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Entry Level Operator Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator/ Cover Handler

Port Allen, LA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... policies. Entry-level operators will perform houseman duties as directed by the shift ... superintendent including bin cleaning, housekeeping, assisting maintenance as directed and other ...

We're seeking entry level deckhands to join our team! We are an inland marine company that is ... Carline is a family-owned towing operator located in Geismar, LA operating between New Orleans and ...

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Entry Level Operator information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$11

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How much do entry level operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level operator in Baton Rouge, LA is $16.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn safety and operational procedures. Familiarity with industrial machinery, control systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are often required or highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in manufacturing or industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Entry Level Operators and how can they be addressed?

Entry Level Operators often face challenges such as mastering complex machinery, adapting to shift work, and maintaining consistent productivity in a fast-paced environment. To overcome these challenges, it’s important to take advantage of on-the-job training, ask questions, and seek guidance from experienced team members. Building strong communication skills and being proactive about safety procedures can also help new operators quickly become effective and confident in their roles.

What are entry level operators?

Entry level operators are employees who typically work in manufacturing, production, or industrial settings and are responsible for running machinery, monitoring equipment, and ensuring products meet quality standards. They are usually new to the field and receive on-the-job training to learn how to operate specific machines or processes. Their duties may include starting and stopping equipment, doing basic maintenance, reporting malfunctions, and keeping work areas clean and safe. Entry level operators play a key role in keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently.

What is the difference between Entry Level Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectEntry Level OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing lines, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles across manufacturing and industrial sectorsOperational roles in manufacturing, processing, and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Entry Level Operator and a Machine Operator lies in their experience and specialization. Entry Level Operators typically have basic training and perform general operational tasks, while Machine Operators often have specific technical skills and certifications to handle particular machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments and share similar work settings, but Machine Operators usually require more technical expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? For Entry Level Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Operator jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Entry Level Operator jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Entry Level Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Operator job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $34,882 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Terminal Operator/ Cover Handler

Terminal Operator/ Cover Handler

Louis Dreyfus Company

Port Allen, LA

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Louis Dreyfus Company rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Job Description

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Is an active participant of the facility SHE programs. Maintains good working knowledge of SHE policies, rules and procedures applicable to area of responsibility and ensures all applicable requirements are adhered to.

Proficiency in recognizing various barge cover types and the correct method used to rig each type of cover for lifting prior to unloading.

Understanding of the safe operational capabilities of a dual lane barge uncovering / covering unit.

Cover handlers must have sufficient ability to rig, lift and reset covers safely and productively in all conditions including high / low river conditions and inclement weather.

Cover handlers must understand the overall barge unloading process sufficiently to perform duties as directed by the Cover Station operator.

Cover handlers must understand the operation of the barge winching system sufficiently to place cables on the barges and position the barges in the slip for uncovering / covering.

Cover handlers must possess the ability to follow the direction provided by the Cover Station operator to position barges as they arrive in the slip and place the barge haul cables on the bow and stern kevel.

Cover handlers must possess the ability to recognize and identify the various grains and grain by-products and communicate that information to the Cover Station operator when the covers are lifted on each barge.

Cover handlers must possess the ability to recognize normal operation of the barge winching systems and hoist winches. Additionally, they must be able to distinguish between sound cables and excessively worn cables.

Cover handlers must take an active role in recognizing excessive emissions from the barge Unloader or ship loading spouts and notifying the Unloader operator.

Cover handlers must fully recognize hazards associated with a barge unloading operation and take appropriate steps to ensure they and all personnel working in the barge unloading operation adhere to safe operating rules and policies.

Entry-level operators will perform houseman duties as directed by the shift superintendent including bin cleaning, housekeeping, assisting maintenance as directed and other duties necessary in the operation of an export grain elevator.

Qualifications

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualifications:

High School Diploma/GED

Valid Driver's License

Ability to obtain TWIC card

Experience

Basic qualifications:

Entry-level labor experience.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience in a grain handling facility preferred.

Additional Information

Additional Information for the job

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion
LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.
LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability
Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.
We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us


What Louis Dreyfus Company employees say

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