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Assistant Production Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator I - Essentia

Lytton, IA

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

The Production Operator assists various areas within the plant while maintaining efficient ... Packaging / Finishing * Assist in ensuring fundamental food safety and quality practices are ...

Operate machinery and package product - Employee Owned Company - Growth opportunities - good ... Assist engineers with set-up and implementation of new and existing processes • Assist the ...

Production Operator I - APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Ability to assist in all work areas. * Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small ... Products/Materials Weighing with up to 80 lbs. of force - Frequent Working with/or Operating Moving ...

Production Operator I - APC

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Ability to assist in all work areas. * Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small ... Products/Materials Weighing with up to 80 lbs. of force. Frequent Working with/or Operating Moving ...

Production Operator I - APC

Dubuque, IA

$15.75 - $19/hr

Ability to assist in all work areas. * Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small ... Products/Materials Weighing with up to 80 lbs. of force. Frequent Working with/or Operating Moving ...

Production Operator I - APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Ability to assist in all work areas. * Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small ... Products/Materials Weighing with up to 80 lbs. of force. Frequent Working with/or Operating Moving ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Production Operator information

What are some typical challenges faced by assistant production operators, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Production Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent quality standards during fast-paced production runs and adapting to frequent changes in schedules or product specifications. Successfully managing these challenges requires strong attention to detail, effective communication with team members, and a willingness to learn and follow established safety and operational procedures. Seeking feedback from supervisors and proactively addressing minor issues can also help prevent larger production delays or defects.

What is an assistant production operator?

Assistant Production Operators are entry-level professionals who help oversee and support the manufacturing process in factories or production plants. Their responsibilities often include operating machinery, assembling products, monitoring equipment, and ensuring that production runs smoothly and efficiently. They also follow safety protocols, maintain a clean work area, and assist senior operators or supervisors with various production tasks. This role is crucial for maintaining workflow and meeting production targets in a manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Assistant Production Operator vs Production Operator?

AspectAssistant Production OperatorProduction Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in production lines, supports senior operatorsOperates machinery, manages production processes
ResponsibilitiesSupports production tasks, monitors equipment under supervisionRuns equipment, ensures product quality, troubleshooting

The main difference is that Assistant Production Operators support and assist with production tasks under supervision, while Production Operators handle the actual operation of machinery and oversee production processes independently. Both roles require similar credentials, but Production Operators typically have more hands-on responsibilities and experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant production operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Production Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and an understanding of safety procedures. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, quality control systems, and sometimes certifications like OSHA training are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient production processes, maintain safety standards, and contribute to overall product quality.
What are the most commonly searched types of Production Operator jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Production Operator jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Assistant Production Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Lytton Production Operator - Nights

APC Worldwide

Lytton, IA

$24.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

- Starting Pay of $24.50 per hour
- Annual Bonus Incentive
- 3 Weeks PTO
- 401K + Company Match
- Health benefits are eligible 1st of the month following hire

- Monthly Attendance Bonus

- 8 Hours of volunteer time off per year to participate in charitable initiatives

- Company paid disability and life insurance

The Production Operator assists various areas within the plant while maintaining efficient production processes according to GMP and customer specifications.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

High School Diploma or G.E.D. certification preferred.

Experience:

Stable work history in areas such as agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Work in various areas of production workflow including all tasks and appropriate documentation of the following:

  • Dumping / Grinding / Processing

  • Packaging / Finishing

  • Assist in ensuring fundamental food safety and quality practices are maintained to achieve food safety and quality objectives and to support ongoing improvements of food safety programs.

  • Operate forklifts and /or non-motorized pallet jacks as required.

  • Assist in maintaining a clean, safe and organized work environment. Perform basic maintenance and clean-up activities as follows:

  • Proper storage and care of equipment used during production in accordance with the company safety guidelines and regulations.

  • Regularly sweep and occasionally hose production and other areas.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to follow written/verbal instruction and communicate effectively with personnel

  • General and specific knowledge of machinery and ability to assist in preparing equipment for operation and/or tear down production operations.

  • Accurately and completely abide by company good documentation procedures for recording required data and paperwork related to HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and SQF.

  • Sustained physical effort required to move throughout work areas, climbing steps, ladders as required, and walking around equipment.

  • Must be able to distinguish if food safety violations or product quality issues occur and resolve immediately or, if unable to resolve immediately, contact appropriate plant management (i.e. the Production Supervisor and/or the QC Manager).

  • Knowledge and ability to:

  • Learn how to operate new equipment/machinery

  • Read gauges and record data in legible manner in accordance with established procedures

  • Handle multiple tasks simultaneously

  • Interpret and work from oral and written instructions

  • Perform basic math calculations

  • Legibly document data for record keeping purposes

  • Implement all safety techniques and mandated sanitary rules and regulations in accordance with established policies and procedures

  • Cooperate with all Essentia staff

  • Remain calm and professional

  • Work daily and overtime as necessary

  • Assist in other work-related areas as required

  • Operate all necessary plant and office equipment required to accomplish job duties

  • Problem-solve

  • Must be at least 18 years of age due to nature of work (heavy machinery)

Physical Demand Summary: Maximum frequent waist to floor lift of 5 lbs.; Maximum occasional waist to floor lift of 50 lbs.; Maximum frequent bilateral carry of 5 lbs.; Maximum occasional bilateral carry of 50 lbs.: Maximum occasional horizontal push/pull force of 50 lbs. of force; Maximum occasional vertical push/pull of 25 lbs. of force: Occasional grasping of 55 lbs. of force; Occasional 2-point/3-point/lateral pinching of 5/8/10 lbs. of force; Frequent forward/lateral reaching; Occasional above shoulder reaching; Occasional sitting; Frequent standing; Frequent walking; Frequent stair climbing; Occasional ladder/equipment climbing; Occasional squatting; Frequent bending; Occasional stooping; Occasional twisting.