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Assistant Operator Jobs in Pekin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Press Operator I - Apprentice Gannett Publishing Services Peoria, IL WE ARE OFFERING A STARTING ... Work as a team to meet waste goals * Assist with plate, reel room & press operations as assigned ...

Press Operator I - Apprentice Gannett Publishing Services Peoria, IL WE ARE OFFERING A STARTING ... Work as a team to meet waste goals * Assist with plate, reel room & press operations as assigned ...

Operator Boiler

Mapleton, IL · On-site

$33.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RESPONSIBILITIES * Operating and maintaining high-pressure boilers, including starting up and ... assist maintenance personnel on repairs. * Prepares required permits - Lock out/tag out, Flange ...

Operator Boiler

Mapleton, IL · On-site

$33.06/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RESPONSIBILITIES * Operating and maintaining high-pressure boilers, including starting up and ... assist maintenance personnel on repairs. * Prepares required permits - Lock out/tag out, Flange ...

Harvest Operator

Manito, IL · On-site

$18.05 - $19.95/hr

The Seasonal Harvester Operator is expected to follow all company safety rules, maintain productivity standards, and assist with additional harvest activities as needed throughout the season. This ...

Dental Assistant

East Peoria, IL

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Maple Shade Dental at Camp Crossing is looking for a Dental Assistant in East Peoria, IL to assist our clinical team by providing a high level of patient care and satisfaction while operating in a ...

Dental Assistant

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview Maple Shade Dental of East Peoria is looking for a Dental Assistant in East Peoria, to assist our clinical team by providing a high level of patient care and satisfaction while operating in ...

Dental Assistant

East Peoria, IL

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Maple Shade Dental of East Peoria is looking for a Dental Assistant in East Peoria, to assist our clinical team by providing a high level of patient care and satisfaction while operating in a team ...

Dental Assistant

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview Maple Shade Dental of East Peoria is looking for a Dental Assistant in East Peoria, to assist our clinical team by providing a high level of patient care and satisfaction while operating in ...

Dental Assistant

East Peoria, IL

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Overview Maple Shade Dental of East Peoria is looking for a Dental Assistant in East Peoria, to assist our clinical team by providing a high level of patient care and satisfaction while operating in ...

Dental Assistant

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... operating in a team-based environment. Position Overview: As a Dental Assistant you are an integral part of care team in providing support to the office and assisting the professional dental staff ...

Showing results 21-40

Assistant Operator information

See Pekin, IL salary details

$10

$18

$28

How much do assistant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant operator in Pekin, IL is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $20.53 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 cities near Pekin, IL are hiring for Assistant Operator jobs?

Cities near Pekin, IL with the most Assistant Operator job openings:

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 76 rated media


Job description

Press Operator I - Apprentice

Gannett Publishing Services
Peoria, IL
WE ARE OFFERING A STARTING HOURLY WAGE OF $18 PER HOUR
The Apprentice - Press Operator position is assigned to learn & perform printing related tasks that may include, but are not limited to: Newsprint reel set-up & operation; newsprint staging; roll preparation; plate processing; placing printing plates; basic ink setting; equipment maintenance; and specified reporting.
The primary objective is to support efficient press operations as needed to achieve & maintain on-time production, product quality standards, low waste, and operational safety. Works as part of a press crew to coordinate press & plate operations during an assigned shift.
Must be reliable, report to scheduled shifts on-time and ready to begin work.

  • Work as a team to achieve & maintain on-time press performance
  • Work as a team to achieve & maintain product quality standards
  • Work as a team to meet waste goals
  • Assist with plate, reel room & press operations as assigned

Requirements:

  • This position requires a high school education or equivalent.
  • Experience in web offset printing is desirable, although production experience of any kind may be helpful.
  • Mechanical ability and familiarity with computers is preferred.
  • Candidates should have the ability to adapt to change, prioritize work, handle multiple tasks, remain flexible and interact with people while demonstrating patience.
  • You must be able to lift/carry up to 100 pounds. Must be able to push/pull up to 2000 pounds (rolls of paper).
  • A press operator spends most working hours on his/her feet.
  • In addition to long periods of standing, a press operator is required to climb stairs on the six-level press structure. Operators engaged in press maintenance and some cleaning activities will be required to stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl. They often work in tight areas. Color vision is required.
  • This position is full-time shift work, which includes scheduled nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Candidate must be able to work night shifts, weekends and holidays, on a rotation schedule.


Education:

High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Related Experience:

Previous machine operation or maintenance experience preferred.


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