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Helper Machine Operator Jobs in Dermott, AR (NOW HIRING)

Microbiology Technician

Dumas, AR · On-site

$21.75 - $22.50/hr

Test, calibrate and clean equipment and machinery. Prepare samples and materials, including ... Perform and comply with all Standard Operating Procedures. Record, check and analyze data to create ...

Helper Machine Operator information

See Dermott, AR salary details

$12

$19

$24

How much do helper machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for helper machine operator in Dermott, AR is $19.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a helper machine operator?

Helper Machine Operators assist main machine operators in manufacturing and production settings. Their duties typically include setting up machinery, loading materials, monitoring machine performance, and performing basic maintenance or cleaning. They also help ensure products meet quality standards and may record production data. This role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and efficiently. No formal education is usually required, but on-the-job training is common.

What does a helper machine operator do?

As a Helper Machine Operator, your daily tasks usually involve assisting the main machine operator by preparing materials, loading and unloading machines, and monitoring equipment for proper operation. You may also be responsible for basic maintenance, cleaning the work area, and reporting any issues to supervisors. Collaboration with other team members, such as quality control staff and maintenance technicians, is common to ensure efficient production and adherence to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a helper machine operator?

To thrive as a Helper Machine Operator, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with common manufacturing tools, basic computer systems, and sometimes forklift certification is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help individuals excel in supporting machine operators and maintaining workflow. These skills ensure safe operations, minimize downtime, and contribute to efficient production in manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Helper Machine Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectHelper Machine OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; certification or training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, construction sitesFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with setup, cleaning, and basic operationOperate machinery independently, monitor processes, troubleshoot

The Helper Machine Operator typically assists with basic tasks and supports the Machine Operator, who handles more complex machinery operation. Both roles are common in manufacturing environments and require similar credentials, but the Machine Operator has more responsibility and independence in operating equipment.

What cities near Dermott, AR are hiring for Helper Machine Operator jobs?

Cities near Dermott, AR with the most Helper Machine Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Helper Machine Operator job openings in Dermott, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,284 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Paper Machine Assistant Superintendent

Clearwater Paper

Arkansas City, AR • On-site

$108K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Clearwater Paper rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Where you will work

Our Cypress Bend team is a close-knit group of approximately 275 skilled employees who take pride in what we do. Together, we make bleached paperboard and bleached Kraft pulp, used in the production of folding cartons, commercial print paperboard, carded packaging, and cup stock. 

Located in the historic Mississippi River Delta, this facility offers a slower pace with plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and biking. Many employees commute from nearby towns such as McGehee, Monticello, Dumas, Dermott and Lake Village, which are known for affordable living, strong local pride and family-friendly schools.

The Cypress Bend team also supports local cultural and the arts, with past contributions to the WWII Japanese Internment Museum and SEArk Concert Association.

What you will do

The Assistant Superintendent will proactively coordinate and lead the manufacturing operations on the paper machine to ensure the achievement of department objectives for Safety, Quality, Production, etc. The successful candidate will act as a technical resource for the operations team, and lead project and process improvement efforts in the paper mill.

Operations

  • Sets objectives and goals cascaded and aligned to the site Integrated Business Plan (IBP)
  • Coaches the business unit in the right behaviors
  • Ensures the business unit works to standards (Safety, Environmental, Quality, Cost, Production)
  • Develops the required standards
  • Coaches and facilitates loss elimination by using problem-solving tools
  • Assures the problems are solved (root cause) and tasks are implemented in a sustainable way
  • Accountable for the business unit operational budget
  • Defines and executes improvements to support midterm plans

Safety

  • Responsible for day-to-day area safety and assists with all area safety efforts
  • Reviews all safety incidents and investigates root causes. Assures follow-up items are completed in a timely manner
  • Help support the behavioral safety program (where applicable) and ensure that safe work practices are followed
  • Lead safety initiatives and provide safety training to ensure safe work practices are followed and enforced
  • Work to eliminate employee interactions with equipment
  • Address safety concerns with a strong urgency
  • Ensure environmental compliance

Leadership

  • Mentor shift supervisors to ensure quality leadership of hourly personnel
  • Provide leadership coverage during the Superintendent’s absence
  • Conduct investigations of safety incidents with shift supervisors and hourly personnel
  • Develop team in areas of production, safety, quality, and overall plant efficiency
  • Ensure employee compliance with schedules, policies, and procedures
  • Assist in developing and implementing job-specific training program, Qual-card and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s)
  • Participates in the grievance process (where applicable)
  • Support capital budget process
  • Creates an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive teamwork
  • Communication of Site IBP and cascading objectives and priorities into the business unit
  • Responsible for performance management process
  • Coaches and develop team members and individuals to ensure a sustained leadership pipeline
  • Responsible for the motivation and morale of the business unit to achieve the expected goals
  • Collaborates with other areas internal and external to the site

Quality

  • Maintain and improve quality standards for all products produced
  • Lead quality initiatives and support change to ensure satisfied downstream customers
  • Follow up with rejected/obsolete products to ensure timely disposition

Key Competencies & Attributes

  • Systematically evaluates business opportunities, targeting those with the greatest potential for producing positive business results
  • Identifies more critical and less critical activities and assignments; adjusts priorities when appropriate
  • Allocates appropriate amounts of time for completing own and others' work; avoids scheduling conflicts; develops timelines and milestones
  • Actively seeks and allocates appropriate decision-making authority or task responsibility to appropriate individuals based on their abilities, availability, motivation, and development needs; considers potential positive and negative impact, business unit priorities, organizational values, and the opportunity to enhance others’ knowledge and skills

What you will need

  • High school diploma or GED required. B.S. Chemical Engineer or Pulp and Paper science preferred
  • 3+ years in an operations leadership role in a Paper or Consumer Packaged Goods processing facility
  • Strong coaching and mentoring skills with experience in leading change
  • Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting up to senior-level audiences
  • Advanced systems aptitude and excellent computer skills, including Windows-based Excel
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel with the ability to learn production-related programs
  • Self-directed and energetic, able to lead and motivate others
  • Knowledge of industry, machinery, equipment, and processes
  • High-speed manufacturing environment, sustained exposure to high-frequency noises, multiple hours standing, walking on concrete surfaces
  • Personal Protective Equipment is required in the mill environment
  • Dirt, noise, odor, & temperature extremes
  • Climbing stairs, ladders, and scaffolding
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals used in manufacturing process

Total Rewards Details

We prioritize an exceptional workplace experience, offering a comprehensive total reward package.  This position is eligible for our Incentive Plan. Compensation ranges are estimates based on market data.  Actual offers account for internal equity and candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, education, experience, and geographic location. Benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and more, generally begin after 30 days. Our paid time off will include vacation days, personal days, and company holidays. For more on our compensation philosophy, please reach out to our Talent Acquisition Team at Talent.Acquisition@clearwaterpaper.com.

Clearwater Paper will not offer sponsorship for employment-based visa status (including, but not limited to, H-1B visa status and other employment-based nonimmigrant visas) for this position.  Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and must not require Clearwater Paper's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States. 

#ClearwaterPaper #Cypress Bend

This role will be open for a minimum of 2 weeks or at the point a successful candidate is selected.


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