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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Chesterton, IN

Franciscan Health

Plant Operator

Crown Point, IN · On-site

... engineering senior management. This position assesses, prioritizes, troubleshoots, and repairs ... Plant Operator Certificate or Apprenticeship preferred TRAVEL IS REQUIRED: Never or Rarely EQUAL ...

Franciscan Alliance

Plant Operator

Crown Point, IN · On-site

... engineering senior management. This position assesses, prioritizes, troubleshoots, and repairs ... Plant Operator Certificate or Apprenticeship preferred TRAVEL IS REQUIRED: Never or Rarely EQUAL ...

Franciscan Health

Plant Operator I

Michigan City, IN · On-site

... engineering senior management. This position assesses, prioritizes, troubleshoots, and repairs ... Operator Apprenticeship preferred TRAVEL IS REQUIRED: Never or Rarely EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It ...

Wachter, Inc.

Electrical Foreman

Chicago, IL

$40 - $45/hr

Lead "heavy commercial" projects on industrial sites, managing teams of 4+ Electricians/Apprentices ... keep businesses operating efficiently. Our team of dedicated electricians, engineers, and ...

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All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Chesterton, IN

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Chesterton, IN salary details

$11

$20

$35

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Chesterton, IN is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Apprentice Operating Engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.

What are Apprentice Operating Engineers?

Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?

AspectApprentice Operating EngineerOperating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completionRequires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionIndependent operation and decision-making

The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.

What cities near Chesterton, IN are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Chesterton, IN with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
Plant Operator I

Plant Operator I

Franciscan Alliance

Michigan City, IN

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Franciscan Health rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 266 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

492nd of 884 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Franciscan Health Michigan City Campus3500 Franciscan Way Michigan City, Indiana 46360

The Plant Operator provides physical plant construction and maintenance services for hospital facilities in under the direction of engineering senior management. This position assesses, prioritizes, troubleshoots, and repairs facility components requiring design, life-cycle planning, repair, replacement, or new installation. The Plant Operator I performs duties in compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, building standards, and hospital policies. The Plant Operator I leads the physical plant team in the operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of general building components, equipment, and apparatus to provide a comfortable and safe hospital environment.
WHO WE ARE
Franciscan Health is a leading healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional patient care and promoting health and wellness in our community. Our mission is to ensure that every patient receives the highest quality of care through innovation, compassion, and excellence. With 11 ministries and access points across Indiana, Franciscan Health is one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the Midwest. Franciscan Health takes pride in hiring coworkers who provide compassionate, comprehensive care for our patients and the communities we serve.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

  • Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm

  • Assist in the temporary shutdown of the physical plant and facility equipment, systems, and electrical components necessary for renovation and new construction projects.

  • Design, construct, install and remove various plant and facility equipment, systems, and components.

  • Diagnose malfunctions in physical plant and facility equipment, systems, or components and take appropriate corrective and preventative actions.

  • Maintain appropriate documentation for the physical plant and facility equipment, systems, and components.

  • Maintain appropriate inventory of replacement plant equipment, consumables, and systems.

  • Maintain the hospital computerized maintenance management system through the appropriate completion of work orders and the recording of equipment history.

  • Perform preventive maintenance and inspections on all physical plant and facility equipment, systems, and components in accordance with prescribed procedures.

  • Provide quality control for new installations or replacements of the plant and facility equipment, systems, and components performed by others.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma/GED required

  • Associate Degree related to Construction, Engineering, or Facility Maintenance preferred

  • 2 years of Plant Operations experience required

  • 2 years of Hospital Maintenance or Construction experience preferred

  • Plant Operator Certificate or equivalent preferred

  • Operator Apprenticeship preferred

TRAVEL IS REQUIRED:

Never or Rarely

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

It is the policy of Franciscan Alliance to provide equal employment to its employees and qualified applicants for employment as otherwise required by an applicable local, state or Federal law.

Franciscan Alliance reserves a Right of Conscience objection in the event local, state or Federal ordinances that violate its values and the free exercise of its religious rights.

Franciscan Alliance is committed to equal employment opportunity.

Franciscan provides eligible employees with comprehensive benefit offerings. Find an overview on thebenefit section of our career site, jobs.franciscanhealth.org.

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