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Associate Operator Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

A.P. Møller - Maersk A/S

Warehouse Associate

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Warehouse Associate/Operator/Worker, Picker and Packer Role focuses on manual tasks such as unloading, picking, packing etc. Typical titles include; Warehouse Associate/Operator/Worker, Picker and ...

Maersk

Warehouse Associate

Erlanger, KY · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Warehouse Associate/Operator/Worker, Picker and Packer Role focuses on manual tasks such as unloading, picking, packing etc. Typical titles include; Warehouse Associate/Operator/Worker, Picker and ...

Maersk

Warehouse Associate

Erlanger, KY

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Warehouse Associate/Operator/Worker, Picker and Packer Role focuses on manual tasks such as unloading, picking, packing etc. Typical titles include; Warehouse Associate/Operator/Worker, Picker and ...

Hydro-Gear

Warehouse Associate

Murray, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $15.50/hr

As aShipping & Receiving Associate / Forklift Operator, you will be responsible for receiving and processing incoming materials, preparing and shipping outbound orders, operating forklifts and ...

Hydro Gear Partnership

Warehouse Associate

Murray, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $15.50/hr

As a Shipping & Receiving Associate / Forklift Operator, you will be responsible for receiving and processing incoming materials, preparing and shipping outbound orders, operating forklifts and ...

Hydro Gear Partnership

Warehouse Associate

Murray, KY · On-site

$13.25 - $15.50/hr

As a Shipping & Receiving Associate / Forklift Operator, you will be responsible for receiving and processing incoming materials, preparing and shipping outbound orders, operating forklifts and ...

DHL-Sorter

Forklift Operator

Hebron, KY · On-site

$23.75/hr

Forklift Operator The Job Center Staffing is hiring associates for Forklift Operator on 1st shift in the Hebron, KY area. This is a great opportunity for a temp to hire placement! Compensation/Shift ...

The Job Center Staffing

Equipment Operator

Hebron, KY · On-site

$20/hr

Equipment OperatorThe Job Center Staffing is hiring associates for Equipment Operators on 1st shift in the Hebron, KY area. This is a great opportunity for a temp to hire placement! Compensation ...

The Job Center Staffing

Equipment Operator

Hebron, KY · On-site

$20/hr

Equipment OperatorThe Job Center Staffing is hiring associates for Equipment Operators on 1st shift in the Hebron, KY area. This is a great opportunity for a temp to hire placement! Compensation ...

Kenlake Foods

Line Operator Leader

Murray, KY · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Line Operator Technician Trainee Date: June 11, 2011 Location: Kenlake Foods Department: Dry Pack ... Associate is required to immediately report any food safety concerns to a member of the site ...

Kenlake Foods

Advanced Line Operator

Murray, KY · On-site

$25.08 - $32.25/hr

Line Operator Technician Trainee Date: June 11, 2011 Location: Kenlake Foods Department: Dry Pack ... Associate is required to immediately report any food safety concerns to a member of the site ...

spidf

Production Operator

Lawrenceburg, KY

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

Production Operators/Associates are required to perform continuous visual and manual quality checks in accordance with standardized guidelines. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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All JobsAssociate Operator JobsAssociate Operator Jobs in Kentucky

Associate Operator information

See Kentucky salary details

$10

$14

$15

How much do associate operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate operator in Kentucky is $14.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.01 and $15.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate operator?

Associate Operators are entry-level professionals responsible for supporting the daily operations of a facility, such as a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or control room. Their duties typically include monitoring equipment, performing basic maintenance, following safety protocols, and ensuring production processes run smoothly. They often work under the supervision of more experienced operators and may assist with troubleshooting issues or reporting problems. This role is a key starting point for those looking to build a career in operations or production environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate operator?

To thrive as an Associate Operator, you need a solid understanding of production processes, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-specific machinery, safety protocols, and basic computer systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities help individuals excel in monitoring operations and addressing issues quickly. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining efficient production, ensuring safety, and contributing to overall operational success.

What are some typical challenges an associate operator might encounter during daily operations?

As an Associate Operator, common challenges include quickly troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, adapting to unexpected changes in production schedules, and maintaining high attention to detail during repetitive tasks. You may also need to coordinate with maintenance and quality assurance teams to ensure safety and compliance standards are met. Effective communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving are essential for handling these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Associate Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectAssociate OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production linesFactories, industrial settings, production floors
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, assembly, and production industriesWidely used in manufacturing, processing, and industrial sectors
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist in operations, monitor equipment, perform basic maintenanceOperate machinery, ensure proper functioning, troubleshoot issues

Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, with Associate Operators typically supporting machine operations and performing basic tasks, while Machine Operators focus on directly handling machinery and ensuring smooth production processes.

Which associate operator job pays the most?

The highest-paying associate operator roles are often found in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, and power generation, where specialized skills and certifications like OSHA training or technical licenses are required. These positions typically offer higher wages due to the complexity and risk involved, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and company size.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Kentucky?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Associate Operator jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most Associate Operator job openings:

Associate Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Operator job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $29,251 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Associate Operator, Production

Celanese International Corporation

Florence, KY

$16.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Production Operator role is key in the production of quality products in a safe manner every day.

The Production Operator is an extrusion machine operator position that requires broad knowledge of production processes, equipment troubleshooting, equipment operation, packaging procedures, health and safety policies, and quality policies.

The Production Operator is expected to operate an extruder line along with other production pieces of equipment with minimal supervision in a participative team environment.


  • Reading and complying with the Company's Environmental and Quality Policies. This position is also responsible for reporting to management deviations from the policy when they are observed.
  • Assume personal responsibility for safety performance and demonstrates a genuine concern for the safety of co-workers.
  • Maintaining acceptable housekeeping and 5S standards.
  • Comply with all safety/health related policies and procedures, participate in company sponsored safety programs and activities, and report to management those conditions or actions by employees or others that might create a hazard to themselves or others in the plant.
  • Setting up extruders to run a product that is in accordance with standard operating conditions with minimal downtime and loss of product. This includes the setting of feed totes and product totes. Must be able to learn to use tote tumbling and screw/element oven equipment.
  • Maintaining proper records, which includes run logs/sheet, feed blends on line, amount of product in totes, packaging reports, work orders, log books and keeping the on-coming operator informed as to important issues.
  • Completing a product turn-around, which includes cleaning the extruder barrel and screws, the feeder, the chopper, the classifier, the reclaimer system, bagging system, product totes to prevent product contamination. Requires familiarity in the operation and uses of various hand tools.
  • Review and understanding of the policies and procedures contained in standard operating procedures, hazardous communication and waste disposal procedures.
  • Troubleshooting processing problems with the product. This includes, but is not limited to surging, black specks, improper pellet size, pellets with tails and contaminated product.
  • Troubleshooting equipment failure and repairing.
  • This includes but is not limited to, placing thermocouples, vacuum leaks, vacuum conveying problems.

  • High School Diploma, GED or 5 years of manufacturing experience in lieu of diploma or GED
  • No experience required.
  • Valid driver's license is required.

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