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Machine Operator Jobs in Hot Springs, AR (NOW HIRING)

2026 Saline County Road Equipment Operator Exempt: No Department: Road Department Reports To: Road ... PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS Class "B" CDL USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR ...

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Operator - Production 1

Arkadelphia, AR ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Job Requisition #: 034857 Operator - Production 1 (Evergreen) (Open) Key Responsibilities ... Operates routine production machinery in accordance with prints and specifications provided.

Operator - Production 1

Arkadelphia, AR ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Job Requisition #: 034857 Operator - Production 1 (Evergreen) (Open) Key Responsibilities ... Operates routine production machinery in accordance with prints and specifications provided.

Production Operator

Arkadelphia, AR ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

As an operator, you must be able to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, be able to communicate and work effectively in a team structure and be flexible in work assignments within the ...

Production Operator

Arkadelphia, AR ยท On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

As an operator, you must be able to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, be able to communicate and work effectively in a team structure and be flexible in work assignments within the ...

Forklift Operator

Benton, AR ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17/hr

Under general supervision, the Forklift Operator will ensure safe and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of food products utilizing equipment including, but not limited to, sit down and stand-up ...

Reliability Engineer II

Arkadelphia, AR

$90K - $114K/yr

This role independently leads initiatives to optimize machine operating time, improve uptime and reliability, and reduce the failure rate of equipment and machinery. The Engineer II will also focus ...

Reliability Engineer II

Arkadelphia, AR ยท On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

This role independently leads initiatives to optimize machine operating time, improve uptime and reliability, and reduce the failure rate of equipment and machinery. The Engineer II will also focus ...

Forklift Operator

Malvern, AR ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Requisition ID: 186251 Position Summary Operate one or several types of power construction equipment to excavate, move and/or grade material. Experience Level Skilled Primary Responsibilities and ...

Forklift Operator

Malvern, AR ยท On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Requisition ID: 186251 Position Summary Operate one or several types of power construction equipment to excavate, move and/or grade material. Experience Level Skilled Primary Responsibilities and ...

Showing results 21-40

Machine Operator information

See Hot Springs, AR salary details

$9

$14

$19

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Hot Springs, AR is $14.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $15.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by machine operators and how can they be addressed?

Machine operators often encounter challenges such as equipment malfunctions, maintaining consistent product quality, and meeting production deadlines. Addressing these issues usually involves diligent machine maintenance, following safety protocols, and effective communication with maintenance and quality assurance teams. Many companies provide ongoing training to help operators stay up to date with new machinery and processes, fostering a supportive environment for troubleshooting and skill development.

What is the work of a machine operator?

A machine operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining industrial machinery to produce goods or components. They monitor equipment for proper functioning, perform quality checks, and follow safety protocols, often using tools like control panels and gauges. This role requires attention to detail, technical skills, and sometimes certification or training in specific machinery.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator?

The average salary for a machine operator in the United States ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $25,000, while experienced operators with certifications can earn over $60,000 annually. Many machine operators work full-time shifts, often requiring knowledge of specific machinery and safety protocols.

What is the difference between Machine Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectMachine OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, on-the-job training, sometimes certifications
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, production linesConstruction sites, mining, heavy machinery operation
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, assemblyConstruction, mining, transportation
Job FocusOperating specific machinery like presses, lathes, or CNC machinesOperating heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, or excavators

While both roles involve operating machinery, Machine Operators typically work with manufacturing equipment in factories, focusing on production machinery. Equipment Operators usually handle heavy construction or earth-moving equipment in outdoor environments. The skills and certifications often overlap, but the work settings and machinery types differ significantly.

What is a machine operator?

Machine operators are skilled workers responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machinery used in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure equipment runs efficiently and safely, monitor machine output, and perform routine inspections or minor repairs as needed. Machine operators often work with specialized equipment and are trained to follow safety protocols and quality standards. Their role is essential for keeping production lines running smoothly and meeting production targets.

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

To thrive as a Machine Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with industrial machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications in forklift operation or CNC machinery are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication help operators quickly address issues and maintain productivity. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient machine operation and minimizing production downtime.

What do machine operators do?

Machine operators are skilled in operating machinery, often specializing in one type of machinery or industry to become an expert. Machine operators also have a general skillset, knowing how to operate a wide range of industrial machinery. Since there are numerous industries and sectors that use a multitude of machinery, there is always room to learn more.

What job categories do people searching Machine Operator jobs in Hot Springs, AR look for? The top searched job categories for Machine Operator jobs in Hot Springs, AR are:
What cities near Hot Springs, AR are hiring for Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Hot Springs, AR with the most Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Hot Springs, AR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $30,751 per year, or $14.8 per hour.

