In order for products to make it to market, a number of specific steps must be followed repeatedly to properly assemble, pack, and ship them. Each step must be followed safely and correctly. A production operator works along an assembly path performing a specialized task or tasks that help move a good towards the consumer market. A production operator must adhere to safety guidelines at all times and ensure that final products meet high quality standards. Duties of operator workers include attention to detail, following instructions, and ensuring the safe running of their facility at all times. They also need to be able to function well under stress, including times when machines malfunction or other emergencies occur.

While a production operator can work for a wide variety of companies, the job itself usually involves some aspect of the manufacturing process, creating virtually any kind of product. The responsibilities of production operator workers include creation of various goods, supervision of machines and other workers, packaging, shipping, and documentation of working outcomes. Whether working in construction or packaging, a production operator maintains the machinery necessary to perform a specialized task, or in some cases a rotation of tasks. Additionally, a production operator must have an excellent understanding of industry standards and regulations in order to safely and efficiently operate machinery in their work environment. A production operator may also be asked to keep records of their output and compare it with a production schedule.

In general, a production operator must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED to qualify for the job. However, more specialized training may be necessary if the job demands working with high-tech equipment or machinery. Some companies provide on-the-job training.