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Assistant Operator Jobs in Howard Lake, MN (NOW HIRING)

Tuffy's Treat Company

Packaging Operator

Delano, MN · On-site

$23.13/hr

Will do general maintenance and repairs on equipment and assist maintenance personnel * Will ... Operator will assist other lines when needed * Perform all other duties assigned * Assist training ...

Tuffy's Treat Company

Packaging Operator

Delano, MN · On-site

$23.13/hr

Will do general maintenance and repairs on equipment and assist maintenance personnel * Will ... Operator will assist other lines when needed * Perform all other duties assigned * Assist training ...

SCS Engineers

Plant Operator

Elk River, MN

$30 - $50/hr

... * Assist with startup, shutdown, lockout/tagout, equipment isolation, troubleshooting, and return-to-service activities in accordance with applicable procedures and direction from the Plant ...

New

Manpower

Production Operator

Cokato, MN · On-site

$22/hr

As a Production Operator, you will be part of the manufacturing department supporting the ... Work from detailed drawings to determine the size and shape of manufactured items * Assist in ...

Fehn Companies, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Albertville, MN · On-site

$45.61/hr

... * Assist with road building, excavation, foundation preparation, and material movement. 3. ... Work closely with supervisors, ground crew, and other operators to coordinate activities and ...

EMR Metal Recycling

Production Plant Operator

Becker, MN · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... * Assist maintenance technicians and mechanics with routine and major equipment repairs. * Maintain ... Experience with operating skid loader, forklift and other equipment * Strong attention to detail ...

3M

Machine Operator

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$30.64/hr

Machine Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $21.89/hour with the potential to reach ... assistant on 3M.com/careers. The starting rate of pay for this position is $21.16, with the ...

3M

Machine Operator

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$21.89 - $30.64/hr

Machine Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $21.89/hour with the potential to reach ... assistant on 3M.com/careers. The starting rate of pay for this position is $21.16, with the ...

3M

Machine Operator

Hutchinson, MN · On-site

$30.64/hr

Machine Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $21.89/hour with the potential to reach ... assistant on 3M.com/careers. The starting rate of pay for this position is $21.16, with the ...

3M

Machine Operator

Hutchinson, MN

$21.89/hr

Machine Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $21.89/hour with the potential to reach ... assistant on 3M.com/careers. The starting rate of pay for this position is $21.16, with the ...

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All JobsOperator JobsAssistant Operator JobsAssistant Operator Jobs in Howard Lake, MN

Assistant Operator information

See Howard Lake, MN salary details

$11

$20

$31

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Howard Lake, MN is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $23.03 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 Howard Lake, MN are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities near Howard Lake, MN with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Assistant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Howard Lake, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,491 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Packaging Operator

Tuffy's Treat Company

Delano, MN • On-site

$23.13/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Start up and set up packaging equipment for production.

  • Control packaging materials, code dates, expiration dates, and ensure product quality and line efficiency.

  • Perform equipment adjustments, troubleshoot issues, and conduct sanitation duties.

Job description

2nd Shift

3PM - 1AM (Monday - Thursday)

$21.83 /HR + 6% SD

Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality of our products, our spirit & moxie, our tradition, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

 

The Opportunity

Packaging Machine Operator


RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Duties:

  • General knowledge of daily extrusion and production reports 
  • Communicate with Supervisor / packaging lead on all production concerns 
  • Starting and setting up all required equipment for production 
  • Controlling packaging materials, code dates, expiration dates, stickers and any items unique to product specifications 
  • Controls product quality, packaging quality, contamination, weight controls and line efficiency
  • Will do general maintenance and repairs on equipment and assist maintenance personnel 
  • Will perform all equipment adjustments and change overs and troubleshoot equipment when problems occur 
  • Perform all sanitation duties needed at the line 
  • Complete all daily reports in legible manner 
  • Assist in controlling packaging from warehouse 
  • Assist in organizing all line workers required on line 
  • Operator will assist other lines when needed 
  • Perform all other duties assigned 
  • Assist training of all line personnel 
  • Special projects as assigned 
  • Coordinate all record keeping and charting to include cleaning schedule, packaging yields and efficiency 
  • Assist Supervisor / Packaging lead as needed to control packaging area

SAFETY

  • Attend safety trainings
  • Follow all safety instructions and policies
  • Report any injuries or near miss accidents to supervisor
  • Report any unsafe acts or conditions to supervisor
  • Wear required PPE that is determined by site


ENVIRONMENTAL

  • Keep work area clean and free of debris


FOOD SAFETY

  • Assist in maintaining all sanitation schedules
  • Attend food safety trainings
  • Follow all GMPs and food safety instructions


JOB QUALIFICATIONS & PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • General mathematical ability
  • Self-motivation
  • Learning, memorizing and executing a sequence of procedures
  • Good hand – eye coordination
  • Willing and able to get along with others
  • Good judgement and reasoning abilities
  • Basic Leadership Skills
  • Can lift up to 50 pounds


Benefits

  • Holiday pay
  • Paid Time Off, with an additional day for your birthday!
  • Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
  • FSA, Medical & Dependent Care
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • Pet Insurance
  • 401K with company match