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Drum Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drum Operator

Richfield, OH

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

The Drum Operator's main function involves running a potato-dehydrating drum. The Drum Operator must always consider product quality and work towards producing a consistent product based on customer ...

Drum Operator

Center, CO · On-site

$18.55/hr

The Drum Operator's main function involves running a potato-dehydrating drum. The Drum Operator must always consider product quality and work towards producing a consistent product based on customer ...

Drum Operator

Center, CO · On-site

$18.55/hr

The Drum Operator's main function involves running a potato-dehydrating drum. The Drum Operator must always consider product quality and work towards producing a consistent product based on customer ...

We are currently seeking individuals who are interested in working as a Drum Operator on a rotating night shift schedule. Competitive Wages and Benefits: * Starting pay of $21.85 per hour * Minimum ...

TANNERY DRUM OPERATOR D-SHIFT ($6,000 Bonus)

Cactus, TX · On-site

$17 - $22.25/hr

Prepare the drum to receive the hides * Position the big door for loading. * Check formula date for information, and formula receipt for chemicals to be used. * After loading, operator will position ...

Line Lead

Richfield, OH

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Responsibilities include keeping the product within specifications and maintaining high quality - will be required to work with the Quality Assurance department and Drum Operators to accomplish this.

This role includes inspecting drums and equipment, operating filling processes and forklifts, performing real-time reporting, and maintaining a clean and safe work area. The position requires close ...

Line Lead

Center, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities include keeping the product within specifications and maintaining high quality - will be required to work with the Quality Assurance department and Drum Operators to accomplish this.

Line Lead

Center, CO · On-site

$20/hr

Responsibilities include keeping the product within specifications and maintaining high quality - will be required to work with the Quality Assurance department and Drum Operators to accomplish this.

Warehouse Clerk 2026

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$20.50/hr

... Drums. We are currently hiring for a Warehouse Clerk position in our Oxnard CA Distribution facility. This position is full time and you must have experience operating stand up and sit down style ...

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Drum Operator information

See salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do drum operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for drum operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Drum Operator do?

A Drum Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring industrial drum machines, which are commonly used in manufacturing and processing facilities to mix, blend, or process materials. Their duties may include loading materials into drums, setting machine controls, observing operations, and ensuring product quality and safety standards are met. Drum Operators also perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot minor issues, and maintain accurate production records. This role often requires attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drum Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drum Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or hazardous materials handling are typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you work efficiently and safely in a manufacturing environment. These abilities are crucial for maintaining production quality, ensuring workplace safety, and minimizing equipment downtime.

What is the difference between Drum Operator vs Conveyor Belt Operator?

AspectDrum OperatorConveyor Belt Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial sitesFactories, warehouses, distribution centers
Job DutiesOperate drums for mixing, storage, or processingMonitor and control conveyor belts for material movement
Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical processing, miningLogistics, manufacturing, distribution

While both roles involve operating equipment in industrial settings, a Drum Operator primarily manages drums used for mixing or storing materials, whereas a Conveyor Belt Operator focuses on controlling conveyor systems for material transport. Both require safety certifications and are common in manufacturing environments, but their specific duties and equipment differ.

What are some common challenges Drum Operators face during their shifts, and how can they effectively address them?

Drum Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, troubleshooting mechanical issues with the drum equipment, and managing time efficiently during batch changes or cleanings. Adhering to standard operating procedures and performing routine equipment checks can help prevent unexpected downtime. Effective communication with maintenance and quality control teams is crucial for quickly resolving issues and ensuring smooth workflow. Staying organized and proactive with documentation also helps Drum Operators manage workload and maintain safety standards.
More about Drum Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Drum Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Summary:

The Drum Operator's main function involves running a potato-dehydrating drum. The Drum Operator must always consider product quality and work towards producing a consistent product based on customer and company specifications. Personal safety must also be considered, and the Drum Operator should control the amount of potato mash he or she lifts, carries, or moves so the chance of personal injury is minimized.


Position Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for maintaining an adequate and consistent flow of mash. Monitor and adjust the speed of the feed auger and roller adjustments, as well as shoveling product as needed to accomplish this.
  • Ensure the drum operates efficiently and effectively by keeping plenty of mash on all applicator rolls; work clean mash up and dirty mash down; ensure only clean mash is on the applicator rollers to minimize defects.
  • Ensure the reduction or elimination of waste / defect / throw-away by adjusting the rolls and maintaining as thick a sheet of mash as possible.
  • Utilize a bullhide knife to remove bullhides as soon as they are discovered.
  • Advise the Flake Operator of any problems as quickly as possible. Assist in the replacement of the flake knife when required.
  • The Drum Operator will be on or near the drum at all times while operating.
  • Checks for product defects and ensures product quality standards are met. Notify the Flake Operator, Assistant Shift Manager or the Shift Manager immediately if product is out of grade.
  • Use caution around moving parts and equipment.
  • Keep areas of responsibility clean and well maintained during shift hours, and ensure area is clean for the next shift.
  • Complete all sanitation responsibilities including (but not limited to): avoiding cross-contamination; keep all tools clean and sanitized; keep mash pan relatively empty and in good sanitary condition; keep catwalks clean and free of debris; ensure tools or shovels do not come in contact of catwalk or other contaminated areas.
  • Clean tool dip tanks twice during shift; clean flake breaker covers every two hours; clean knives, slides, and snifter tube once a shift.
  • Comply with all safety regulations; follow all plant and safety policies.
  • Follows all company and regulated good manufacturing practices.
  • Completes all other responsibilities as necessary.

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Familiarity with the potato dehydration process helpful.
  • Must be able to closely follow operational instructions.
  • Previous experience working around processing equipment preferred.
  • Knowledge of chlorine use and cleaning / sanitizing chemicals.

Education:

Education must be of such level as to allow for the accurate reading, writing, calculation and communication of the required materials and instructions to complete the job responsibilities of the Drum Operator. High school diploma or equivalent preferred.


Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to stand, bend, or move repetitively for up to 12 hours.
  • Must be able to shovel mash weighing 35-50 lbs on a regular basis.
  • Must be able to lift on a regular basis up to 50 lbs without assistance, and 100 lbs with assistance.
  • Able to tolerate dust or chemicals.
  • Must not be affected by moving equipment and machinery.
  • Bending, stretching, lifting, reaching, climbing, crawling, and crouching as required.
  • Must be able to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Supervisor Duties:

The Drum Operator has no supervisory authority. Will be required to report any problems to the Flake Operator, Assistant Shift Manager, or Shift Manager.


Working Conditions:

Normal plant / manufacturing environment. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Drum Operator must be available all days and all hours. Position is very physical / hands on. Will be exposed to high levels of noise, extreme heat or cold, steam, dust, and wet, humid, and slick conditions, and all other environmental factors normally attributed to a manufacturing environment.


Disclaimer:

The purpose of this Job Description is to document the major aspects of this position. This description should not be construed as all-encompassing or as an exhaustive list of the responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions necessary for this position. Idaho Pacific reserves the right to make changes and modifications to this description, associated duties, and requirements as necessary.