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Assistant Production Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator - BVC

Denison, IA

$15.75 - $19/hr

To process raw material into a quality finished product and to assist various areas within the ... Milling Operator * Operate skid steer to move product * Follow verbal and written instructions ...

Aggregate Production Operator I

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

BARD Material's Aggregate Production team is seeking an Aggregate Production Operator who will be ... Report mechanical or maintenance issues promptly * Assist with other mobile plant equipment ...

Aggregate Production Operator I

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

BARD Material's Aggregate Production team is seeking an Aggregate Production Operator who will be ... Report mechanical or maintenance issues promptly * Assist with other mobile plant equipment ...

Production Operator III

Arion, IA

$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 III

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 - 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- All Shifts

Waukon, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

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

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Production Operator information

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 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 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 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 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 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Production Operator - BVC

Denison, IA

$15.75 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

To process raw material into a quality finished product and to assist various areas within the plant while maintaining efficient production processes according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in order to meet customer specifications.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

High School Diploma or GED certificate preferred.

Experience:

Previous work experience in agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.

JOB DUTIES:

Milling Operator

  • Operate skid steer to move product

  • Follow verbal and written instructions relating to placement/blending of product

  • Climb stairs to monitor trailers being loaded

  • Document required information per quality policies

Receiving Operator

  • Ability to follow written/verbal instruction and communicate regarding product flow

  • Use push-button system to operate bins and augers

  • Use hand tools to physically clean out bins and augers

  • Manually open and close valves using crank system

  • Communicate clearly and consistently with other departments regarding product flow

  • Climb stairs to monitor product flow

  • Document required information per quality policies

Meat Cooker Operator

  • Read and operate electronic monitoring system

  • Open and close valves and equipment doors using crank system

  • Climb stairs to monitor and operate equipment

  • Use shovel to scoop product off ground into tubs

  • Communicate clearly and consistently with other departments regarding product flow

  • Document required information per quality policies

Feather System Operator

  • Operate skid steer to move product

  • Read and operate electronic monitoring system

  • Use push-button system to operate bins and augers

  • Use shovel to physically remove product from under conveyor

  • Document required information per quality policies

Blood System Operator

  • Ability to read and operate electric monitoring system
  • Ability to open and close valves using lever and crank systems
  • Use push-button system to operate bins and augers
  • Ability to use and maneuver hose to load and unload trailers
  • Document required information per quality policies

Shag Truck Operator

  • Operate shag truck to move trailers around facility

  • Ability to use crank system to secure trailers

  • Ability to read and monitor gauges to diagnose equipment failure

  • Ability to use and maneuver hose to load and unload trailers

  • Document required information per quality policies

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to communicate clearly and consistently with other employees in the workplace.

  • Ability to work safely and be quality conscious.

  • Ability to prepare and operate all machinery.

  • General knowledge of production/manufacturing methods.

  • Ability to read gauges and record data in a legible manner in accordance with established procedures.

  • Ability to learn to handle inedible protein materials in accordance with established sanitary procedures and practices.

  • Ability to understand and follow established work procedures, including mandated sanitary and safety guidelines.

  • Ability to read, write and comprehend instructions.

  • Ability to operate skid steer/pallet jack/forklift.

  • Ability to work varying work schedules.

  • Ability to interpret and work from verbal and written instructions.

  • Ability to perform basic math skills.

  • Ability to move freely throughout plant with sustained physical/mental effort to climb, sample and clean equipment and work areas.

  • Ability to remain calm and professional at all times.

  • Knowledge and experience with preventive maintenance programs.

  • Ability to troubleshoot malfunction and situations as they arise, notifying appropriate staff of problems beyond scope of normality.

  • Ability to cooperate with all staff.

  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

  • Ability to work daily, weekends and overtime as necessary.

  • Ability to assist in all work areas.

  • Ensure principles of animal food hygiene and animal food safety are followed and maintained

BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Approximate: 8-9 Hour Day (may be longer during peak season)

Key: Rare= 0% - 5%

Occasional = 6% - 33%

Frequent = 34% - 66%

Continuous = 67% - 100%

N/A = Not Applicable

Standing - Continuous

Sitting - Occasional

Walking - Continuous

Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping - Frequent

Reaching Above Shoulder - Occasional

Climbing Stairs - Frequent

Climbing Ladders - Rare

Working on Heights:

Unprotected heights - Rare

Protected heights - Frequent

Lifting:

Lifting weights from 01 to 10lbs. - Occasional

Lifting weights from 11 to 20lbs. - Occasional

Lifting weights from 21 to 30lbs. - Occasional

Lifting weights from 31 to 40lbs. - Occasional

Lifting weights from 41 to 50lbs. - Occasional

Push/Pull/Maneuver:

Push/pull/maneuver weights from 01 to 10lbs. - Occasional

Push/pull/maneuver weights from 11 to 20lbs. - Occasional

Push/pull/maneuver weights from 21 to 30lbs. - Occasional

Push/pull/maneuver weights from 31 to 40lbs - Occasional

Push/pull/maneuver weights from 41 to 50lbs. - Occasional

Working with/or operating moving machinery/equipment - Continuous

Operating a motor vehicle as part of your job [Shag Truck Operator] - Continuous

Operating a motor vehicle as part of your job [All other positions] - Rare

Read/monitor gauges on various equipment/machinery - Continuous

Recording data - Continuous

Operating office equipment - Rare

Operating computer - Rare

Foot movements to operate foot controls [Shag Truck Operator] - Continuous

Foot movements to operate foot controls [All other positions] - Rare

Good vision, corrected to normal; or ability to access

required information and to perform job duties - Yes

Color definition - Yes

Good hearing, corrected to normal; or ability to communicate

and/or understand required information and to perform job duties - Yes

Mobility:

(Ability to be Mobile throughout required work areas)

Office - Rare

Multiple Locations - Rare

Plant - Continuous

Equipment/maintenance or repair area - Continuous

BASIC MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Employee must be able to handle multiple tasks and learn equipment/machinery operation as required by job description. Employee will frequently use the following abilities: learning new equipment; calculating; analyzing numbers and situations; reading, speaking, and writing; comprehending complex information; problem solving; and communication skills. Employee must be able to follow established procedures using common sense and logical thinking in accomplishing job duties. In addition, employee must be able to work independently, set priorities, and determine work assignments and work methods. Normally, employee will be responsible for materials, company property and work that he/she has completed.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EXPOSURES:

General manufacturing working conditions exist. Exposures include, but are not limited to chemicals, odor, caustics, temperatures ranging from freezing to extreme heat, high noise levels, dust, moving equipment/machinery and extended work hours. Will be required to stand for an extended period of time on concrete floors. Will be exposed to chemicals used during production and cleanup.