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Process Operator Jobs in Denison, IA (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator III

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Process plasma in nano-filtration room, connect pipes, operate electrical pumps and clean equipment ... Recording Data - Frequent Operating Office Equipment - N/A Operating Computer - N/A Simple Grasping ...

Production Operator III

Arion, IA

$16 - $19.25/hr

Process plasma in nano-filtration room, connect pipes, operate electrical pumps and clean equipment ... Recording Data - Frequent Operating Office Equipment - N/A Operating Computer - N/A Simple Grasping ...

2nd Shift_ Machine Operator I_ Onsite

Carroll, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

... operators demonstrating a high level of proficiency on multiple programs and/or disciplines of ... Operates as a main point of contact for OJT training and auditing process as well as mentors new ...

3rd Shift_ Machine Operator I_ Onsite

Carroll, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

... operators demonstrating a high level of proficiency on multiple programs and/or disciplines of ... Operates as a main point of contact for OJT training and auditing process as well as mentors new ...

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Process Operator information

See Denison, IA salary details

$13

$19

$29

How much do process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator in Denison, IA is $19.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $21.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Process Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectProcess OperatorMaintenance Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or trade licenses often required
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, or industrial facilities operating machinery and equipmentIndustrial or manufacturing settings focusing on equipment repair and maintenance
Job FocusMonitoring, controlling, and optimizing production processesMaintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting machinery and equipment

While both roles work in industrial environments, Process Operators focus on running and controlling production processes, whereas Maintenance Technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining equipment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in manufacturing and industrial sectors.

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

To thrive as a Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with control systems like DCS/SCADA, equipment maintenance, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation of machinery, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity in industrial settings.

What Does a Process Operator Do?

A process operator is a skilled industrial professional who works as part of a team, or individually, to manage a safe and effective production process within a manufacturing plant, facility, or refinery. Process operators are charged with monitoring the equipment, machinery, and instruments within the facility and troubleshooting when issues arise. As a process operator, it is important to inspect equipment and maintain records of all updates, repairs, and replacements.

What are Process Operators?

Process Operators are professionals responsible for managing and overseeing the machinery and systems that produce goods in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and oil and gas. Their duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting controls to maintain quality and safety, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. They play a critical role in ensuring production runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely, often working as part of a larger operations team. Process Operators must adhere to strict safety protocols and may be required to document production data or perform routine maintenance.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Process Operators often work in rotating shifts to ensure continuous plant operation, which can present challenges such as adjusting to changing sleep schedules and managing fatigue. To address these issues, operators are encouraged to maintain healthy sleep habits, communicate openly with team members about workload distribution, and utilize scheduled breaks effectively. Many facilities also offer training on shift work management and provide support resources to help employees adapt, ensuring both safety and productivity are maintained.
What cities near Denison, IA are hiring for Process Operator jobs? Cities near Denison, IA with the most Process Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Operator job openings in Denison, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,162 per year, or $19.8 per hour.
Forklift Operator - Afternoon Shift

Forklift Operator - Afternoon Shift

XPO Logistics

Shelby, IA

$28.10/hr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


XPO rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 355 rated logistics


Job description

What you'll need to succeed as a Forklift Operator at XPO

 

Get a feel for the role. Watch this short video to see a day-in-the-life on an XPO dock.  

 

Minimum qualifications:

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Able to do basic math calculations, with and without a calculator
  • Available to work a variety of shifts due to varying freight volumes, including days, evenings, nights and weekends

Preferred qualifications:

  • Dock or warehouse experience in the transportation industry
  • Forklift experience in a freight or less-than-truckload (LTL) environment
  • Experience loading and unloading trailers
  • Strong attention to detail and desire to succeed

 

About the Forklift Operator job

Pay, benefits and more:

  • Experienced forklift operators can start at $28.10/hour
  • Shift: Afternoon
  • Full health insurance benefits are available on day one
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Earn up to 13 days of PTO over your first year
  • 9 paid company holidays
  • 401(k) option with company match
  • Education assistance
  • This is a Motor Carrier Act Exempt position

 

What you'll do on a typical day:

  • Efficiently sort, handle, load and unload palletized and non-palletized freight
  • Use appropriate motorized and manual equipment, including pallet jack and forklift
  • Secure freight inside trailers using appropriate tools and supplies
  • Work in a safe, efficient manner, adhering to company safety policies
  • Use mobile handheld devices to scan and track shipments
  • Work on a dock that is not climate-controlled for extended periods

Forklift Operators are required to:

  • Lift freight and other objects of various shapes, sizes and weights (frequently up to 50 lbs. and occasionally greater than 70 lbs.)
  • Safely walk and stand for extended periods on a loading dock that is not climate-controlled and may be slippery

Reach (including above your head), bend, climb, push, pull, twist, squat and kneel as necessary

About XPO

XPO is a top ten global provider of transportation services, with a highly integrated network of people, technology and physical assets. At XPO, we look for employees who like a challenge and can communicate effectively in all situations. We want to leverage your skills and years of experience to drive positive results while ensuring a bright future for yourself and XPO. If you're looking for a growth opportunity, join us at XPO. 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, disability, veteran or other protected status.

All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to take and pass a pre-employment drug test. 

The above statements are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties and skills for this job classification. 

Review XPO's candidate privacy statement here.


What XPO employees say

Pay

Benefits

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About XPO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in Greenwich, Connecticut, XPO Logistics, Inc., operating under the brand name XPO, is a one of the leading companies in the transportation and logistics sector. Operating its services in 30 countries, the company employs the use of ground-breaking technology in providing a broad suite of logistics services including supply chain management, freight brokerage, last mile logistics, and intermodal and drayage transportation. XPO's impressive history dates back to 2011 and within its relatively short existence, it has made a series of acquisitions to consolidate its top-notch range of services. Their mission is to provide outstanding results to customers by envisioning and implementing significant advancements in freight transportation and logistics.

Industry

Import-export

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Greenwich, CT, US