1

Operator Operator Jobs in Columbus, KS (NOW HIRING)

Hiring Bonus - $1,250 $25.10/ Hr. (Night shift premium included)/ $23.10/ Hr. (Day Shift) 12 hour rotating shift Operating various downline packaging equipment in a high speed beverage operations to ...

Fresh cut operator

Pittsburg, KS · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Fresh Cut Operator Martinous Produce Company - Pittsburg, KS From $14 an hour As a fresh cut operator you will be responsible for cutting peppers and onions for fajitas & kabobs..... Also cutting and ...

TAMKO is seeking a Shift Technical Operator our Rangeline Facility in Joplin, Missouri. This position will alternate weeks with the Lead Shift Technical Operator to operate the machine. This is a ...

PURPOSE OF THE JOB The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner and unloading and storing raw materials. Heavy equipment may include ...

Brake Press Operator

Joplin, MO · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Description The Brake Press Operator is responsible for setting up and operating a press brake machine to bend, shape, or cut metal sheets and plates according to blueprints and specifications ...

Notify the Operator when product does not meet quality specifications; assist with resolution * Read, understand, and correctly complete daily paperwork * Read & understand Production Order Packet ...

Notify the Operator when product does not meet quality specifications; assist with resolution * Read, understand, and correctly complete daily paperwork * Read & understand Production Order Packet ...

Notify the Operator when product does not meet quality specifications; assist with resolution * Read, understand, and correctly complete daily paperwork * Read & understand Production Order Packet ...

Notify the Operator when product does not meet quality specifications; assist with resolution * Read, understand, and correctly complete daily paperwork * Read & understand Production Order Packet ...

Clean Room Operator

Miami, OK · On-site

$12 - $14/hr

First Shift - 06:00 AM to 04:30 PM Summary The Clean Room Operator is responsible for following strict cleanroom protocols to handle, package, and process products in compliance with customer ...

Showing results 41-60

Operator Operator information

See Columbus, KS salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do operator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for operator operator in Columbus, KS is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator operator?

An Operator Operator is typically responsible for monitoring and controlling machines, equipment, or systems in various industries, such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation. Their duties often include starting and stopping machinery, observing gauges and meters, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting issues to ensure efficient and safe operations. Operators must follow strict safety protocols and may be required to maintain records of operations and report any anomalies. The specific responsibilities can vary depending on the industry and the type of equipment involved.

What does an operator operator do?

An Operator Operator usually monitors and controls machinery or equipment, ensuring smooth and efficient production processes. Daily tasks include inspecting equipment for proper functioning, recording data, troubleshooting minor issues, and adhering to safety protocols. One of the common challenges is responding quickly to unexpected malfunctions or process deviations, which requires strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Operators often work as part of a team, coordinating with supervisors, maintenance staff, and quality control to maintain productivity and safety standards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an operator operator?

To thrive as an Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with standard operating procedures for machinery or equipment. Experience with industry-specific tools, safety certifications, and systems such as SCADA or PLCs is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork skills make an Operator stand out. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of equipment in industrial or manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Operator Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectOperator OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesFactories, construction sites, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageCommon in various manufacturing sectorsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production industries
Comparison Search IntentYesYes

Operator Operator and Machine Operator roles share similarities in work environment and industry usage, often requiring similar credentials. However, Operator Operator may involve overseeing multiple machines or processes, while Machine Operators typically focus on operating specific equipment. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and industrial settings, with overlapping skills and responsibilities.

How much do you get paid as a machine operator?

Machine operators typically earn an average hourly wage between $15 and $25, depending on experience, industry, and location. Annual salaries generally range from $30,000 to $50,000, with additional benefits often included. Certification and familiarity with specific machinery can influence pay rates.

What does operator mean for a job?

An operator is a worker responsible for operating machinery, equipment, or systems in various industries such as manufacturing, construction, or transportation. The role typically requires technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications, and involves monitoring and maintaining equipment to ensure efficient operation.

Which operator operator job pays the most?

Among operator roles, heavy equipment operators, such as crane or bulldozer operators, tend to have the highest salaries due to the specialized skills and certifications required. Industrial machine operators and control room operators in energy or manufacturing sectors also earn high wages, especially with experience and advanced certifications. Salary levels vary based on industry, location, and experience, but these roles generally offer the highest pay within the operator job category.

