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Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

builders

Load Builder/Forklift Operator

Billings, MT

$14 - $16.50/hr

Lifts heavy objects by hand or with power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment to assist machine operators. * May provide training and/or guidance to less experienced Load Builders.

Montana State University

Research Assistant III

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$19.46 - $24.33/hr

The role involves operating and maintaining farm machinery, handling cattle for health and research procedures, and supporting additional tasks like snow removal and fencing. You'll also assist with ...

IND Hemp LLC

Operator - Fiber

Fort Benton, MT · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Troubleshooting and repairing machinery as needed. * Maintain and monitor equipment to ensure ... Act as lead when needed. * Assist in on-the-job training with Laborer and Technician level ...

Ind Hemp LLC

Operator - Fiber

Fort Benton, MT · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Troubleshooting and repairing machinery as needed. * Maintain and monitor equipment to ensure ... Act as lead when needed. * Assist in on-the-job training with Laborer and Technician level ...

IND Hemp LLC

Operator - Fiber

Fort Benton, MT

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Troubleshooting and repairing machinery as needed. * Maintain and monitor equipment to ensure ... Act as lead when needed. * Assist in on-the-job training with Laborer and Technician level ...

Boyne Resorts

Snowcat Operator

Big Sky, MT · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

... may assist with snowmaking during the early season. Shifts include either (5) 8-hour shifts from ... Conduct daily machine inspections * Collaborate with the grooming team to prepare slopes for guests

Fisher Industries

Crusher Operator

Livingston, MT

... * Assist with setup and tear down of plants * Perform general maintenance, inspect, repair, and ... Grease machinery weekly * Clean debris from conveyor belt and around machinery * Use of a shovel to ...

Fisher Industries

Crusher Operator

Livingston, MT · On-site

... * Assist with setup and tear down of plants * Perform general maintenance, inspect, repair, and ... Grease machinery weekly * Clean debris from conveyor belt and around machinery * Use of a shovel to ...

Boyne Resorts

Snowcat Operator

Big Sky, MT · On-site

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

... may assist with snowmaking during the early season. Shifts include either (5) 8-hour shifts from ... Conduct daily machine inspections * Collaborate with the grooming team to prepare slopes for guests

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Assistant JobsMachine Operator Assistant Jobs in Montana

Machine Operator Assistant information

See Montana salary details

$12

$16

$20

How much do machine operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator assistant in Montana is $16.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $17.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectMachine Operator AssistantMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentAssists in manufacturing or production settings, working alongside machine operatorsOperates machinery directly in manufacturing or industrial environments
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports machine operation, performs basic maintenance, and monitors equipmentControls and manages machinery, ensures quality, and troubleshooting

The Machine Operator Assistant primarily supports and assists the Machine Operator in daily tasks, focusing on preparation and basic maintenance. The Machine Operator takes on the responsibility of running and managing machinery independently. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but the Machine Operator has more advanced technical duties and decision-making authority.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Machine Operator Assistant, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to use measuring tools or computer systems is often required. Reliability, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a team are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient machine operation and help maintain smooth production processes in manufacturing environments.

What is a machine operator assistant?

Machine Operator Assistants support machine operators by preparing materials, monitoring equipment, and ensuring a smooth production process in manufacturing environments. Their tasks often include loading and unloading materials, cleaning machines, inspecting products for quality, and assisting with machine maintenance. They help maintain efficiency and safety in the workplace and may also document production data or report equipment issues. This role is key for keeping manufacturing lines running smoothly and efficiently.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator assistant?

The average hourly wage for a machine operator assistant typically ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime and shift differentials may also increase total compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by a machine operator assistant, and how can they be overcome?

Machine Operator Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, ensuring safety compliance, and minimizing machine downtime. To overcome these, it's important to stay attentive to operational protocols, communicate effectively with machine operators and team members, and proactively report any equipment issues. Continuous learning and on-the-job training can also help assistants rapidly build the skills necessary to troubleshoot minor problems and contribute to a smooth workflow.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Montana? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Montana are:
What are popular job titles related to Machine Operator Assistant jobs in MT? For Machine Operator Assistant jobs in MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Machine Operator Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Assistant job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,310 per year, or $17 per hour.

Load Builder/Forklift Operator

builders

Billings, MT

$14 - $16.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Now Hiring: Load Builder/Forklift Operator

Billings, MT

Performs routine loading and unloading of materials within yard or work site; assembles load packages into truck for delivery to customer job sites.

  • Loads and unloads materials onto or from pallets, trucks or customer vehicles and installs strapping, bracing or padding to prevent shifting or damage in transit.
  • Performs load-building, determining the appropriate weight, composition, and placement of load based on customer order and capacity of delivery vehicle to ensure load is balanced and safe for hauling.
  • Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine materials to be moved or loaded.
  • Conveys materials to or from storage to designated area using hand truck, electric dolly, forklift or other device.
  • Opens containers, units, slings and loads, using steel cutters, crowbar, claw-hammer or other hand tools.
  • Attaches identifying tags or labels to materials or marks information on cases, bales or other containers so as to provide for correct identification of items.
  • Lifts heavy objects by hand or with power hoist, and cleans work area, machines, and equipment to assist machine operators.
  • May provide training and/or guidance to less experienced Load Builders.
  • Understands and observes all safety procedures and practices in order to prevent injury to self or co-workers; attends periodic safety meetings as required; may recommend changes to improve safety procedures.

Minimum Requirements:

High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 1-2 years of experience performing these or similar tasks; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Forklift certification required.

Work Environment / Physical Activity:

  • Work is performed within a production or yard environment, subject to temperature variations, hazardous chemicals, mechanical parts, equipment noise and dust. 
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and on occasion up to 80 pounds.
  • May be required to perform specific tasks that involve climbing, lifting, pushing or kneeling.
  • While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is frequently required to walk and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

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