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Assistant Operator Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

CKS Packaging

Machine Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18/hr

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Machine Operators Needed- Urbana, IL (Please note if you are viewing this ... Troubleshoot and repair processing issues * Assist in changeovers as needed * Monitor finished ...

CKS Packaging

Machine Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18/hr

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Machine Operators Needed- Urbana, IL (Please note if you are viewing this ... Troubleshoot and repair processing issues * Assist in changeovers as needed * Monitor finished ...

Premier Cooperative

Elevator Operator

Royal, IL · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Grain Elevator Operators will be cross-trained to perform a variety of tasks. Essential Job Duties ... assist and meet their needs by promoting a positive Premier experience. * Complete Pre-Trip ...

Premier Cooperative

Elevator Operator

Sidney, IL · On-site

Grain Elevator Operators will be cross-trained to perform a variety of tasks. Essential Job Duties ... assist and meet their needs by promoting a positive Premier experience. * Complete Pre-Trip ...

Premier Cooperative

Elevator Operator

Sidney, IL · On-site

Grain Elevator Operators will be cross-trained to perform a variety of tasks. Essential Job Duties ... assist and meet their needs by promoting a positive Premier experience. * Complete Pre-Trip ...

Premier Cooperative

Elevator Operator

Royal, IL · On-site

Grain Elevator Operators will be cross-trained to perform a variety of tasks. Essential Job Duties ... assist and meet their needs by promoting a positive Premier experience. * Complete Pre-Trip ...

MTD

Part-Time Bus Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$24.74 - $28.86/hr

Part-time Operators work a minimum of 20 flexible hours per week with the opportunity for ... Occasionally crouch, kneel, and bend to complete pre- and post-trip checks and to assist customers.

fng

Welding Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$26.75/hr

Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with other production duties as assigned Qualifications * High school diploma or GED preferred * Previous MIG welding experience required

fng

Welding Operator

Urbana, IL · On-site

$26.75/hr

Maintain a clean and organized work area * Assist with other production duties as assigned Qualifications * High school diploma or GED preferred * Previous MIG welding experience required

Servpro of Champaign/Urbana

Administrative Assistant

Urbana, IL · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

As an Administrative Assistant, you would be asked to assist office teammates and all customers by ... Each SERVPRO ® Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated. All employees of a SERVPRO Franchise ...

Pizza Hut

Assistant Manager

Champaign, IL

$17 - $22/hr

Today we are the largest Pizza Hut franchisee in the world with 1200+ locations and are operating ... Pizza Hut Assistant Manager - Grow your career while making your customers and employees feel like ...

Pizza Hut

Assistant Manager

Champaign, IL

$17 - $22/hr

Today we are the largest Pizza Hut franchisee in the world with 1200+ locations and are operating ... Pizza Hut Assistant Manager - Grow your career while making your customers and employees feel like ...

Carle Health

Surgical Assistant - OR

Urbana, IL · On-site

... Operating Room team. We offer a variety of shifts and scheduling options, giving you the ... Assistant (CSA) - National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) Or ...

Carle Health

Surgical Assistant - OR

Urbana, IL · On-site

... Operating Room team. We offer a variety of shifts and scheduling options, giving you the ... Assistant (CSA) - National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) Or ...

Carle Health

Surgical Assistant - OR

Urbana, IL · On-site

... Operating Room team. We offer a variety of shifts and scheduling options, giving you the ... Assistant (CSA) - National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) Or ...

Carle Health

Surgical Assistant - OR

Urbana, IL · On-site

... Operating Room team. We offer a variety of shifts and scheduling options, giving you the ... Assistant (CSA) - National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) Or ...

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All JobsOperator JobsAssistant Operator JobsAssistant Operator Jobs in Champaign, IL

Assistant Operator information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Champaign, IL is $19.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $22.40 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 Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Assistant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,282 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Machine Operator

CKS Packaging

Urbana, IL • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

CKS Packaging rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 122 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Machine Operators Needed- Urbana, IL

(Please note if you are viewing this posting on an external job board, unless specifically stated in the posting, the provided hourly/salary estimates may not be accurate as they are not provided by CKS.)

What’s In it for You?

  • Stable, growing organization with opportunity for future advancement of qualified candidates
  • Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications
  • Paid vacation, sick days, and bonus after eligibility period met
  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits at modest employee contributions
  • 401k participation with Company matching contributions upon completion of first 30 days of service

Responsibilities

  • Ensure that production equipment is operating to optimum efficiency
  • Start and stop production equipment as needed
  • Maintain operation excellence standards of housekeeping- sweeping, mopping, wiping down equipment when necessary
  • Troubleshoot and repair processing issues
  • Assist in changeovers as needed
  • Monitor finished product flow and be able to clear jams and resume process flow as needed
  • Monitor and maintain material levels
  • Assist utility and packaging employees and assist in giving breaks as needed
  • Actively involved in the coordination and completion of progressive training required to advance to the next level
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrate mechanical skills
  • Demonstrate knowledge of hand tools
  • Possess the required tools to successfully perform job duties
  • Demonstrate ability to properly startup and shut down blow molding machines
  • Posses basic processing skills
  • Demonstrate working knowledge of computer and touch screen operation

1st Shift: Monday 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Tuesday–Friday 7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
2nd Shift: 3:45 PM – 12:00 AM
3rd Shift: 11:45 PM – 8:00 AM

What CKS Packaging employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

CKS Packaging logo

About CKS Packaging

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US

Year founded

1985

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