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Production Associate Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Merit Logistics

Warehouse Associate

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

The ability to meet fast-paced productivity goals and standards * The ability to work a flexible ... Will train and certify associates holding positions requiring the use of such equipment. Warehouse ...

MERIT LOGISTICS LLC

Warehouse Associate

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$17/hr

The ability to meet fast-paced productivity goals and standards * The ability to work a flexible ... Will train and certify associates holding positions requiring the use of such equipment. Warehouse ...

Ross Stores

Retail Associate

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ... Maximizes productivity by executing all Store best practices and minimizing steps and touches in ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Retail Sales Associate Full Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team ... Stages and sorts new product to match sales floor planners. * Faces, fills, and recovers products ...

Ross Stores, Inc

Retail Associate

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

The Associate makes eye contact, smiles, and greets all Customers in a courteous and friendly ... Maximizes productivity by executing all Store best practices and minimizing steps and touches in ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Full Time

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17/hr

Retail Sales Associate Full Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team ... Stages and sorts new product to match sales floor planners. * Faces, fills, and recovers products ...

PetSmart

Retail Sales Associate Part Time

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$13 - $19/hr

Retail Sales Associate Part Time About Life at PetSmart Our associates are the heart of Team ... Stages and sorts new product to match sales floor planners. * Faces, fills, and recovers products ...

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All JobsProduction Associate JobsProduction Associate Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Production Associate information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

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How much do production associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for production associate in Waterloo, IA is $16.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.03 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.
More about Production Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Production jobs in Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Production jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What job categories do people searching Production Associate jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Production Associate jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

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

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

Production Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Production Associate job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,508 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Warehouse Associate

Merit Logistics

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

Merit Logistics rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Overview
Responsible for unloading freight from the various trucking companies with or without manual or powered equipment at assigned location at the direction of the Supervisor and Site Manager.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(Other job duties may be assigned)
Associate handles the unloading and breaking down of freight at an adequate pace
Associate might be trained to operate forklift/electric pallet jack
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.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach
with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch or
crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and move
up to 50 pounds, frequently lift and move fifty to seventy-five pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job
include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Warehouse experience a plus.
Experience operating a forklift / Electric Pallet Jack preferred.

  • Ability to move up 50-75 pounds continuously
  • The ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
  • Warehouse Experience a plus.
  • Experience operating a forklift / Electric Pallet Jack Preferred.
  • The ability to work in a physically demanding warehouse environment continuously lifting and moving up to 75lbs
  • The ability to meet fast-paced productivity goals and standards
  • The ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
  • The ability to work overtime, including weekends and holidays, without advanced notice
  • Reliable transportation to and from work
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED
Accuracy Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
Detail Oriented Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
Communication - Ability to read, write and understand English.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform the work.
Willingness and ability to perform manual work following verbal and written instructions.
Prior experience operating a forklift and pallet jack a plus, but not required. Will train and certify associates holding
positions requiring the use of such equipment.
Warehouse experience a plus.
Experience operating a forklift / Electric Pallet Jack preferred.
  • Ability to move up 50-75 pounds continuously
  • The ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
  • Warehouse Experience a plus.
  • Experience operating a forklift / Electric Pallet Jack Preferred.
  • The ability to work in a physically demanding warehouse environment - continuously lifting and moving up to 75lbs
  • The ability to meet fast-paced productivity goals and standards
  • The ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays
  • The ability to work overtime, including weekends and holidays, without advanced notice
  • Reliable transportation to and from work

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED
Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
Communication - Ability to read, write and understand English.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge and ability to perform the work.
Willingness and ability to perform manual work following verbal and written instructions.
Prior experience operating a forklift and pallet jack a plus, but not required. Will train and certify associates holding
positions requiring the use of such equipment.

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