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Process Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Processing Operator

Woodland, WA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Essential Job Duties: • Operate extrusion equipment, including but not limited to extruders, coating equipment, batching equipment, and meat processing equipment. This includes operational setup ...

Shovel/Processor Operator

Damascus, OR · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

As a Roadside Shovel/Processor Operator , you will work along roads. You must be able to operate ... Process logs to mill specs or biomass requirements while maintaining a clean and organized roadside ...

Safety-Kleen in Clackamas, OR is looking for a Processing Operator to join their team. This role ... process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making. Clean Harbors is committed to ...

Safety-Kleen in Clackamas, OR is looking for a Processing Operator to join their team. This role ... process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making. Clean Harbors is committed to ...

Operator Processing

Clackamas, OR · On-site

$15.14 - $30.29/hr

Safety-Kleen in Clackamas, OR is looking for a Processing Operator to join their team. This role ... process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making. Clean Harbors is committed to ...

Processing Operator

Woodland, WA

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Essential Job Duties: · Operate extrusion equipment, including but not limited to extruders, coating equipment, batching equipment, and meat processing equipment. This includes operational setup ...

Safety-Kleen in Clackamas, OR is looking for a Processing Operator to join their team. This role ... process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making. Clean Harbors is committed to ...

Process Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$69K - $103K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you will be part of a team to provide development support for onsite ... Linux operating system is preferred for operating and troubleshooting the system - Hands on ...

Process Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$69K - $103K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you will be part of a team to provide development support for onsite ... Linux operating system is preferred for operating and troubleshooting the system - Hands on ...

As a Process Engineer, you will be part of a team to provide development support for onsite ... Linux operating system is preferred for operating and troubleshooting the system - Hands on ...

Process Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$69K - $103K/yr

As a Process Engineer, you will be part of a team to provide development support for onsite ... Linux operating system is preferred for operating and troubleshooting the system - Hands on ...

As a Process Engineer, you will be part of a team to provide development support for onsite ... Linux operating system is preferred for operating and troubleshooting the system - Hands on ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$15

$22

$32

How much do process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator in Portland, OR is $22.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $24.47 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For a Process Operator, earning $300,000 annually is uncommon and typically requires extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and working in high-paying industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, or specialized manufacturing. Such salaries may also involve supervisory roles, overtime, or bonuses. Most process operators earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure incomes through seniority and additional compensation.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Process operators typically do not earn $2,000 a day; their salaries are usually based on hourly wages or annual salaries. High-paying roles that can reach this level include specialized positions such as oil and gas drilling supervisors, certain executive roles, or highly experienced consultants, often requiring advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience. These roles are generally found in industries with high risk or specialized technical demands and may involve shift work or hazardous environments.

What do you do as a process operator?

A process operator monitors and controls industrial processes in manufacturing or chemical plants, ensuring equipment functions correctly and safety protocols are followed. They operate control systems, perform routine inspections, and troubleshoot issues to maintain efficient production. Certification and knowledge of safety procedures are often required.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A process operator in certain industries, such as oil and gas or manufacturing, can earn around $10,000 per month with experience and specialized skills. These roles often require technical training, certifications, and the ability to work in shifts or hazardous environments.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Operator jobs in Portland, OR? For Process Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Process Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Process Operator jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Process Operator job openings:

Processing Operator

Alphia

Woodland, WA • On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Alphia rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

184th of 388 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Essential Job Duties:
• Operate extrusion equipment, including but not limited to extruders, coating equipment, batching equipment, and meat processing equipment. This includes operational setup, changeovers, Starting/Stopping of Equipment, Performing QC checks and recording results, Sanitation of equipment and processing areas.
• Empty finished product bins
• May drive forklift or use pallet jack as required
• Handle raw ingredients
• Basic operational maintenance on equipment
• Follow work instructions and SOP's
Requirements:
• A high school diploma or GED is required
• 3+ years of extrusion experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in pet food manufacturing or food manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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