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Associate Operator Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Spencer Gifts - Spirit Halloween

Sales Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Spirit Halloween The Sales Associate will support the Store Management Team in the setup ... Your employer will be the independent owner and operator, who shall have sole responsibility for ...

Spencer Gifts - Spirit Halloween

Sales Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Spirit Halloween The Sales Associate will support the Store Management Team in the setup ... Your employer will be the independent owner and operator, who shall have sole responsibility for ...

Spencer Gifts - Spirit Halloween

Sales Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

Spirit Halloween The Sales Associate will support the Store Management Team in the setup ... Your employer will be the independent owner and operator, who shall have sole responsibility for ...

Spencer Gifts - Spirit Halloween

Sales Associate

Clive, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Spirit Halloween The Sales Associate will support the Store Management Team in the setup ... Your employer will be the independent owner and operator, who shall have sole responsibility for ...

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All JobsAssociate Operator JobsAssociate Operator Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Associate Operator information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$11

$14

$16

How much do associate operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate operator in Des Moines, IA is $14.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.17 and $15.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Associate Operator jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Associate Operator job openings:
Associate Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Operator job openings in Des Moines, 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, with an average salary of $29,604 per year, or $14.2 per hour.

Assoc/Distribution Operator

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Urbandale, IA

$15.50 - $18/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Under direction of a distribution operator or shift supervisor, the MidAmerican Energy Company associate distribution operator monitors and operates the 15 kV electric power system based on MidAmerican Energy Company operating standards and guidelines. The associate distribution operator provides support to the distribution operator and shift supervisor in the area of callouts, dispatching and other areas as directed. This position is intended to be a training position until the incumbent is fully qualified to operate the system independently as a distribution operator. After 8-12 months as an associate distribution operator, the employee's performance will be reviewed to see if he/she meets the minimum qualifications and performance standards for becoming a distribution operator. The associate distribution operator will be required to achieve proficiency and move to the distribution operator position within 12 months of starting training. Failure to meet these performance standards within 12 months will result in a six-month remedial period. At the end of the remedial period, the associate distribution operator will be evaluated for possible advancement to the distribution operator position. Proficiency will be determined by testing and observation.MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Bachelor or technical degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor or technical degree.) 

Three years prior work experience in this field or a related field. Examples of related fields would be substation/transmission engineering and substation operations and field operations. 

One year of distribution experience is required. Knowledge of power system devices and operating characteristics and technical skills related to understanding energy control and switching is desired. 

Clearly articulate the key points of an issue, keep attention of others and take recipient's needs into account when speaking or writing. 

Ability to work systematically to analyze problems and issues, identify causes, anticipate implications and identify effective courses of action. 

Ability to coordinate construction or maintenance projects to maximize efficiency while ensuring continued reliability. 

Ability to resolve conflicting demands in a diplomatic manner while maintaining system integrity and reliability of service to our customers during outage periods. 

Ability to work a rotating shift. 

Effective oral and written communication skills. 

Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.

Complete training to become fully qualified as a distribution operator within 12 months of starting the training program. 

Under direction, conduct real-time actions that ensure safe, reliable and economic operation of the 15 kV electrical system, beginning at the substation breaker and ending at the electric meter of the retail customer, by monitoring and responding to system disturbances involving distribution equipment and taking appropriate steps to restore service to customers and portions of the electrical system affected by the disturbance. (60-65%) 

Under direction direct emergency switching on the 15 kV electrical system. Restore service as safely and quickly as possible. Work closely with transmission operators to ensure that clear and open communication is present between both transmission and distribution electrical systems whenever an incident would occur or actions need to be taken. (20-25%) 

Operate the 15 kV distribution system according to good utility practice criteria and MidAmerican Energy Company operating standards and guidelines. (5-10%) 

Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (5-10%) Provide technical input to assist in development of project planning. (0-5%) 

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of human performance improvement techniques. 

Evaluate present practices and implement processes, concepts, training and tools to prevent, detect and correct human errors that may adversely impact the safe, reliable operation of the electric transmission and distribution system.

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