What cities near Columbus, KS are hiring for Operator Operator jobs?

Cities near Columbus, KS with the most Operator Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Operator Operator job openings in Columbus, KS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 42% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,770 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Packaging Equipment Operator

Guida's Dairy

Joplin, MO • On-site

$23.10/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Hiring Bonus - $1,250

$25.10/ Hr. (Night shift premium included)/ $23.10/ Hr. (Day Shift)

12 hour rotating shift

Operating various downline packaging equipment in a high speed beverage operations to ensure proper packaging and storage of various products. Housekeeping and sanitation of the equipment and work area is required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Global operation of various packaging machines including automatic case packers, display wrap applicators, labelers, coding equipment, automatic cappers, straw applicators, plastic sleeve applicators and other associated equipment.
  • Periodic operations of automatic and manual palletizing of finished goods cases.
  • Prepares and supplies the packaging equipment to begin production by making sure that each piece of equipment is functioning properly, and that the boxes will properly go through the equipment.
  • Monitors the performance of the coders to insure the packages are being properly coded. Also changes the code as required.
  • Monitors the flow of product through the packaging equipment. Takes prompt action to correct any problems at work stations which may cause production flow to decrease.
  • Stays alert to mechanical performance of the packaging equipment. Promptly notifies the supervisor and/or maintenance mechanic if the equipment malfunctions.
  • Monitors the overall quality of the packaged product and the packaging material.
  • Completes all paperwork related to the packaging equipment operation, such as usage reports, loss reports, and downtime logs.
  • During the operation of packaging equipment lines, light housekeeping duties are also required.
  • Some cleaning requirements due to product and/or packaging changeovers include tear down of equipment and extensive cleaning and housekeeping duties.
  • Performs all work in a safe, efficient and cooperative manner.
  • Performs any other work duties as assigned.
  • Moderate on the job training. High School Diploma, GED, or relevant work experience preferred.
  • Employee is expected to be able to work on any of the lines in any position with the exception of the filling machines.
  • The front ends of the lines are mostly automated.
  • Several of the flexible packaging lines include display wrap applicators. A job requirement of operating this equipment is to lift and carry the 45 pound cases of blank display wraps into the work area and place onto a table, approximately 36 inches in height. Additionally, these cases have to be opened and the display wraps installed into the magazine of the machine. A "handful" (est. 6 pounds must be picked up and placed into the magazine of the equipment. The magazine is appx. 51 inches from the floor.
  • In almost all cases, the cartons are automatically boxed on the line by means of automatic box erectors and feeders. The employee has to lift and stack the unopened and unfilled boxes and place them into the carton magazine of the equipment. The elevations of the carton magazines in which the unopened boxes have to be positioned range from as low as 34 inches up to 61 inches. Stacks of approximately 15 or more boxes are grasped by both hands and placed into the carton magazine. These stacks weigh up to 25 pounds. They have to be lifted from as low as 4.5 inches from the ground.
  • Once the finished goods are boxed and sealed automatically, some lines have to be hand stacked onto a pallet. The packages have to be lifted from the end of the line. The lowest of the end of the conveyor lines is at 28 inches and the highest is at 40 inches. On the 40 inch lines, the finished goods package weighs up to 25 pounds and has to be lifted from the 40 inches up to 53 inches or down to 4.5 inches. On the 28 inch line, the package can weigh up to 28.2 pounds and has to be lifted up to 43 inches or down to 4.5 inches.
  • The heaviest packages can be handled at a rate of up to 6.1 cases per minute. The highest cases per minute on any line is 19.7 pounds. Pallets weighing up to 80 pounds each have to be removed from a stack of varying heights, carried to the palletizing area and then placed onto the floor. A loaded pallet is moved utilizing a forklift to storage.
  • Additionally, another frequent requirement of performing Packaging Operator duties includes the physical ability to clear jambs from the packaging equipment. These tasks require pushing, pulling, grasping and occasionally bending or stooping using various amounts of force to extract the jammed material.
  • Must be able to pass all pre-employment screenings including drug, background and criminal checks
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer