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Machine Operator Jobs in Waterville, ME (NOW HIRING)

The Maintenance Millwright is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing machinery and equipment essential to the mill's operations. This role ensures all equipment is in top operating ...

The Maintenance Millwright is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing machinery and equipment essential to the mill's operations. This role ensures all equipment is in top operating ...

Will eventually learn how operate machinery within the mill * Will perform other tasks as assigned * NO WEEKENDS! Requirements * Ideal candidate would be available for Monday-Thursday 6:00-4:30 and ...

Will eventually learn how operate machinery within the mill * Will perform other tasks as assigned * NO WEEKENDS! Requirements * Ideal candidate would be available for Monday-Thursday 6:00-4:30 and ...

Employee regularly works near heavy equipment and moving machinery. * Work may involve a variety of ... Northeast Paving is a full-service paving and construction company operating throughout the ...

Pipe Layer

Fairfield, ME · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

... heavy machinery like excavators and backhoes. * Pipe Installation : Measuring, cutting, and ... Strong communication for coordinating with heavy equipment operators (using hand signals) and the ...

Operating and maintaining vending and cash collection machines WORK ENVIRONMENT * Retail Services Specialists work in diverse environments at shore stations and aboard ships, including in offices ...

... Operator and acts as chuck tender; handles rod wrench, greases drill steel, installs & removes pac-man, assists with air compressor maintenance. * Learns operation of forklift, grout machine, typical ...

Customer Service Clerk

Augusta, ME

$15.50 - $19/hr

Your role will involve operating electronic scanning cash registers, receiving payment for customer ... You will also operate machines to sell money orders, lotto tickets, and transfer funds by wire ...

Highway Laborer

Fairfield, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $20.64/hr

Operating hand tools, small equipment, and maintenance machinery safely and effectively * Cleaning and maintaining roadsides, culverts, ditches, buildings, and grounds * Inspecting and reporting ...

Highway Laborer

Fairfield, ME · On-site

$15.10 - $20.64/hr

Operating hand tools, small equipment, and maintenance machinery safely and effectively * Cleaning and maintaining roadsides, culverts, ditches, buildings, and grounds * Inspecting and reporting ...

PalletOne Production - Day Shift

Livermore, ME · On-site

$14.75 - $18/hr

Job Summary Saw Operator I is responsible for the setup and operation of a single-blade saw. Reads production scheduling sheets and identifies required material for the operation. Principle Duties ...

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Machine Operator information

See Waterville, ME salary details

$11

$18

$23

How much do machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator in Waterville, ME is $18.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $19.42 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 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 are machine operators?

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 cities near Waterville, ME are hiring for Machine Operator jobs? Cities near Waterville, ME with the most Machine Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Machine Operator job openings in Waterville, ME as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,756 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Construction Foreman (Earthwork)

Ranger Construction Corp.

Fairfield, ME • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description


An Earthwork Foreman is a field-based leadership role responsible for overseeing excavation, grading, and site preparation on civil construction projects. This "working foreman" position bridges the gap between management and the field, ensuring heavy equipment crews operate safely, efficiently, and according to precise technical specifications
Key Responsibilities
  • Crew Supervision: Directing daily field operations for teams of heavy equipment operators and laborers. This includes training, mentoring, and assigning specific tasks based on project priorities.
  • Site Planning & Layout: Interpreting blueprints and civil plans to layout line and grade using GPS systems (like Trimble), lasers, and surveying levels.
  • Safety Enforcement: Leading daily "toolbox talks" or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) meetings. Foremen are responsible for OSHA compliance and correcting any unsafe site conditions.
  • Production Management: Monitoring project progress against schedules and budgets. They coordinate the movement of machinery (dozers, excavators, rollers) and delivery of materials like gravel or stone.
  • Documentation: Submitting daily logs, equipment hour reports, material schedules, and crew timecards.
  • Hands-on Work: In many companies, the foreman actively operates heavy machinery alongside their crew to hit production targets.

Core Requirements
  • Experience: Typically 2–5 years in earthworks or heavy civil construction, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
  • Technical Skills:
    • Proficiency in operating excavators, loaders, dozers, and graders.
    • Strong understanding of GPS machine control and grade checking.
    • Ability to read complex grading plans and technical drawings.
  • Physical Demands: Must be able to lift 50–100 lbs, traverse irregular terrain, and work in extreme weather conditions.
  • Certifications: Valid driver's license with a clean record is standard; OSHA 10 or 30-hour certifications are highly preferred.

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