1

Operator Helper Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

Production Helper

Hastings, MI ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Summary: The main goal of the production helper is to support the machine operator produce finished products. The helper will help verify quantity, quality, and labeling of finished goods by ...

Production Helper -2nd Shift

Hastings, MI ยท On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Summary: The main goal of the production helper is to support the machine operator produce finished products. The helper will help verify quantity, quality, and labeling of finished goods by ...

Machine Operator

Sturgis, MI ยท On-site

$17/hr

As a Machine Operator, you'll play a key role in the timely production of plastic automotive parts ... Want to brag to others that you help make plastic parts for the auto industry * Think the ideal ...

Production Operator

Portage, MI ยท On-site

$17 - $18.25/hr

By separating the useful from the harmful, Mann + Hummel is providing key technologies to help ... As a Production Operator for Mann + Hummel, you will be responsible for assembling production ...

Production Operator

Cassopolis, MI ยท On-site

$25.58/hr

This is an entry-level position , and on-the-job training is provided to help you learn and succeed ... Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and Lock/Tag/Try procedures.

Production Operator

Cassopolis, MI ยท On-site

$25.58/hr

This is an entry-level position , and on-the-job training is provided to help you learn and succeed ... Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and Lock/Tag/Try procedures.

Machine Operator

Hastings, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

... helpful manner; keeps confidence; admits mistakes; doesn't misrepresent himself/herself for ... Ability to be certified as a crane operator, forklift and power lock out procedures mastered.

Machine Operator

Sturgis, MI ยท On-site

$18.50 - $20.06/hr

Job Scope As an Operator, you're responsible for running machinery or producing product at or above ... Impeccable attention to detail is very helpful in this role. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Press Operator

Allegan, MI ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

General Information Job ID ATR61192 Posting Job Title Press Operator Locations MI Allegan ... We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ...

Press Operator

Allegan, MI ยท On-site

$14.50 - $18.75/hr

General Information Job ID ATR61192 Posting Job Title Press Operator Locations MI Allegan ... We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ...

Bus Operator - Driver

Kalamazoo, MI ยท On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Bus Operator - DriverIf you are looking for a stable, well-paying job where you will be driving and ... You'll greet passengers, help with luggage, and create a smooth and enjoyable ride. Some days may ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Operator Helper information

See Portage, MI salary details

$11

$16

$21

How much do operator helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator helper in Portage, MI is $16.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operator Helper vs Equipment Operator?

AspectOperator HelperEquipment Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, factories, or industrial settings assisting equipment operatorsConstruction sites, factories, or industrial settings operating heavy machinery
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across construction, manufacturing, and industrial sectors as support staffUsed in similar sectors but with responsibility for operating machinery
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level support roles in machinery operationLearning about operating heavy equipment and related roles

The main difference between an Operator Helper and an Equipment Operator is that the Helper assists with supporting tasks and does not operate heavy machinery independently, while the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and controlling machinery directly. Both roles are essential in industrial and construction environments, but they differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

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

To thrive as an Operator Helper, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, hand tools, and sometimes forklift certification are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are crucial soft skills for supporting operators and maintaining a safe work environment. These abilities ensure smooth production processes, minimize downtime, and contribute to overall workplace safety and efficiency.

What is an operator helper?

Operator Helpers assist machine operators, technicians, or skilled workers in manufacturing, construction, or production environments. Their duties often include preparing materials, maintaining equipment, cleaning work areas, and helping ensure smooth operation of machinery. They play a vital role in supporting workflow, reducing downtime, and keeping the workplace safe and efficient. Operator Helpers typically work under direct supervision and may advance to more specialized roles with experience.

What are some common challenges operator helpers face on the job, and how can they overcome them?

