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Associate Operator Jobs in Columbia, IA (NOW HIRING)

Dollar General

SALES ASSOCIATE in ALBIA, IA S02228

Albia, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16/hr

The duties of the Sales Associate include assisting customers in locating and purchasing merchandise, operating the cash register, stocking merchandise, recovering merchandise, cleaning the store ...

3M

Plant Associate

Leighton, IA

$24.96/hr

Job Title Production Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $24.96 and can go up to $ 29.34 /hour once certified. * Pay increases throughout the first year of employment. * Medical, vision ...

3M

Production Associate

Hamilton, IA

$24.96/hr

Job Title Production Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $24.96 and can go up to $ 29.34 /hour once certified. * Pay increases throughout the first year of employment. * Medical, vision ...

3M

Production Associate

Beacon, IA

$24.96/hr

Job Title Production Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $24.96 and can go up to $ 29.34 /hour once certified. * Pay increases throughout the first year of employment. * Medical, vision ...

3M

Plant Associate

Beacon, IA

$24.96/hr

Job Title Production Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $24.96 and can go up to $ 29.34 /hour once certified. * Pay increases throughout the first year of employment. * Medical, vision ...

3M

Production Associate

Tracy, IA

$24.96/hr

Job Title Production Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $24.96 and can go up to $ 29.34 /hour once certified. * Pay increases throughout the first year of employment. * Medical, vision ...

3M

Plant Associate

Hartford, IA

$24.96/hr

Job Title Production Operator We offer: * Competitive pay starting at $24.96 and can go up to $ 29.34 /hour once certified. * Pay increases throughout the first year of employment. * Medical, vision ...

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All JobsAssociate Operator JobsAssociate Operator Jobs in Columbia, IA

Associate Operator information

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 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 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.

What cities near Columbia, IA are hiring for Associate Operator jobs? Cities near Columbia, IA with the most Associate Operator job openings:
Associate Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Operator job openings in Columbia, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

SALES ASSOCIATE in KNOXVILLE, IA S03540

Dollar General

Knoxville, IA • On-site

$12.50 - $16.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Dollar General rating

4.0

Company rating: 4.0 out of 10

Based on 4,586 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Work Where You Matter
At Dollar General, our mission is Serving Others! We value each and every one of our employees. Whether you are looking to launch a new career in one of our many convenient Store locations, Distribution Centers, Store Support Center or with our Private Fleet Team, we are proud to provide a wide range of career opportunities. We are not just a retail company; we are a company that values the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual brings. Your difference truly makes a difference at Dollar General.How would you like to Serve? Join the Dollar General Journey and see how your career can thrive.
Company Overview

Dollar General Corporation has been delivering value to shoppers for more than 80 years. Dollar General helps shoppers Save time. Save money. Every day.® by offering products that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids, cleaning supplies, basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices in convenient neighborhood locations. Learn more about Dollar General at www.dollargeneral.com/about-us.html.


Job Details

GENERAL SUMMARY: 

The Sales Associate acts as a point of contact for our customers. The duties of the Sales Associate include assisting customers in locating and purchasing merchandise, operating the cash register, stocking merchandise, recovering merchandise, cleaning the store, and performing other duties as assigned by the Store Manager to maximize store profitability and customer satisfaction while protecting company assets.

DUTIES and ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

  • Provide excellent customer service, greet and assist customers.
  • Operate cash register and scanner to itemize and total customer’s purchase, collect payment from customers and make change, bag merchandise, and assist customers with merchandise as necessary.
  • Follow company merchandise processes; unpack, stock, restock, and rotate merchandise on shelves and build merchandise displays.
  • Clean the store, take out trash, dust and mop store floors, clean restroom and receiving room, and help set up sidewalk displays.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:

  • Effective interpersonal and oral communication skills.
  • Understanding of safety policies and practices.
  • Ability to read and follow planogram and merchandise presentation guides.
  • Knowledge of basic cash handling procedures.
  • Basic mathematical skills.
  • Ability to perform cash register functions.
  • Ability to stock merchandise.

WORK EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Frequent walking and standing
  • Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling to run check out station, stock merchandise and unload trucks; which may also require the ability to push and/or pull rolltainers for stocking merchandise
  • Frequent handling of merchandise and equipment such as handheld scanners, pricing guns, box cutters, merchandise containers, two-wheel dollies, U-boats (six-wheel carts), and rolltainers
  • Frequent and proper lifting of up to 40 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 55 pounds
  • Occasional climbing (using step ladder) up to heights of six feet
  • Fast-paced environment; moderate noise level
  • Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions 

Dollar General Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications:

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:

  • Effective interpersonal and oral communication skills.
  • Understanding of safety policies and practices.
  • Ability to read and follow planogram and merchandise presentation guides.
  • Knowledge of basic cash handling procedures.
  • Basic mathematical skills.
  • Ability to perform cash register functions.
  • Ability to stock merchandise.

WORK EXPERIENCE and/or EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Frequent walking and standing
  • Frequent bending, stooping, and kneeling to run check out station, stock merchandise and unload trucks; which may also require the ability to push and/or pull rolltainers for stocking merchandise
  • Frequent handling of merchandise and equipment such as handheld scanners, pricing guns, box cutters, merchandise containers, two-wheel dollies, U-boats (six-wheel carts), and rolltainers
  • Frequent and proper lifting of up to 40 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 55 pounds
  • Occasional climbing (using step ladder) up to heights of six feet
  • Fast-paced environment; moderate noise level
  • Occasional exposure to outside weather conditions 

Dollar General Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: PART_TIME

What Dollar General employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Dollar General

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

What started as a single store is now a 20+ billion dollar Fortune 119 company. With 140,000+ employees and counting, we’re growing fast and so can you. There are endless opportunities for you, including award-winning training programs and career paths in retail, distribution, transportation or corporate. The possibilities are endless!

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Goodlettsville, TN, US

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