Associate Operator
General Mills
- Location
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Entry
- Salary
- $21/hr
- H-1B history
- 13 approvals (FY2023)
- Posted
- Sep 8, 2026
Skills
About this role
COMPANY OVERVIEW We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next. 
 POSITION OVERVIEW Associate Operator $ 20.65 per hour with annual pay progression Shift differential Additional $.25 per hour for hours worked on 2 nd shift Additional $.50 per hour for hours worked on 3 rd shift Overtime pay Time worked after 40 hours of work in any one (1) work week is paid at 1.5 times regular hourly rate of pay Time worked on a holiday is paid at 2 times regular hourly rate of pay (if eligible for holiday pay and holiday is worked) Why Join Our Team The Cedar Rapids plant offers numerous growth and promotion opportunities, often promoting from within for salaried positions. The plant provides competitive pay and benefits, making it one of the highest-rated employers in the area. The plant organizes holiday dinners, family days, bring your child to work day, a summer bash with families and community involvement, and a quarter-century club celebration for employees with 25 or more years of service. Fun facts include Ashton Kutcher's previous employment at the plant and his father's 35-year tenure in the fruit department. The plant is also the sole domestic producer of Betty Crocker frosting. What We Have to Offer Great paid time off benefits 15 days (120 hours) of vacation annually and 13 paid holidays 6 paid Sick and Emergency days per year 401(k) match Health Insurance- Including medical, vision, dental and life And much more! Your Work Schedule and Shift Information 8-hour shifts 1st shift: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm 2nd shift: 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm 3rd shift: 11:00 pm to 7:00 am Shift schedule of 2nd or 3rd shift to be determined during orientation and based on availability and business need Ability and willingness to work overtime, any shift, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays Plant operation is 24 hours per day, 7 days per week KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES As part of our manufacturing team, you will: Troubleshoot problems with machinery and partner with maintenance staff to resolve issues. Calibrate processing and packaging systems daily to meet required specifications Participate in startup, changeover, and shut down of operating equipment. Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance. Assist in training new employees.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of a high school education or GED 2 years of experience in a manufacturing/production environment is required All employees must go through a forklift certification course and are required to drive a forklift Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English). Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs Must be able to perform physical tasks for extended periods of time including standing, walking, climbing, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting over surfaces Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms Ability to wear protective clothing and equipment such as safety shoes, face masks, safety glasses, hearing protection, a hard hat, a hair/beard net and gloves when required Willing and able to adhere to all grooming requirements necessary for a food manufacturing environment Ability to work in hot, cold, noisy, dusty, wet environmental working conditions Willing to work around industrial high-speed moving machinery Ability to work with allergens that might be present in a