Maintain accurate production, downtime, and scrap records in SAP and/or Excel.
  • Use SAP to add materials to work orders using scanners and computer systems; confirm work orders and put-away transactions; check and update inventory accuracy; and schedule work orders while properly coding downtime.
  • Enter and manage production data using Excel.

Requirements
Education
High school diploma or GED preferred. Relevant work experience, skills, and knowledge are required.
Experience: 2+ year of experience multi-tasking in a fast-paced work environment, paper industry preferred. Previous experience operating paper bowl machinery preferred.
Other Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Proficiency in the use of hand tools and the ability to operate them effectively.
  • Knowledge of machine operation and electronic and/or manual machine controls to operate the machine and run production.
  • Able to read, understand and comprehend documents such as safety rules, internal quality procedures, and machine operating procedures.
  • Able to communicate production issues to supervisors and others in work area.
  • Basic mathematics (i.e. counting).

Working Environment
  • Safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, and steel-toed shoes are required. In addition, task specific PPE may be required.
  • Our Manufacturing plant is not environmentally controlled. Changes in humidity and temperature occur throughout the year.

Physical Requirements:
  • This position requires frequent use of hands and arms to grasp, position, and move products or materials. The role involves repetitive hand motions, coordinated use of both hands and arms, and reaching in multiple directions. Duties include prolonged periods of standing, as well as bending, stooping, and twisting. Movement throughout the work area is required on a regular basis.
  • Occasional activities include ascending and descending stairs, pushing and pulling objects, lifting and positioning items weighing up to 50 pounds, and verbal communication.
  • Vision requirements may include close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Other
Work in accordance with all company policies and procedures regarding employment, safety, quality, product safety and legality, security, and regulatory compliance as applicable.

What Sabert employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Sabert logo

About Sabert

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sayreville, NJ, US

Year founded

1983

Social media

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