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Operator Helper Jobs in Portage, MI (NOW HIRING)

Packaging Operator

Mattawan, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Sika is seeking a reliable and motivated Packaging Operator to support production at our growing ... In this role, you'll help ensure our products are packaged with accuracy and care--directly ...

Processing Operator

Sturgis, MI ยท On-site

$14 - $19/hr

... operating across North America and Asia. As a nationally and locally certified Minority Business ... to helping organizations build high-performing teams while empowering professionals to grow ...

Packaging Operator

Mattawan, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Sika is seeking a reliable and motivated Packaging Operator to support production at our growing ... In this role, you'll help ensure our products are packaged with accuracy and care-directly ...

Packaging Operator

Mattawan, MI ยท On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Sika is seeking a reliable and motivated Packaging Operator to support production at our growing ... In this role, you'll help ensure our products are packaged with accuracy and care-directly ...

Heavy Equipment Operator

Kalamazoo, MI ยท On-site

$25 - $36/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavation & Utilities) Company Overview James E Fulton & Sons, Inc. is a ... Team-first, safety-focused mindsethonest, reliable, and willing to help wherever the job and crew ...

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.

Operator Associate I

Kalamazoo, MI ยท On-site

$22.16/hr

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives. Thermoforming Operator| Kalamazoo ...

Operator Associate I

Kalamazoo, MI ยท On-site

$22.16/hr

These pillars form the foundation of our company-wide commitment to sustainability, helping us achieve our ambitious goals through our wide-ranging initiatives. Thermoforming Operator| Kalamazoo ...

We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ... Verifies that the barcode scanners are operating properly at the beginning of each shift. Tests ...

Offset Press Operator

Sturgis, MI ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Follow all safety, housekeeping, and 5S/lean practices, maintaining a clean and organized press area. * Assist in training press helpers or less experienced operators as needed * Communicate issues ...

We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve ... Verifies that the barcode scanners are operating properly at the beginning of each shift. Tests ...

Do you enjoy working with people and helping guests have a great experience? Do you need flexible ... RIDE OPERATOR Mission Statement: Connect. Inspire. Conserve. Connect people with nature. Inspire ...

Offset Press Operator

Sturgis, MI ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Follow all safety, housekeeping, and 5S/lean practices, maintaining a clean and organized press area. * Assist in training press helpers or less experienced operators as needed * Communicate issues ...

Showing results 21-40

Operator Helper information

See Portage, MI salary details

$11

$16

$21

How much do operator helper jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

$16.50 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Summary: Operates roll forming/fabricating machines such as die cut off presses and roll forming machines by performing the following duties. This job carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies. Use of proper tools provided to measure parts to meet production book specifications.

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

  • Produce quality products based on customer requirements.
  • Changeover/adjust/run production on roll formers efficiently.
    • Ability to change over several products and adjust in time allotted per machine book with assistance from supervision for final adjustments.
    • Ability to change all profiles in area.
    • Set up and run a quality part with minimal scrap.
    • Fully capable of press/die adjustments.
  • Sets stops or guides to specified length as indicated by scale, rule, or template.
  • Focus on part quality-consistent with drawings and characteristics (length/straightness/camber/twist).
  • High level of understanding of material codes and production reports (metal codes/cartons/colors/labeling/etc.). Understands metrics and schedules.
  • Measure product dimensions to determine accuracy of machine operation.
  • Performs minor machine maintenance such as oiling machines and dies.
  • May have the ability to assist/train new machine operators on proper procedures.
  • Provides suggestions for improvement in processes.
  • Reinforce and maintain a high level of organization and cleanliness by utilizing 6s standards.
  • Ability to maintain regular attendance at facility.
  • Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

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.

Drive for Results
Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

Written Communications

Able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles; can get messages across that have the desired effect.

 Functional/Technical Skills
Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.

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.

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.

Education and/or Experience                                                       

Trade School or High school diploma; and/or 1 year to 3 years of work-related experience at Quality Aluminum Products or equivalent combination of education and experience. Roll craft, roll form and basic FMA requirement.

Language/Reasoning Ability/Mathematical Skills                                                                                      

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, or decimals.  Ability to read, write and speak basic English and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to fill out production reports and follow production schedules.  

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

May be asked to have a Forklift License to facilitate production. Ability to be certified as a crane operator, forklift and power lock out procedures mastered.                                          

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 accommodations are needed.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and walk for most of the 8-to-10-hour shift.  Must have the ability use hands to handle, lift, grab, pull or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally 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

Disclaimer 

The information in this description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. 

About Us:

Gibraltar Industries 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.

Gibraltar Industries 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 Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer; and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. In addition, Gibraltar will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future.