How to hire an automated process operator

How to hire an automated process operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step automated process operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an automated process operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new automated process operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your automated process operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find an automated process operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   An automated process operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, automated process operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of automated process operators.

   Type of Automated Process Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Automated Process Operator		$11-51
   Digital Retoucher	A digital retoucher specializes in altering or enhancing images using special computer software. Their responsibilities usually include assessing photos to identify which areas need retouching, accepting requests from the clients, removing blemishes, adjusting the brightness or sharpness, cropping or re-sizing the images, and changing color temperatures... Show more	$11-51
   Retoucher	Retouchers are skilled professionals who use advanced computer imaging software to change or modify the appearance of a photo or other digital image. These professionals must interface directly with clients to perform multiple image composition, color correction, and image manipulation... Show more	$11-51

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • HTML
   • Safety Regulations
   • Computer System
   • Quality Checks
   • Circuit Boards

   Responsibilities:

   • Host a daily meeting before production begin and end reviewing the numbers run on the shift and the shift prior.
   • Assist in the evaluation and application of inference engines acting on ASTM standards for machine tool specifications and tolerances.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your automated process operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An automated process operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, automated process operators' average salary in montana is 50% less than in pennsylvania.
   • Seniority. Entry-level automated process operators earn 78% less than senior-level automated process operators.
   • Certifications. An automated process operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an automated process operator's salary.

   Average automated process operator salary

   $51,578yearly

   $24.80 hourly rate

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   Entry-level automated process operator salary

   $24,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 18, 2026

4. Writing an automated process operator job description

   An automated process operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an automated process operator job description:

   Automated process operator job description example

   Americold provides temperature-controlled warehousing and transportation to food producers, restaurants, schools and retail outlets such as grocery stores. We're proud to provide an essential link in the food industry supply chain and to help put food on tables around the world.
   
   Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Americold owns and operates temperature-controlled warehouses around the world. We have over 16,000 associates and offer a wide variety of career opportunities - from warehouse forklift operators and supervisors to accounting, administration, business development, customer support, engineering, transportation, and technology solutions positions.
   Responsibilities Primary Responsibility:
   
   The Automation Operator is the entry level on floor Operations Associate in a fully automated direct to retail warehouse. The automation operator is expected to safely execute tasks that include: efficient operations of Powered Industrial Trucks (PIT), manual case pick operations, as well as other basic interactions with graphic user interface to enable basic automation functions. This role supports enabling the automated system with manual stacking operations, removing stretch wrap from unit loads, house keeping functions and resolving / resetting basic system faults that prevent efficient flow of product over automated stacking, delayering, power pallet and case conveyors.
   
   Essential Functions:
   
   • Monitors warehouse dock operations activities including, validating accuracy and using PIT to move pallets, bins and other items.
   • Stacks and stores merchandise in the designated area(s).
   • Picks orders for shipment and assembles various types of merchandise to be shipped.
   • Checks or counts freight for accuracy and/or damage and infestation.
   • Participates in physical inventories, as needed.
   • Performs labeling, sorting, wrapping, packing, and repacking as needed or as directed.
   • Operates equipment including, but not limited to, stand up forklifts, stand up straddle trucks, walk behinds, pallet jacks, double pallet jacks and radio frequency equipment. Changes battery(s) on equipment as needed.
   • Reports safety malfunctions on equipment to appropriate individual(s) as they occur.
   • Interacts with automated systems by acknowledging and confirming information on operator input screens, executing basic manual tasks such as removing wrap and excess packing from unit loads, and monitoring powered pallet and case conveyors and robotic stackers to maintain efficient flow. Identifies and reports basic faults and interruptions such as misalignment or an alert to packing or item variation to appropriate individual(s).
   • Performs basic housekeeping tasks in the work area to include basic wipe down of automation equipment and other function required to supply and remove trays, pallets and other supplies and recyclable items to the automation system as needed or as directed.
   • Performs other duties as assigned, as needed, or as directed.
   
   Qualifications Qualifications & Experience:
   
   • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred, or at least one (1) year related work experience.
   • Experience in warehouse or with automated warehouse equipment preferred.
   • Certification in operating forklift preferred.
   
   Knowledge & Employment Standards:
   
   • Demonstrated communication skills that enable efficient description of issues that are causing reduced flow or throughput across power conveyor or automated equipment in their work area.
   • Ability to engage with teammates and co-workers and ability to master and execute multiple tasks and / or work at more than one work area during the day as the business needs dictate.
   • Demonstrated knowledge of computer Warehouse Management System(s) and related components, such as Pallet Jack, high lift, sit down or stand-up lift truck, RC, VoCollect Technology.
   • Must be able to work independently.
   • Ability to recognize, acknowledge and correctly react to basic information or input correct basic information into user interfaces to enable safe and efficient product flow across the automation systems.
   • Comfortable working around conveyance and automated equipment in a fast-paced environment.
   • Ability to be cross trained into multiple areas of the facility.
   • Requires the ability to pay close attention to details.
   • May work overtime, evenings, weekends, and some holidays in order to complete work or to attend meetings, as directed and authorized by management.
   
   Physical Requirements & Abilities:
   
   • Regular work duties will be performed in an environment at 38 degrees.
   • Limited exposure to a working environment with temperatures of -10 degrees to -20 degrees; industry rated cold gear will be provided.
   • Ability to stack boxes within an automated work environment for an extended period.
   • Must be able to lift 70 lbs. occasionally.
   • Must be able to meet the physical requirements of the job which include: Working in temperature regulated areas, climbing stairs, ladders and crossovers and being on your feet most of the shift.
   Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
   
   EOE/AAM/F/D/V DFW.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right automated process operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with automated process operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit automated process operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your automated process operator job on Zippia to find and recruit automated process operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting automated process operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new automated process operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect automated process operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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