Operator Helpers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced environments, maintaining safety standards, and learning to operate different types of machinery. To overcome these challenges, it's important to be proactive in communicating with team members, strictly follow safety protocols, and seek out on-the-job training opportunities. Building strong relationships with experienced operators can also help new Operator Helpers gain valuable insights and hands-on experience, making it easier to navigate daily responsibilities and advance within the team.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Portage, MI? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Portage, MI are:
What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Operator Helper jobs? Cities near Portage, MI with the most Operator Helper job openings:
Infographic showing various Operator Helper job openings in Portage, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,151 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary: The main goal of the production helper is to support the machine operator produce finished products. The helper will help verify quantity, quality, and labeling of finished goods by performing the following duties. This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Catch products as they are produced from the machine.
  • Assemble cardboard box to meet production schedule.
  • Organize finished product in cardboard boxes. Including but not limited to: taping, gluing and banding.
  • Label finished goods based on product code and quantity.
  • Stack boxed finished goods on skids according to standards.
  • Aid in 5s of production area.
  • Ensure quality standards are maintained by watching for product defects.
  • Ability to maintain regular attendance at QAP facility.
  • Any other job assigned
  • Promote and facilitate safety culture

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Customer Focus

Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Integrity and Trust

Is widely trusted; is seen as direct, truthful individual, can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner; keeps confidence; admits mistakes; doesn’t misrepresent himself/herself for personal gain.

Time Management

Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done in less time than others; can attend to a broader range of activities.

Work/Life Balance

Maintains a conscious balance between work and personal life so that one doesn't dominate or flow into the other; is not one-dimensional; knows how to attend to both; gets what he/she wants from both.

Patience

Tolerant with people and processes; listens and checks after acting; tries to understand the people and the data after making judgments and acting; waits for others to catch up after acting; sensitive to due process and proper pacing; follows established process.

Learning on the Fly

Learns quickly when facing new problems; a relentless and versatile learner; open to change; analyzes both successes and failures for clues to improvement; experiments and will try anything to find solutions; enjoys the challenge of unfamiliar tasks; quickly grasps the essence and the underlying structure of anything.

Humor

Has a positive and constructive sense of humor; can laugh at him/herself and with others; is appropriately funny and can use humor to ease tension.

Education and/or Experience

Less than high school education; or one month to three months of related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language/Reasoning Ability/Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, count in simple units of measurement and or whole numbers. Ability to read, write and speak basic English and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to read and write simple lists.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

No requirement

Physical Demands

The physical demands 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. You must notify the company if such an accommodation is needed.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for most of the 8 + hour shift. Must have the ability to use hands to handle, grab, lift, pull or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 35 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving forklifts and pallets. The employee is occasionally exposed to hot or cold conditions. The noise level in the work environment is high and requires the use of hearing protections. We also require steel toed shoes and protective eyewear at all times in the plant.

What we offer
Health & Welfare

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and dependents
  • Health care & dependent flexible spending plans
  • Free Life and AD&D coverage with supplemental coverage options
  • Employee assistance programs focused on mental health

Financial Wellbeing

  • Competitive compensation
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Generous 401(k) plan

Flexibility & Time Off

  • Paid time off, including vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick leave, disability, holidays.
  • Hybrid & remote work opportunities available

Community & Personal Development

  • Donation matching and time off to volunteer
  • Educational reimbursement

About Us
Gibraltar is a leading manufacturer and supplier of products and services for North American agtech, renewable energy, residential, and infrastructure markets. By building solutions that make life better for people and the planet, Gibraltar advances the art and science of engineering, science and technology to shape the future of comfortable living, sustainable power, and productive growing.
Guided by an inclusive, values-driven culture that celebrates and rewards different perspectives, we work together to create lasting positive impact on everyone our business touches. To learn more about what makes us #GibraltarProud, visit our website: www.gibraltar1.com


Gibraltar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and gives all applicants for employment equal consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, arrest record, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, transgender status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Upon request and consistent with applicable laws, Gibraltar will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities who need an accommodation to fully participate in the application process.

#LI-EB1

Gibraltar Industries – We build companies that make an impact in the world!

A post on Gibraltar Industries provided by: https://www.gibraltar1.com