Production Operator Jobs in Iowa
Production Operator jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where food processing, agricultural manufacturing, and industrial equipment production drive consistent demand at every level from entry-line to senior process operator. Major employers with deep Iowa roots include John Deere, Quaker Oats, and Tyson Foods, which run large-scale operations across the state year-round. The most in-demand specialties are food and beverage processing, feed and grain manufacturing, and precision machining. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 56+ Production Operator jobs
Additional Considerations (if any):
At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.
Job Description:
Hy-Vee, Inc.
Job Title: Production Operator
Location: Hy-Vee Beverage Mfg.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Revision Date : 7/23
General Function:
The employee’s responsibilities include: Set up, tear down and operation of machines in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
Working Relationships:
Accountable and Reports to: Production Supervisor
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high- speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in continuous improvement environment.
- Beverage manufacturing machinery and perform necessary pre/post operational activities to ensure proper equipment startup.
- Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude.
- Must be willing to work in all areas of production.
- Required to assist in set up and clean up responsibilities.
- Ensure that production requirements and standards are met consistently.
- Maintain a clean and safe work area.
- Observe all safety guidelines and report safety concerns to management.
- Able to work overtime as needed, including weekends.
- Work cooperatively with the production team to meet quotas and goals.
- Operate machinery correctly and maintain it with care.
Machine Operator 2 - Requirements and Qualifications:
- Assist management with procedures to ensure quality product while seeking cost cutting ideas.
- Practices HAACP and Good Manufacturing Practices at all times.
- Needs to be able to work alongside other individuals on line as a team.
- Report any machinery issues to management.
- High school education or equivalent. Previous Warehouse experience would be helpful.
- Reliable and punctual
- Flexible schedule and willingness to work to completion of job.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be physically able to exert up to 50 pounds of force repeatedly; exert up to 40 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
- Must be able to be on feet (standing and walking) for 8 -10 hours a day.
- Visual requirements include vision from less than 20 inches to more than 20 feet with or without correction, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
- Must be able to perform the following physical activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Working Conditions:
- The duties of this position are performed in an office and receiving dock. Primarily in a temperature controlled environment but may have exposure to extreme weather temperatures on occasions.
- Frequent deadlines exist while handling multiple tasks.
- Ability to climb, bend, lift and work in areas of limited mobility.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must have the ability to use logical thinking or solve problems.
Follow all written and verbal instructions.
Contacts:
Has daily contact with facility leadership team.
Are you ready to smile, apply today.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.
Additional Considerations (if any):
At Hy-Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.
Job Description:
Hy-Vee, Inc.
Job Title: Production Operator
Location: Hy-Vee Beverage Mfg.
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Revision Date : 7/23
General Function:
The employee’s responsibilities include: Set up, tear down and operation of machines in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
Working Relationships:
Accountable and Reports to: Production Supervisor
Primary Responsibilities and Duties:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high- speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in continuous improvement environment.
- Beverage manufacturing machinery and perform necessary pre/post operational activities to ensure proper equipment startup.
- Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude.
- Must be willing to work in all areas of production.
- Required to assist in set up and clean up responsibilities.
- Ensure that production requirements and standards are met consistently.
- Maintain a clean and safe work area.
- Observe all safety guidelines and report safety concerns to management.
- Able to work overtime as needed, including weekends.
- Work cooperatively with the production team to meet quotas and goals.
- Operate machinery correctly and maintain it with care.
Machine Operator 2 - Requirements and Qualifications:
- Assist management with procedures to ensure quality product while seeking cost cutting ideas.
- Practices HAACP and Good Manufacturing Practices at all times.
- Needs to be able to work alongside other individuals on line as a team.
- Report any machinery issues to management.
- High school education or equivalent. Previous Warehouse experience would be helpful.
- Reliable and punctual
- Flexible schedule and willingness to work to completion of job.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be physically able to exert up to 50 pounds of force repeatedly; exert up to 40 pounds of force frequently to move objects.
- Must be able to be on feet (standing and walking) for 8 -10 hours a day.
- Visual requirements include vision from less than 20 inches to more than 20 feet with or without correction, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
- Must be able to perform the following physical activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
Working Conditions:
- The duties of this position are performed in an office and receiving dock. Primarily in a temperature controlled environment but may have exposure to extreme weather temperatures on occasions.
- Frequent deadlines exist while handling multiple tasks.
- Ability to climb, bend, lift and work in areas of limited mobility.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must have the ability to use logical thinking or solve problems.
Follow all written and verbal instructions.
Contacts:
Has daily contact with facility leadership team.
Are you ready to smile, apply today.
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.
See All 56 Production Operator Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Production Operator JobsProduction Operator Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Production Operator Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Food & Beverage
- Chemicals & Materials
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in production operator jobs across Iowa.
- High school diploma or GED recognized by an Iowa-accredited institution
- Ability to operate and monitor production line equipment safely and efficiently
- Familiarity with food safety or HACCP protocols common in Iowa processing plants
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to fifty pounds
- Experience with quality control checks, measurements, and production recordkeeping
- Willingness to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends as scheduled
Production Operator Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a production operator in Iowa?
Most production operator roles in Iowa require a high school diploma or GED and are filled through on-the-job training provided by the employer. There is no state-issued license specific to the role, but candidates working in food processing plants are expected to complete HACCP and food safety training, which many Iowa employers administer internally. Starting in entry-level line positions at manufacturers like John Deere, Quaker Oats, or regional co-ops is the most common path to advancing into full operator roles.
Which companies hire production operators in Iowa?
Iowa production operator roles are posted by Land O'Lakes, Nordex, and Vestis and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's strength in food processing, agricultural equipment, and industrial manufacturing means openings are spread across both major metros and smaller manufacturing towns throughout the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most production operator jobs?
Fort Dodge, Mason City, and West Branch lead Iowa in production operator openings. Des Moines anchors the market with a broad mix of food processing, consumer goods, and industrial manufacturing employers, while Cedar Rapids and Davenport are driven by established operations in grain processing, agricultural equipment, and packaged food production that have kept production workforces large and steady for decades.
Are there remote production operator jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Production operator work is inherently hands-on and tied to physical plant operations, so most roles require an on-site presence. About 0% of production operator openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those are typically limited to process monitoring or quality reporting functions that can be handled off the floor.
How can I get hired as a production operator in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to general labor or production associate openings at large Iowa manufacturers, which routinely hire without prior experience and train on the job. Employers like Tyson Foods, Quaker Oats, and regional agricultural cooperatives run structured onboarding for new hires moving into line positions. Community colleges such as Kirkwood and Des Moines Area Community College offer short manufacturing and industrial technology certificates that give candidates a clear edge when applying to these roles.
Where can I find and apply to production operator jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to production operator jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across food processing, industrial manufacturing, and agricultural production. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 56 Production Operator Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Production Operator Jobs