Road Equipment Operators

Saline County

Benton, AR โ€ข On-site

$34K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

2026 Saline County

Road Equipment Operator

Job Description

Exempt:                                 No

Department:                          Road Department

Reports To:                            Road Foreman/Road Assistant Supt/Road Supt

Location:                                5555 Cynamide Road, Benton, AR  72015

Safety Sensitive:                    This position is designated as safety/security sensitive and is subject to pre-employment, reasonable suspicion and random drug and alcohol screening.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

An equipment operator works under the direction of the Road Foreman, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent.  The incumbent primarily performs tasks in the construction, improvement, and maintenance of county roads. Also, operates road department equipment including dump trucks and dozers for mass pushing. The incumbent is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of the parts inventory, assist with two-way radio communications, and maintain the physical condition of the shop building. The incumbent has the responsibility to monitor identification and informational signing, make and install the highway signs, as needed, and perform other miscellaneous duties related to the installation of signs. The incumbent is responsible for the maintenance of assigned tools and equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Dump truck operation to haul gravel and operate the snowplow or chip spreader truck in the winter, water truck operation in summer, and spreader truck operations for blacktop material. This duty is performed daily.

2. Makes minor on site repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment, i.e., change oil, lubricate, tire repairs, to insure proper operation. This duty is performed daily.

3. Operates hand tools related to the clearing of County right-of-way. This duty is performed daily.

4. Repairs and replaces road signs and poles for public information. This duty is performed weekly.

5. Has ability to operate truck and trailer on such as lowboys for moving equipment and materials for work. This duty is performed daily.

6. Assists in mowing of ditching and rights-of-way. This duty is performed daily.

7. Ensure that all equipment operations are performed in an efficient and safe manner for the construction, improvement, or maintenance of county roads to guard against accidents to fellow employees and the public at large. This duty is performed monthly.

8. Assist with record keeping on parts and equipment. This duty is performed daily.

9. Attends department meetings, functions and training as required.

10. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school or GED, plus specialized schooling and/or on the job education in a specific skill area; e.g., commercial driver's license, equipment operations, etc. plus 19 to 23 month related experience and/or training and 7 to 11 months management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Management experience does not necessarily mean the management of people but the ability to plan, manage and execute multiple tasks within a specific timeframe. 


REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Required to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen along with random drug screens throughout employment with Saline County.
  • This position requires the applicant to possess or have the ability to obtain and keep a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class  A or B  throughout employment with Saline County.  Applicants applying who do not possess a Class A or B prior to employment are expected to complete the written exam within the first ninety (90) days of employment.  The successful completion of the CDL driving exam and pre-trip inspection is required within nine (9) months of passing the written exam.  Failure to obtain either class will result in immediate termination. The pay scale is under "Additional Information".
  • Must possess knowledge of equipment operations such as with a dozer; ability to operate a dump truck. 
  • Registered under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and give consent to Saline County or Saline County’s third-party administrator to conduct a full query to check if prospective employees are prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions such as operating commercial motor vehicles due to an unresolved drug and alcohol program violation.  An annual query is conducted on all CDL employees. 

PREFERRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Class "B" CDL

USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTERS

Regular use of complex machines and equipment ( road and production machines and equipment, driver's license/cdl, etc.)

WORKING CONDITIONS

Outside working environment, wherein there are extremely disagreeable working conditions most of the time (e.g., Hot mix paving in constant sun).

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions; occasionally exposed to work in high, precarious places, toxic or caustic chemicals, wet or humid conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, risk of electrical shock, vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Highly repetitive, moderately physical. Highly repetitive type of work which requires somewhat diversified physical demands of the employee.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear; and occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; and depth perception.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Knowledge of street drainage, repair and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of construction work in concrete and asphalt.
  • Ability to judge conditions of the road and ditches for grading.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.
  • Ability to operate equipment used in road construction and maintenance.
  • Ability to operate chainsaws, power tools, lawn equipment for right of way maintenance and storm clean up.
  • Ability to work outdoors and occasionally in cold or inclement weather.
  • Ability to follow simple oral and written instructions.

Work hours may be extended in the event of an emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, workload and work-in-progress. This position is designated as a "safety sensitive position" as defined by Act 593 of 2017.  An essential function of the position is the ability to work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

The duties listed above are intended only to show the various types of duties that will be performed.  The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  All positions within the Road Department are assigned by the Road Superintendent or Assistant Road Superintendent or a designated representative and are subject to be changed when deem in the best interest of the Road Department.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Saline County and the employee and is subject to change by the employer if the need of the employer and requirements of the job change.

For applicants without a CLASS A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) who have applied for an equipment operator:

  • Starting rate of $15.56 per hour until you have obtained your Class B CDL.
  • Once your obtain your Class B CDL, your pay will increase to $16.00 per hour.
  • If you obtain a Class A CDL instead (which allows you to operate a wider range of vehicles), your pay will increase to $16.76 per hour.
  • If the applicant already possesses a Class A CDL, you will be hired in at $16.76 per hour/$34,865 annually.  
  • This position works Monday/Thursday, 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM with paid holidays off, dependent upon workload or inclement weather.   
  • Opportunities for promotion within the department.
  • The applicant must be registered on the FMSCA Commercial Driver’s License Drug and Alcohol clearinghouse prior to employment or after obtaining a CDL to ensure the driver is not prohibited from performing safety sensitive functions.
    • Group health, dental and life insurance is paid by the County for the employee’s coverage provided the employee obtain a wellness check within designated timeframe. 
    • For employee retirement, the County contributes 15.32% per pay period of the employee’s gross towards the employee’s retirement through the Arkansas Public Employees’ Retirement System.


    SALINE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

    POSTED _3/17/2026____

    THIS POSITION WILL CLOSE AT 4:30 ON 3/24/2026 OR REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED