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Operations Production Operator Jobs in Wausau, WI

Brake Press Operator

Weston, WI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

This position is responsible for the daily setup and operation of the laser cutting machine. This ... product on skids Work from work orders, verbal and written instruction, routing, samples ...

Press Operator

Schofield, WI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

As a leading provider of industrial metal products and services since 1842, we are committed to ... used for secondary operations (i.e. drill presses, tapping presses, saws, beltsanders, etc.

Pouch Machine Operator

Merrill, WI · On-site

$17.61 - $27.63/hr

This position is responsible for the operation of the pouch machine to meet production schedules ... A Pouch Operator is familiar with a variety of concepts, practices, and procedures within the ...

Brake Press Operator

Weston, WI · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

This position is responsible for the daily setup and operation of the laser cutting machine. This ... products that exceed customer's expectations • Stage completed product on skids • Work from ...

Machine Operator I - Door Line -2nd Shift

Wausau, WI · On-site

$18.25 - $21.75/hr

Attention to detail to ensure machine operation is accurate and products meet basic quality ... Must be cross-trained and able to support all Operator I roles. Required Skills and Qualifications ...

Showing results 21-40

Operations Production Operator information

See Wausau, WI salary details

$12

$19

$25

How much do operations production operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations production operator in Wausau, WI is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.26 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operations production operator?

Operations Production Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the daily activities involved in manufacturing or production processes. They ensure that equipment runs smoothly, monitor product quality, and follow safety standards. Their duties often include setting up machinery, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining production records. These operators play a key role in maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime in industrial settings.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an operations production operator?

To thrive as an Operations Production Operator, you need a good understanding of manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with automated machinery, production scheduling software, and adherence to quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication skills help operators excel in fast-paced environments. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficient production, ensuring product quality, and minimizing downtime or safety incidents.

What challenges do operations production operators face and how can they be managed?

Operations Production Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent product quality, meeting production targets under tight deadlines, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Effective management of these challenges involves strong attention to detail, proactive communication with maintenance and engineering teams, and a commitment to following safety and quality protocols. Adapting quickly to changing priorities and being open to continuous training can also help Operators excel in fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Operations Production Operator vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectOperations Production OperatorManufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, industrial settingsFactories, laboratories, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, industrial companiesManufacturing, industrial, and production companies
Job FocusOperating machinery, monitoring production processes, ensuring safetyMaintaining equipment, troubleshooting, supporting production processes

The Operations Production Operator and Manufacturing Technician roles often overlap in manufacturing environments, but operators primarily focus on running and monitoring equipment, while technicians handle maintenance and troubleshooting. Both roles require similar credentials and work in industrial settings, making them closely related but distinct in their daily responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Operations Production Operator jobs in Wausau, WI?

For Operations Production Operator jobs in Wausau, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operations Production Operator jobs in Wausau, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Operations Production Operator jobs in Wausau, WI are:

What cities near Wausau, WI are hiring for Operations Production Operator jobs?

Cities near Wausau, WI with the most Operations Production Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Operations Production Operator job openings in Wausau, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,576 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

OVERHEAD CRANE OPERATOR

Gordon Aluminum Industries Inc

Schofield, WI • On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Now Hiring: Overhead Crane Operator / Material Flow

Gordon Aluminum is looking for an experienced Overhead Crane Operator to play a critical role in keeping material moving throughout our manufacturing operation.

This is much more than simply operating a crane.

Our Crane Operator reports to Shipping but supports the flow of material between Shipping, Extrusion, and Fabrication. This person must constantly evaluate priorities, anticipate what each department will need next, and strategically position material so production continues moving efficiently.

What Makes This Role Different?

At any given time, you may be:

  • Moving cradles onto the Emmebi packaging line for Shipping.
  • Relocating finished or in-process material.
  • Moving empty and full cradles between departments.
  • Responding to material needs from Extrusion or Fabrication.
  • Deciding where material should be staged so it doesn't create congestion or require unnecessary handling later.
  • Reprioritizing your work as production and shipping needs change.

You need to be able to think several moves ahead.

Moving something to the first available space isn't always the right answer. A strong Crane Operator considers where the material is going next, when it will be needed, what needs access to the area, and how today's placement will affect the next several material moves.

Requirements

Skills We're Looking For

Overhead crane experience is required, but we're especially interested in candidates who demonstrate:

  • Strong spatial awareness
  • Material-flow and logistics thinking
  • Excellent hand-eye coordination
  • Ability to judge distance, clearance, load position, and surrounding hazards
  • Strategic staging and organization skills
  • Ability to prioritize multiple requests
  • Strong situational awareness
  • Quick, safe decision-making
  • Ability to anticipate downstream production needs
  • Comfort communicating with several departments
  • Ability to stay organized while priorities change
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to remain focused under pressure
  • Safety awareness around people, equipment, machinery, and suspended loads

This is an extremely fast-paced position. The right person will be someone who enjoys having multiple things happening at once and can determine the safest and most efficient sequence of moves without needing someone to direct every step.

Your Experience May Transfer Well If You've Worked As A:
  • Overhead Crane Operator
  • Material Handler
  • Steel or Aluminum Mill Material Handler
  • Coil Handler
  • Heavy Manufacturing Forklift Operator
  • Shipping/Receiving Material Handler
  • Production Material Coordinator
  • Fabrication Material Handler
  • Machine/Production Feeder
  • Warehouse Material Flow Specialist
  • Yard or Material Coordinator
  • Heavy Industrial Equipment Operator

Experience in aluminum, steel, metal fabrication, foundries, mills, lumber, heavy manufacturing, or other high-volume material-handling environments may translate particularly well.

We're looking for someone who doesn't just know how to operate equipment. We need someone who can look at a busy production floor, understand what needs to happen next, and create order out of constant movement.