How to hire a conveyor operator

How to hire a conveyor operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step conveyor operator hiring guide:

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

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a conveyor operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a conveyor operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a conveyor operator that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of conveyor operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Conveyor Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Conveyor Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$12-17
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • OSHA
   • Conveyance
   • Safety Standards
   • Quality Checks
   • Assembly Line
   • Measure Materials
   • Production Data
   • RAN
   • Processing Station
   • Equipment Positions
   • Shovels
   • Semi Trailers
   • Toyota
   • Hoists

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
   • Put away merchandise using forklifts while utilizing WMS for location verification.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, conveyor operators' average salary in virginia is 40% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level conveyor operators earn 27% less than senior-level conveyor operators.
   • Certifications. A conveyor 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 a conveyor operator's salary.

   Average conveyor operator salary

   $15.54hourly

   $32,316 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level conveyor operator salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a conveyor operator job description

   A conveyor 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. Below, you can find an example of a conveyor operator job description:

   Conveyor operator job description example

   This position is a 3 on 3 off modified fixed shifts schedule from 6pm - 6am. This position is located in Topeka, Kansas. In this position an employee is responsible for the efficient operation of conveyors and verification of product integrity. This position works with DC and Plant personnel and conveyor receiving and maintenance.
   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
   Follow all company Safety Rules and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP's).Produce high quality products in a safe and healthful manner.Assigned shift attendance is required.Ensure the accuracy of all pallet quantities received from plant.Validate products entering the DC are damage free.Responsible for efficient conveyor operation to prevent or correct jams.Assist with two man lift for Chep pallets as needed to correct conveyor jams.Perform routine maintenance work as necessary.Maintain open and professional communication with Leads and Supervisors.Responsible to follow all GMP, PPE, Safety and Housekeeping requirements.Review, understand and follow the operator responsibilities of all JSA's and Safe Practices written for the warehouse per OSHA standards.Report maintenance issues in a timely manner.Clean warehouse of all loose debris from the floor and traveling area - immediately.Communicate with both oncoming and departing shifts.Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriate with job tasks and areas Other duties as assigned.
   
   QUALIFICATIONS
   To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of the position.
   Must be able to report to work on time and to work the entire scheduled work period or shift. Timely and regular attendance is required.
   Must be able to successfully handle and manage stress.
   Accustomed to and able to work in a high-volume, fast-pace, complex and busy environment.Proven ability to successfully manage multiple competing priorities.Strong problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to act. A “can-do” mindset and attitude is a must.Must be able to read, count accurately, do simple math and write legibly.Ability to follow directions with emphasis on safety is extremely important.Demonstrate ability to work in a team-oriented environment.Must Understand and follow all Good Manufacturing Practices.Must understand and follow all food safety and BRC guidelines.
   LANGUAGE SKILLS
   Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, GMP's and general instructions. Good communication skills are required.
   
   REASONING ABILITY
   Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out both oral and written instructions.
   
   PHYSICAL DEMANDS
   The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.
   
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and lift. The employee is required to stand and walk at minimum 70% of the time.The employee must be able to work 12 hour shifts.The employees must occasionally lift/push/pull or carry up to fifty (50) pounds, and should be able to lift 30-35 pounds on a frequent basis.The employee must be able to squat or kneel and to bend on a frequent basis. The employee must be able to work in a cold (40-50 degree) environment.The employee must be able to tolerate exposure to flour and yeast materials.The employee must be able to climb steps on a frequent basis.
   
   SAFE PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
   Employee must have the ability to perform the essential job functions identified above consistent with safety standards and practices with or without a reasonable accommodation.
   
   WORK ENVIRONMENT
   The work environments characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
   
   Hot in summer, cool to cold in winter. Dress appropriately.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find conveyor operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit conveyor operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to 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 conveyor operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the conveyor operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new conveyor operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

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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