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Assistant Operator Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

About Great Northern Established in 1962, Great Northern is a local, privately owned paper-based packaging manufacturer with a long history of providing secure, stable, and meaningful positions. You ...

About Great Northern Established in 1962, Great Northern is a local, privately owned paper-based packaging manufacturer with a long history of providing secure, stable, and meaningful positions. You ...

Langston Assistant Machine Operator An Assistant Operator for a Langston corrugated box machine (often a corrugator or converting machine like a flexo folder gluer) supports the machine operator in ...

Assistant Operator - 12 Hour Days

Sussex, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Extrusion Assistant Operator Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 6:45 AM-6:45 PM Location: Sussex, WI General Scope of Job The Extruder Assistant is responsible for assisting with the operation of the ...

Assistant Operator - 12 Hour Nights

Sussex, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Extrusion Assistant Operator - Tier 1 Schedules (2): 1: Monday-Thursday from 6:45 PM-6:45 AM (Nights) 2: Friday-Sunday from 6:45 PM-6:45 AM (Nights) Location: Sussex, WI General Scope of Job The ...

Assistant Operator - 12 Hour Days

Sussex, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Extrusion Assistant Operator Schedule: Monday-Thursday from 6:45 AM-6:45 PM Location: Sussex, WI General Scope of Job The Extruder Assistant is responsible for assisting with the operation of the ...

Assistant Operator - 12 Hour Nights

Sussex, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Extrusion Assistant Operator - Tier 1 Schedules (2): 1: Monday-Thursday from 6:45 PM-6:45 AM (Nights) 2: Friday-Sunday from 6:45 PM-6:45 AM (Nights) Location: Sussex, WI General Scope of Job The ...

Assistant Machine Operator

Sussex, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Assistant Machine Operator (Extrusion) Location: Sussex, WI N59 W22387 Silver Spring Dr., Sussex, WI 53089 Available Shifts: Day Shift & Night Shift (12-hour schedules) Mon-Thurs OR Fri-Sun Build ...

Assistant Machine Operator

Sussex, WI

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Assistant Machine Operator (Extrusion) Location: Sussex, WI N59 W22387 Silver Spring Dr., Sussex, WI 53089 Available Shifts: Day Shift & Night Shift (12-hour schedules) Mon-Thurs OR Fri-Sun Build ...

Slitter, Sheeter, Press Assistant/Operator or Roll Tender experience Skills We Require: * Ability to read and comprehend basic documents * Ability to write and interpret shift correspondences

Operator

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Operate a forklift to load and unload materials, transport products, and assist in material handling activities * Fill finished product containers as described in standard operating procedures

Ensure that proper safety and incident reporting procedures are followed. * Assist with repairs as ... When not operating equipment, be willing to labor as needed. * Member of a Local Operators Union ...

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Assistant Operator information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$10

$19

$30

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Milwaukee, WI is $19.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 higher compensation due to the complexity of equipment or hazardous environments.

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 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.

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 most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
What cities near Milwaukee, WI are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs? Cities near Milwaukee, WI with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Machine Assistant Operator

gnc

Racine, WI • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


GNC rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 155 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 24 rated health and beauty retailers


Job description

About Great Northern

Established in 1962, Great Northern is a local, privately owned paper-based packaging manufacturer with a long history of providing secure, stable, and meaningful positions.  You will experience a collaborative team-first, safe, clean, enjoyable, and predictable workplace where team members support and care for one another. 

Our team members produce sustainable and eco-friendly products that are supplied to national brands that impact people's day-to-day lives. 

Great Northern is committed to making a difference in the lives of our team members, customers, and the communities in which we live and work.  Many of our team members were referred by their friends and families who are already a part of the Great Northern team.

 

Position Summary

Responsible for assisting with set-up and operation of production equipment, and all floor operations requiring handwork. Provides assistance wherever work load requires to aid in the profitable flow of customer product from production through delivery while maintaining customer specifications and GNC quality and efficiency standards.

 

Pay/Schedule

  • $25.00 per hour for the first 45 working days, with an increase following
  • $1.50 shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shifts
  • Must be available to work any shift

 

The Benefits of Great Northern

  • Competitive 401K with company match and a historically generous profit-sharing retirement savings contribution
  • Paid vacation during your first year of employment
  • 10 paid holidays/year
  • Medical plan options are available to provide flexibility in choosing the one that best suits your individual and family needs
  • Dental and vision insurance available
  • Company provided life insurance
  • Opportunity to purchase additional life insurance
  • A near-site clinic is provided to team members and their families, free of charge
  • An on-site nurse is available for team members
  • Opportunities to advance your career and compensation level
  • Health/fitness reimbursement

 

Opportunities for Growth

You will have the opportunity to learn new skills and acquire new knowledge that can be applied to grow into new positions with higher pay. 

Expectation

To be successful your teammates will depend on you to have pride in your work, be on time, work safely, work effectively with others, be optimistic, take ownership of your responsibilities, and look for continuous improvement opportunities.

 

Link to video of the inside of the facility

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDYSurpN1QA

Link to Recruiting website

www.greatnortherncorp.com/Racine


What GNC employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


GNC logo

About GNC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the global leader in health and wellness innovation since 1935, GNC motivates people to reach their goals with the most trusted and exciting selection of products in the industry. As #TeamGNC, we work hard to ensure that our consumers come first. We are always cultivating and collaborating on new ideas to bring innovative solutions to the forefront and testing new solutions to translate goals into action. Our team members are advocates for change and innovation. There is no greater gift than good health and no greater satisfaction than helping others to achieve it. Be a part of helping others to Live Well!

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

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