How to hire a jet operator

How to hire a jet operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step jet 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 jet operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new jet operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The jet operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

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

   Yes

   No

   A jet operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, jet 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.

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

   Type of Jet Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Jet Operator		$12-19
   Data Center Operator	A data center operator is primarily in charge of making sure that a data center functions efficiently. Their job entails installing software or hardware systems, conducting regular maintenance checks, troubleshooting issues, fixing or replacing components, upgrading or updating systems, maintaining records, and producing progress reports as necessary... Show more	$13-35
   Computer Operator	A computer operator is responsible for overseeing a network or group of computers, making sure that all systems are running smoothly and efficiently. A computer operator's duties may also revolve around troubleshooting and resolving issues on hardware and software, processing data, designing a particular and secure database, and suggesting system improvements when necessary... Show more	$13-30

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Dye
   • Product Quality
   • Safety Rules
   • Magazines
   • CCTV
   • Quality Checks
   • USPS
   • Computer System
   • Clean Machines
   • Customer Specifications
   • Routine Maintenance

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate various industrial equipment including slitters, perforating machines and packaging lines in order to achieve maximum production capabilities.
   • Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
   • Assemble boxes and stack the reams of paper on pallets.
   • Perform duties and load pallets and take full pallets to staging area.
   • Use power pallet jacks and overhead cranes to load material into machines.
   • Used various controls and HMI to store empty core rolls in proper racks.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your jet operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A jet operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, jet operators' average salary in florida is 45% less than in washington.
   • Seniority. Entry-level jet operators 39% less than senior-level jet operators.
   • Certifications. A jet operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a jet operator's salary.

   Average jet operator salary

   $15.57hourly

   $32,395 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level jet operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a jet operator job description

   A good jet operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a jet operator job description:

   Jet operator job description example

   Job DescriptionProduction opportunities at Quad instill a sense of empowerment and possibility distinct from those at other employers. Quad’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities include world-class automation and printing technology. Our platform includes digital, gravure and offset presses that give our clients a full range of options to produce personalized marketing products. Fueled by innovative, interesting days, you’ll find hard work is good work, and feel a deep sense of pride in a job well done – something shared by everyone in the community we call Quad.
   
   The primary responsibility of the Ink Jet Operator is the make-ready and operation of all Imaging related to Converting press equipment. Additional responsibilities include basic operator maintenance and repair of all Imaging related Converting press equipment, and to assist the Imaging Support Technicians in troubleshooting/repair of non-routine problems.
   
   Secondary responsibilities include assisting press crew with make-ready and re-webbing of press as required, however, the primary responsibilities must be accomplished prior to executing secondary responsibilities.
   Responsibilities:
   
   
   Operate inkjet, digital print or both. Responsibilities include basic operator maintenance and repair of all Imaging related Converting press equipment, and to assist the Imaging Support Technicians in troubleshooting/repair of non-routine problems.
   Secondary responsibilities include assisting press crew with make-ready and re-webbing of press as required, however, the primary responsibilities must be accomplished prior to executing secondary responsibilities.
   Comply with all quality, safety rules and regulations as well as Standard Operating Procedures.
   Performs other related duties as assigned or required.
   
   
   Requirements:
   
   Requires knowledge of ink jet, digital or related equipment, adjustments and operating characteristics of the equipment and skill to perform standard adjustments and operate the equipment. Ability to set up, operate, and perform basic adjustments to the equipment according to the individual job requirements, operating characteristics, and capabilities of the equipment. Typically, the adjustments performed at this level are routine and the need for such adjustments are readily apparent.
   
   While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand long hours and use hands and wrists continuously in controlled movement.
   
   Able to bend and lift 10-15 pounds continuously, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 70 pounds, standing long periods of time of up to 12 hours, perform repetitious tasks in a fast-paced atmosphere and use vision in order to identify defects with or without reasonable accommodation.
   
   Able to work overtime as needed based on the workload.
   
   
   
   Basic computer skills are required.
   
   
   
   Good verbal and written comprehension, the ability to thrive in a team environment, and work independently.
   
   
   
   Prior printing industry experience or manufacturing experience (such as laborer, assembly, or distribution) helpful.
   
   
   
   Additional Company Information
   
   We offer excellent benefits to eligible employees, including 401(k), holidays, vacations and more.
   
   Quad is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to creating a place of belonging — a space where employees do not need to sacrifice who they are to exist and grow in our workplace. Quad does not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Quad also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.
   
   Drug Free Workplace

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find jet 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 jet operator job on Zippia to find and recruit jet operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with jet operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   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 jet operator

   Once you've found the jet operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new jet 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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