1

Assistant Operator Jobs in Moses Lake, WA (NOW HIRING)

Poly Operator Assistant 1 Position Type: Regular - Full-Time Grade: 3A Requisition ID: 44220 In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work ...

Operator

Quincy, WA

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

The operator may sometimes assist the lab in the collection and analysis of samples. The operator will be responsible for inputting their data in the data management system. The operator will be ...

Loader Operator

Moses Lake, WA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Equipment operated may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc ... yard. * Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before ...

Loader Operator

Moses Lake, WA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Equipment operated may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc ... yard. * Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before ...

Equipment operated may include awheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc ... yard. * Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before ...

Participate in weekly meetings and provide facility status updates * Assist the lab with sample ... Wastewater or Drinking Water operator certification * Prior experience in water/wastewater or a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assistant Operator information

See Moses Lake, WA salary details

$11

$20

$32

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Moses Lake, WA is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $23.32 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 Moses Lake, WA?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Moses Lake, WA are:

What cities near Moses Lake, WA are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities near Moses Lake, WA with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Operator job openings in Moses Lake, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,980 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Poly Operator Assistant 1

Othello, WA • On-site


McCain Foods Limited
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

154th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Good employer

Paid breaks


$21.37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Poly Operator Assistant 1
Position Type: Regular - Full-Time
Grade: 3A
Requisition ID: 44220
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences -together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.
About the role .
Loads cases onto Case Erector machines, changes tape, and performs changeover adjustments to the Wexxar, DynaCop. Helps with daily sanitation and clean-ups in the packaging area
What you'll be doing.
  • Promotes and adheres to company safety work rules and regulations.
  • Loads cases onto a case erector machine in the proper position.
  • Ensures sufficient amount of cases are loaded correctly to prevent machine from running out of cases causing machine downtime.
  • Communicates with Dry Supply regarding the status of case inventory.
  • Reworks bags or cases from the tape deck area or from Shipping.
  • Helps strip out product as needed.
  • Observes and removes damaged cases as needed.
  • Performs sanitation around assigned machines and surrounding area.
  • Learns proper codes and SKUs of cases.
  • Communicate any problems or changes in production or quality to supervisor and appropriate personnel.
  • Understands and adheres to the concepts and techniques of the quality process in order to ensure a quality operation.
  • Completing work requests (Blue Tickets) for the Wexxar, or Dyna Cop equipment that needs mechanical attention.
  • Clears Wexxar case erector case jams using proper LOTO as necessary.
  • Reports issues with case erector, Blueprint or DynaPak equipment that prevents them from running at peak efficiency.
  • Responsible for hand taping any cases that won't go through the case erector.
  • Must be able to perform Lock Out Tag Out successfully.
  • Responsible for breaking down and saving unused cases when performing a case changeover.
  • Participates in continuous improvement process.
  • Wexar setup, changeover, operation and trouble shooting.
  • DynaCop set-up, changeover, operation and troubleshooting
  • Case settler setup, changeover, operation and trouble shooting.
  • Klea line elevator setup, operation and trouble shooting.

What you'll need to be successful.
Less than high school education; or up to one-month related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Why You Should Join Our Team:
McCain offers full benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance. In addition, we offer other benefits including:
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Spending Account/ HRA & Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Adoption & Infertility Assistance, Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave
  • Education Reimbursement Assistance
  • Apprenticeship, Internship, & Coop support and opportunities
  • Employee Family Assistance program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holidays
  • Life Insurance
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Short & Long Term Disability

About McCain
Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.
Leadership principles .
At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.
The McCain experience .
We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you'll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we're better together.
Compensation Package : - Starting at $21.37 USD hourly + Bonus eligibility + Hourly Pay Differential for applicable shifts
The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Benefits: At McCain, we're on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well-being at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person's needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support, including medical, family and bereavement. Well-being programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned with applicable law and can vary by work level, location, and nature of the role. Additional benefits details available during the application process.
Your well-being matters to us, and we're here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work - and at home.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain's Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy , as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here .
Job Family: Manufacturing
Location(s): US - United States of America : Washington : Othello
Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.


What McCain Foods employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom