1

Production Associate Jobs in Harlan, IA (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator I- APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associate equipment. * Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature ...

Production Operator I - APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associate equipment. * Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature ...

Production Operator I - APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associate equipment. * Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature ...

Production Operator I- APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associate equipment. * Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature ...

Production Operator I - APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associate equipment. * Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature ...

Production Operator I - APC

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associate equipment. * Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature ...

Production Worker - HeviBar

Harlan, IA · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Production for compliance with company guidelines by performing the following duties. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. * Required to perform essential tasks related to and ...

Production Worker - HeviBar

Harlan, IA · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

Production for compliance with company guidelines by performing the following duties. Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. * Required to perform essential tasks related to and ...

Worker I, Production (34890)

Harlan, IA · On-site

$15 - $17.75/hr

The Worker I, Production performs a variety of tasks involved in the manufacturing and packaging of products. This role supports production operations by ensuring products are processed, packed, and ...

Worker I, Production (34858)

Denison, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

The Worker I, Production performs a variety of tasks involved in the manufacturing and packaging of products. This role supports production operations by ensuring products are processed, packed, and ...

Worker I, Production (34890)

Harlan, IA

$15 - $17.75/hr

The Worker I, Production performs a variety of tasks involved in the manufacturing and packaging of products. This role supports production operations by ensuring products are processed, packed, and ...

Worker I, Production (34858)

Denison, IA

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

The Worker I, Production performs a variety of tasks involved in the manufacturing and packaging of products. This role supports production operations by ensuring products are processed, packed, and ...

Seasonal Team Associate

Denison, IA · On-site

$14 - $27/hr

Requires product knowledge, problem solving and merchandise skills. Benefits & perks At Walmart, we ... part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school ...

Mid-Shift, Closing Location Walmart Supercenter #3394 1905 E 7TH ST, ATLANTIC, IA, 50022, US Job Overview The main priority of Deli / Bakery associates is to prepare quality products for customers.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Production Associate information

See Harlan, IA salary details

$9

$16

$21

How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Harlan, IA is $16.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a production associate?

Production Associates are entry-level workers who assist in the manufacturing process within factories or production facilities. Their responsibilities typically include assembling products, operating machinery, monitoring production lines, and ensuring quality standards are met. They may also be responsible for packaging, labeling, and basic maintenance of equipment. Production Associates play a crucial role in maintaining efficient workflow and supporting higher-level technicians or supervisors. The role often requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow safety protocols.

What does a production associate do?

A production associate’s job duties depend on the industry in which they work. If you’re a manufacturing production associate, then your responsibilities include maintaining production equipment and assemblies, ensuring quality control, overseeing manufacturing personnel, ordering materials, monitoring packaging and shipping of the product, and handling clerical tasks like work orders and documentation. As a production associate in the film and TV industry, your duties include hiring and scheduling actors and technical staff, resolving technical challenges such as equipment failure, and maintaining relationships with suppliers and vendors.

What are some typical challenges production associates face when adjusting to fast-paced manufacturing environments?

Production Associates often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing production schedules, maintaining high attention to detail while working efficiently, and learning to operate various machinery safely. Additionally, they must quickly become familiar with strict quality standards and safety protocols. Collaborating effectively with team members and supervisors is essential to ensure smooth workflow and meet production targets.

What is the difference between Production Associate vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectProduction AssociateManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical certifications or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, assembly lines, production floorsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, equipment maintenance areas
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, assembly, packaging industriesManufacturing, industrial production, equipment maintenance sectors
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level manufacturing rolesTechnical skills and equipment operation in manufacturing

The main difference between a Production Associate and a Manufacturing Technician lies in their responsibilities and skill requirements. Production Associates typically perform basic assembly and packaging tasks with minimal technical training, while Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment maintenance, troubleshooting, and more technical duties. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments, but Manufacturing Technicians usually require additional technical certifications or vocational training.

What is an entry-level production associate?

An entry-level production associate is a worker who performs basic tasks on a manufacturing or production line, often requiring minimal prior experience. They typically handle tasks such as assembling products, operating machinery, and maintaining a clean work environment, with opportunities to learn skills and advance within the company.

What cities near Harlan, IA are hiring for Production Associate jobs?

