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Assistant Operator Jobs in Limestone, TN (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Manager, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: Machine Operator 1 (MO1), a field based position, is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing ...

Assistant Manager, Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent GENERAL DESCRIPTION / PURPOSE: Machine Operator 1 (MO1), a field based position, is responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing ...

Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets * Assist with driving ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets * Assist with driving ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets * Assist with driving ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets * Assist with driving ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets * Assist with driving ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets * Assist with driving ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

Work closely with dispatch and team members to complete assigned job tickets * Assist with driving ... Experience operating cranes (variety of experience welcome) * Strong commitment to safety, teamwork ...

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Assistant Operator information

See Limestone, TN salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Limestone, TN is $16.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.45 and $18.08 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 Limestone, TN are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities near Limestone, TN with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Limestone, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,311 per year, or $16 per hour.

Assistant Machine Operator

Greeneville, TN


International Paper
Paper Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 296 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

323rd of 545 rated manufacturers

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers


$21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Title:

Machine Assistant

Pay Rate:

$21.50

Category/Shift:

Hourly Full-Time 

Dayshift: 6:30am-4:30pm (Monday-Thursday)

Nightshift: 8:30pm-6:30am (Sunday-Wednesday)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  1. Assist machine operators with setup, operation, and changeovers of manufacturing equipment.

  2. Perform quality checks and inspections to ensure products meet customer and company specifications.

  3. Report quality concerns, equipment issues, or production deficiencies to the operator or supervisor immediately.

  4. Count, inspect, stack, bundle, and package finished products according to work order requirements.

  5. Complete production paperwork, routing tags, logs, checklists, and other required documentation accurately.

  6. Verify product specifications and ensure proper labeling, packaging, and material identification.

  7. Assist with machine feeding, material preparation, and product handling throughout the production process.

  8. Support preventive maintenance activities and basic machine troubleshooting as directed.

  9. Assist with setup preparation for upcoming production runs.

  10. Maintain housekeeping standards by keeping work areas clean, organized, and free of debris.

  11. Follow all safety, quality, food safety, and company policies and procedures.

  12. Provide backup support to machine operators as needed.

  13. Safely operate material handling equipment when trained and authorized.

  14. Work collaboratively with team members to meet production, quality, and waste reduction goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Employee must have basic math skills, basic maintenance skills, and some experience. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Be able to communicate with supervisors and understand simple instructions.  Be able to read and understand operator's manual (Accommodations will be made to employees).  Employees must also be able to write work orders and fill out necessary production paperwork.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Must be able to add and subtract basic fractions (5+5).  Be able to use a calculator for addition, subtraction, multiplying and dividing.

REASONING ABILITY Be able to isolate and solve basic mechanical problems - Basic machine troubleshooting.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Be able to communicate with supervisors and understand simple instructions.  Be able to read and understand operator's manual (Accommodations will be made to employees).  Employees must also be able to write work orders and fill out necessary production paperwork.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS At times occasional lifting / carrying up to 25 pounds required with more frequent lifting/carrying of 1-20 pounds. The job requires reaching below waist and knee, and at waist level, kneeling, squatting, and climbing stairs on rare occasions. More frequent hand/wrist work, keyboarding and mousing, power grasping, and pushing/pulling materials. More frequent walking left and right-hand work and simple grasping and constantly standing on feet for extended periods of time. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT Employee must wear protective glasses and earplugs when using compressed air.  Most of the work is inside the plant with occasional work (<1% of the time) outside.  The plant is chilly in the winter (above freezing) and is hot in the summer (non-air conditioned).  The plant is generally clean of debris and clutter, but the manufacturing process generates a fair amount of corrugated dust.  There are not any hazardous materials in the manufacturing process.  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The Benefits You Will Enjoy:
International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans including Medical, Dental, Life insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short-term and Long-term Disability, 401(k), Company-funded retirement contributions, Paid Time Off, Education & Development (including Tuition Reimbursement), Student Loan Repayment Assistance, and Voluntary Benefits including insurance for home, auto, vision and pets

The Career You Will Build:
Leadership training, promotional opportunities
The Impact You Will Make:
We continue to build a better future for people, the planet, and our company! IP has been a good steward of sustainable practices across communities around the world for more than 125 years. Join our team and you'll see why our team members say they're Proud to be IP.
The Culture You Will Experience:
International Paper promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
The Company You Will Join:
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) creates sustainable packaging solutions that enable our customers, teammates and shareowners to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are a leader in corrugated packaging, partnering with customers across industries to protect what matters most, strengthen supply chains and create lasting value. Learn more at internationalpaper.com.

International Paper is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.  International Paper complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact reasonable.accommodations@ipaper.com or (877) 973-3919.


International Paper logo

About International Paper

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

International Paper is a leading global supplier of renewable fiber-based products. We produce corrugated packaging products that protect and promote goods, and enable worldwide commerce, and pulp for diapers, tissue and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 38,000 colleagues globally. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2021 were $19.4 billion.

Industry

Paper manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Memphis, TN, US

Year founded

1898


What International Paper employees say

Pay

Benefits

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