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Machine Operator Assistant Jobs in Dumas, AR (NOW HIRING)

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Seasonal Harvest / Farm Equipment Operator We are hiring reliable farm workers and equipment ... Perform basic daily equipment checks, fueling and cleaning * Assist with harvest operations and ...

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Seasonal Harvest / Farm Equipment Operator We are hiring reliable farm workers and equipment ... Perform basic daily equipment checks, fueling and cleaning * Assist with harvest operations and ...

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Be Seen First

Seasonal Harvest / Farm Equipment Operator We are hiring reliable farm workers and equipment ... Perform basic daily equipment checks, fueling and cleaning * Assist with harvest operations and ...

New

... machine under-utilization) * Assist in the forecasting and planning of workload for various areas ... Knowledge of SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures). Ability to develop procedures that are simple ...

... machine under-utilization) * Assist in the forecasting and planning of workload for various areas ... Knowledge of SOP's (Standard Operating Procedures). Ability to develop procedures that are simple ...

Machine Operator Assistant information

See Dumas, AR salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do machine operator assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator assistant in Dumas, AR is $17.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $18.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

How to become a machine operator assistant with no experience?

To become a machine operator assistant with no experience, start by gaining basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and safety procedures through online courses or training programs. Entry-level positions often require a high school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training is provided to learn equipment operation and maintenance. Developing skills in attention to detail, manual dexterity, and understanding of tools can improve your chances of securing a position.

What cities near Dumas, AR are hiring for Machine Operator Assistant jobs?

Cities near Dumas, AR with the most Machine Operator Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Assistant job openings in Dumas, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,753 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Paper Machine Assistant Superintendent

Clearwater Paper

Arkansas City, AR

$108K - $163K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 14 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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