Cities near Harlan, IA with the most Production Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Harlan, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,627 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Production Operator I- APC

APC Worldwide

Arion, IA • On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 hours ago


Job description

Promote safety, maintain a sanitary food environment, and ensure that only the highest quality product is made. Work shifts schedules including weekends and holidays, and overtime as needed.JOB DUTIES:
  • Operate production equipment under the supervision of the shift supervisor as follows:
  • Packaging
  • Monitor product volume, temperatures, times, and pressure readings
  • Monitor gauges and record information as needed
  • Know the type of product, the source, and all the handling procedures involved in each processing procedure.
  • Full understanding of product flow.
  • Maintain a safe, clean, organized work area throughout the facility.
  • Maintain general housekeeping of production areas.
  • Perform tasks of receiving product, starting, running, shutting down, and cleaning the dryer/evaporator and associate equipment.
  • Collect hourly production readings, color, moisture and temperature, monitor bag house, check air pressure, monitor machinery and notify supervisor when something is out of specification.
  • Ensure all charts are charts are properly documented according to company and regulatory regulations.
  • Ensure all paperwork is done correctly and completely.
  • Operate pallet jack and forklift.
  • Prepare bags to fill usingestablished label and numbering system in accordance with procedures.
  • Proficient computer skills to print out packaging labels.
  • Fill, weigh, seal and load bags on pallets (must be able to lift 60 lb. bags 6 feet high).
  • Bag and blend finished powder, weigh and sample product, palletize product and move pallets (may require a forklift or pallet jack).
  • Comply with, and follow, company food safety and quality policies.
  • Adhere to all SOPs, procedures and quality requirements.
  • Perform elementary mechanical and carpentry repairs throughout plant as instructed by supervision.
  • Engage in continuous improvement and process improvement
  • Anticipate problems and implement solutions
  • Demonstrate good judgement in safeguarding customer, company, vendor and employee information.
  • Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives.
  • Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with employees from all other departments and peers.
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to prepare and operate all packaging machinery.
  • Have general knowledge of production/manufacturing methods.
  • Ability to read gauges and record data in a legible manner and in accordance with established procedures.
  • Ability to learn to handle inedible protein materials in accordance with established sanitary procedures and practices.
  • Ability to understand and follow established work procedures, including mandated sanitary and safety guidelines.
  • Must be able to read, write and speak in English, to prepare and comprehend logs, schedules, and communicate with fellow employees.
  • Ability to operate forklift/pallet jack.
  • Ability to perform basic math skills.
  • Ability to move freely throughout plant with sustained physical/mental effort to climb, sample and clean equipment and work areas.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional during peak periods.
  • Ability to troubleshoot malfunctions and situations as they arise, notifying appropriate staff of problems beyond scope of normality.
  • Ability to cooperate with all staff.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to work daily and overtime as necessary.
  • Ability to assist in all work areas.
  • Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done.
  • Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of APC
  • Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising when necessary, promptly share relevant information with others
  • Is open to changing situations and is willing to perform all tasks when and where assigned
  • Able and willing to perform task and duties independently
  • Maintains a positive and professional attitude and work ethic
  • Follow all GMPs and work in a manner consistent with all corporate, regulatory, food, safety, quality and sanitation requirements.
BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Key:

Occasional = 0% - 33%

Frequent = 34% - 66%

Continuous = 67% - 100%

N/A = Not Applicable

Standing - Continuous

Sitting - Occasional

Walking - Frequent

Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping - Frequent

Reaching Above Shoulder - Frequent

Climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.) - Frequent

Confined Spaces - Occasional

Working on Heights:

Unprotected Heights - Occasional

Protected Heights - Occasional

Lifting weights from 1 to 80 lbs. at waist level - Frequent

Lifting weights from 1 to 60 lbs. at floor level - Frequent

Lifting weights from 1 to 50 lbs. at shoulder level - Frequent

Push/Pull/Maneuver Equipment/Products/Materials

Weighing with up to 80 lbs. of force - Frequent

Working with/or Operating Moving Machinery/Equipment - Continuous

Operating a Motor Vehicle (as a part of your job) - N/A

Read/Monitor Gauges on Various Equipment/Machinery - Occasional

Hand Movements:

Recording Data - Frequent

Operating Office Equipment - N/A

Operating Computer - N/A

Simple Grasping (right and left) - Frequent

Firm Grasping (right and left) up to 80 lbs of force - Frequent

Fine Manipulating (right and left) - Occasional

Foot Movements to Operate Foot Controls - Occasional

Good Vision, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Access

Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - Yes

Color Definition - N/A

Good Hearing, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Communicate

and/or Understand Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - Yes

Ability to be Mobile throughout Required Work Areas - Yes

Office - Occasional

Multiple Locations - Occasional

Plant - Continuous

Equipment/Maintenance or Repair Area - Continuous

Rough Terrain - Occasional

Other - N/A

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High School Diploma or GED certificate required.

Experience: Previous work experience in agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.

Participates in E-Verify

#SAPC