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Assistant Operator Jobs in Gardner, MA (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Machine Operator

Greenville, NH

$18 - $22/hr

Machine Operator Shift: Monday - Thursday | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour (based ... Troubleshoot minor machine issues and communicate larger concerns to maintenance * Assist with ...

Adecco

Machine Operator

Greenville, NH · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Machine Operator Shift: Monday - Thursday | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour (based ... Troubleshoot minor machine issues and communicate larger concerns to maintenance * Assist with ...

Adecco

Press Operator

Townsend, MA

$22 - $23/hr

This is a great opportunity to further your existing skills as an Press Operator while learning new ones to assist you in your career. The best part is you would be joining a winning culture with ...

Adecco

Press Operator

Townsend, MA · On-site

$22 - $23/hr

This is a great opportunity to further your existing skills as an Press Operator while learning new ones to assist you in your career. The best part is you would be joining a winning culture with ...

Techo-Bloc

Forklift Operator

North Brookfield, MA · On-site

$21.50/hr

Responsible for careful loading of product and quality crate building to assist with customer ... All forklift operators must have either a valid driver's license or a medical clearance from a ...

Little Leaf Farms

Packing Operator

Shirley, MA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Troubleshoot mechanical issues and assist Maintenance in identifying problems. * Work in teams ensuring that the conveyor system does not back up and become jammed with product * Rotate to different ...

Little Leaf Farms LLC

Packing Operator

Shirley, MA · On-site

$19.75 - $26/hr

Troubleshoot mechanical issues and assist Maintenance in identifying problems. * Work in teams ensuring that the conveyor system does not back up and become jammed with product * Rotate to different ...

Aptyx

Manufacturing Device Operator

Jaffrey, NH · On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

The Manufacturing Operator is trained on all assigned tasks and is responsible for following ... May assist in training new or less experienced employees as needed Flexibility & Operations Support

Seaman Paper

Machine Operator - 3rd Shift

Gardner, MA

$18 - $22/hr

Operators will also assist with light maintenance, documentation, and troubleshooting to ensure smooth production operations. Salary Range: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour Responsibilities: * Set up and ...

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Assistant Operator information

See Gardner, MA salary details

$11

$20

$32

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Gardner, MA is $21.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $23.70 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 cities near Gardner, MA are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities near Gardner, MA with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Assistant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Gardner, MA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,673 per year, or $21 per hour.

Offset Press Assistant (Feeder Operator)

Oliver Packaging & Printing

Fitchburg, MA • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Offset Press Assistant (Feeder Operator)

Join a legacy printer where craftsmanship meets technology. Oliver Inc. blends more than two and a half centuries of know-how with modern, sustainable production to deliver speed, consistency, and nimbleness for premium packaging.

A day in this role

When you arrive for your second shift (3:00pm–11:30pm), you’ll team up with a Lead Pressman to set up and run multi-color packaging work. You’ll review job packets and proofs, mount plates and blankets, dial in guides and detectors, and keep inks, coatings, and fountain solutions flowing. As sheets fly, you’ll verify color with scanning densitometry, spot non-conformances early, and keep the pressroom clean and safe. Between jobs, you’ll wash up units, change rollers as needed, and stage finished loads so the next process can move without delay.

Core contributions
  • Study job orders, department instructions, proofs, save sheets, and specs before each run.
  • Assist with make-ready: install/remove printing plates, blankets, and coating blankets; pack plate/blanket cylinders per machine and paperboard specs.
  • Set/adjust side guides, head stops, gripper fingers, and double-sheet detectors.
  • Monitor fountain solution conductivity and maintain proper tank levels.
  • Replenish offset powder, inks, coatings, and fountain solution throughout production; retrieve, install, and return inks and plates.
  • Wash ink units, blankets, cylinders, and fountain tanks between jobs.
  • Operate and set up scanning densitometers to confirm print quality; partner with the Lead Pressman to evaluate quality and flag non-conforming material.
  • Support preventative maintenance, roller changes, and minor press repairs.
  • Remove finished product from the press and transport to designated staging areas.
  • Keep a safe, organized work area; follow all safety procedures and 5S habits.
  • Assist with training Press Apprentices and cover the Lead Pressman during breaks as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What you bring
  • High school diploma or GED; ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
  • Excellent color vision and discrimination; comfort with fractions/decimals.
  • Basic computer literacy preferred.
  • At least 1 year operating a multi-color offset, flexographic, or gravure press; or experience as a 2nd Pressman/Feeder or Assistant Pressman on a multi-color offset crew.
  • Preferred: 4-color process experience; Mitsubishi press familiarity; blanket changes, cylinder packing, press wash-up, and fountain system experience.
  • Highly desirable: paperboard, UV inks, in-line coating, and scanning/handheld densitometry experience.
  • Meticulous attention to detail with ongoing in-process quality checks.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing setting; able to manage multiple priorities.
  • Self-motivated with a strong drive to learn, grow, and advance.
Why you’ll love Oliver
  • Competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.
  • A stable, growing manufacturing company with multiple facilities.
  • Career advancement, ongoing training, and skill development.
  • A collaborative, safety-focused culture that values respect and creativity.
Proficiencies and tools
  • Packaging experience; machine setups for production runs.
  • In-line coating, paperboard, ultra-violet ink, multi-color offset.
  • Machines/technologies you’ll use: Mitsubishi.
Ready to grow?

If you’re a dependable 2nd Pressman/Feeder who takes pride in high-quality work and wants to build a long-term career in printing and packaging, we want to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity

Oliver Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, citizenship status, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.