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Entry Level Process Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Operator, Assistant

Heflin, AL · On-site

$20.95 - $22.29/hr

The Operator Assistant is an entry level role that may be responsible for operating the palletizer ... outlined in the process procedures for the machine, and minor maintenance when necessary ...

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Entry Level Process Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$12

$19

$28

How much do entry level process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level process operator in Alabama is $19.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $20.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Operator, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and teamwork help operators excel in monitoring equipment and responding to issues. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations, minimizing downtime and maintaining product quality.

What are some typical challenges an Entry Level Process Operator may face when starting in this role?

As an Entry Level Process Operator, you may initially find it challenging to quickly learn and follow complex operational procedures and safety protocols, especially in fast-paced manufacturing or industrial environments. Adjusting to shift work and collaborating with experienced operators can also require adaptability and strong communication skills. However, with on-the-job training and support from your team, you'll gain practical experience and confidence in monitoring equipment, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring quality standards are met.

What is an entry level process operator?

An entry level process operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling machinery and equipment in manufacturing or processing plants. They ensure that processes run smoothly, safely, and efficiently by following standard operating procedures and reporting any issues to supervisors. Their duties often include starting or stopping equipment, taking readings, performing basic maintenance, and maintaining accurate logs. This role typically requires a high school diploma and some on-the-job training, making it an accessible entry point into industrial operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Process Operator vs Production Technician?

AspectEntry Level Process OperatorProduction Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing or processing plants, often in chemical, food, or pharmaceutical industriesManufacturing facilities, focusing on equipment maintenance and process support
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in chemical, oil & gas, and manufacturing sectorsUsed across similar industries, often overlapping with process roles

The Entry Level Process Operator and Production Technician roles share similar environments and credentials, often working in manufacturing plants. While both roles support production processes, process operators typically focus on monitoring and controlling equipment, whereas technicians may handle maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and career goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Alabama? For Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Operator jobs in Alabama are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Operator job openings in Alabama as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,867 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

$16.71 - $28.45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Salary Information

Compensation plans are based on a multi-step progression system. The pay range reflects the entry level and maximum salary potential in the assigned pay grade. \r\n**A starting salary may be negotiated and will be commensurate with education, training and experience in alignment with pay administration policies and Montgomery Personnel Board Rules & Regulations**\r\n

Nature of Work

The fundamental reason this job exists to operate moderate to heavy equipment\r\nin the completion of projects for various City of Montgomery departments. The work responsibilities are: operates maintenance equipment; operates heavy\r\nequipment; operates hauling equipment; maintains equipment, tools, and work\r\narea; and performs miscellaneous tasks.\r\nEquipment Operators typically use two or more types of the following equipment:\r\nbulldozers, scrapers, front-end loaders, wheel rollers, dump trucks, hauling\r\nequipment, and/or trash compactors. The majority of Equipment Operators' time\r\nis spent utilizing equipment that requires a CDL and many Equipment Operator IIs\r\nreceive training on various pieces of heavy equipment for future advancement to\r\nthe Heavy Equipment Operator classification. Equipment Operators are supervised by\r\nvarious classifications, dependent upon the incumbents' assigned locations.\r\n

Minimum Qualifications

Six (6) months of experience in the operation of moderate-sized equipment such as trucks, small dump trucks and/or tractors. Must have a current CDL. \r\nNOTE: Qualifying education, training and experience that provide the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job will be considered.\r\n

Special Requirements

Must\r\nhave and maintain a valid driver's license and insurable driving record. May be\r\nrequired to travel across rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces at the various work\r\nsites. Must be willing to work weekends, holidays and evenings as needed by the\r\ndepartment. \r\n

Kind of Examination

Applications are being accepted to fill fifteen (15) vacancies and any vacancies that may occur during the life of the register. The current vacancy is with theCity of Montgomery Parks and Recreation Department.Applicants will be screened and qualified based upon education and experience as shown on the application and supplemental questionnaire. For this reason, applicants are urged to fill in the application form and supplemental questionnaire completely providing detailed information concerning the kinds of jobs they have held, the dates they held them, where and exactly what their duties were. If more than five qualified applications are received, a selection procedure will beadministered to rank applicants on the register. Tied scores will not be broken. If there are five or less qualified applicants, they will be considered equally qualified and placed on the register in alphabetical order.\r\nComplete an online application by visitingMontgomery Personnel Board's Online Employment Center. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Completed applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. on the closing date. If there is no closing date, the announcement may be closed at any time without prior notice.\r\n

Additional Information

BENEFITS:Employees are offered a competitive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and life insurance; paid annual and sick leave; paid holidays; and participation in theRetirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) retirement program.\r\nDRUG TEST:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a pre-employment drug test. (The drug test may require the submission of a sample of hair, finger nails, and/or urine that will verify illegal drug use).\r\nBACKGROUND CHECK:Employment may be conditional upon the potential employee passing a background check. (Candidates will be asked to provide consent prior to the administration of background checks.)\r\nEQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:Discrimination against any person in recruitment, examination, appointment, training, promotion, retention, discipline, or any other aspect of personnel administration because of political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of race, national origin, or any other non merit factors is prohibited. Discrimination on the basis of age, sex, or physical disability is prohibited except where specific age, sex, or physical requirements constitute a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to proper and efficient administration.\r\nREQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATION:Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is the responsibility of the applicant with a disability to request accommodation which he/she requires in order to participate in the application or examination process. The Montgomery Personnel Board reserves the right to require documentation of the need for accommodation under the ADA. In order to request accommodation in the application or testing process, contact the Personnel Director at (334) 625-2675.\r\nI9:Prior to your employment, you will be required to provide to your employer documentation of your identity and employment eligibility in order to comply with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.\r\nUPDATE OF CONTACT INFORMATION:It is your responsibility to update your contact information (address, phone, email) so that we can contact you about jobs. Pleasevisit theUpdate Contact Informationpage to log in and update to your contact information at any time.\r\n

Employment Type: Full-Time