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Maintenance Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Press Operator

Rush City, MN · On-site

$18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain operating records and reports of test results. Report any malfunctions or abnormalities of equipment. Schedule & Compensation: Plastech Corporation pays on a weekly basis. This position is ...

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Maintenance Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$12

$22

$29

How much do maintenance operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for maintenance operator in Minnesota is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a maintenance operator do?

A Maintenance Operator is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of machinery, equipment, and facilities within an organization. Their duties typically include performing regular inspections, troubleshooting problems, carrying out repairs, and conducting preventive maintenance to minimize downtime. They work in various settings such as factories, plants, and commercial buildings, and often collaborate with other technical staff to maintain safety and efficiency standards. Maintenance Operators play a critical role in keeping operations running smoothly and safely.

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

To excel as a Maintenance Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, basic troubleshooting abilities, and often a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with tools such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems), and standard hand and power tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient equipment operation and minimize downtime in industrial or facility settings.

What are some common challenges maintenance operators face when troubleshooting equipment issues?

Maintenance Operators often encounter challenges such as diagnosing the root cause of equipment malfunctions, especially when issues are intermittent or involve multiple systems. They must balance quick repairs with long-term solutions to minimize downtime while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Additionally, Maintenance Operators frequently collaborate with production teams and other technicians to coordinate repairs during scheduled maintenance windows, which can add time pressure. Staying updated with new machinery and evolving technologies is also essential for effective troubleshooting.

What is the difference between Maintenance Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectMaintenance OperatorMaintenance Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; often additional certifications or technical training
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, industrial settingsFactories, industrial facilities, equipment maintenance
Employer UsageManufacturing, production plants, facilities managementIndustrial companies, manufacturing plants, maintenance services
Common Search IntentEntry-level maintenance roles, basic equipment upkeepTechnical repair, troubleshooting, equipment maintenance

Maintenance Operators typically perform routine tasks and basic maintenance in industrial settings, often requiring minimal certifications. Maintenance Technicians usually have more technical training and handle complex repairs and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in maintaining operational efficiency, but Maintenance Technicians generally possess more specialized skills.

What are popular job titles related to Maintenance Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Maintenance Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Maintenance Operator jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Maintenance Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Maintenance Operator jobs in MN? For Maintenance Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Maintenance Operator job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,529 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Night Evaporator Operator

DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA

Zumbrota, MN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Dairy Farmers Of America rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 65 rated farming


Job description

General Purpose:

Provide operation and maintenance support to the Evaporator department within the plant. Perform tasks in a safe manner and follow safety and environmental regulations. Work within standard operating procedures, under a moderate degree of supervision.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

    • Maintain Evaporator, tower area and ground floor. Keep clean and sanitary, picking up and putting away clamps, gaskets and pipes when not in use
    • Perform necessary routine cleaning and preventive maintenance
    • Complete wash up in a timely fashion and operate CIP equipment
    • Record lot numbers
    • Load-out bulk tankers of condensed whey
    • Operate the reverse osmosis system
    • Ensure product meets specifications
    • Prevent spills
    • Maintain operating records
    • Monitor equipment for abuse and break-downs
    • Control and monitor HTST pasteurizer, including the documentation of production and non-production activities in accordance with customer, state, and USDA requirements
    • Assist with CIP validations, inventory counting and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures
    • Complete, maintain, and review of daily and weekly area cleanliness and other reports
    • The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required
    • Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
    • Dedicate effort to safety as we expect every employee to leave work in the same condition as they arrive
    • Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all corporate regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
    • Exhibit the values and ethics of Dairy Farmers of America through honesty, discretion, and sound judgment
    • Attend required training, including but not limited to, Safety, GMP, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), and Safe Quality Foods (SQF)
    • Adhere to all DFA Quality, Safety and GMP policies and procedures and report any nonconformity

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • 1 year of experience with the Evaporator process andor related field preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Skill set must include proficient use of computers
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English
An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

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