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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Shepherd, MI

CNC Machinist - 3rd Shift

Greenville, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

... operating instructions Enter instructions into CNC equipment based on programmer specifications Set ... Candidates may qualify with a high school diploma or GED, vocational or apprenticeship training, 1 ...

... Engineering, CEM, Corporate Safety, Union Safety, Public Safety, etc.) and external customers ... Lead Daily Operating Reviews, Cross Functional Weekly Operating Reviews. * Authority for personnel ...

... Engineering, CEM, Corporate Safety, Union Safety, Public Safety, etc.) and external customers ... Lead Daily Operating Reviews, Cross Functional Weekly Operating Reviews. * Authority for personnel ...

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Shepherd, MI salary details

$11

$20

$34

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Shepherd, MI is $20.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice operating engineer?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice operating engineer?

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 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 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.

Can you become an apprentice operating engineer with an apprenticeship?

Yes, becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically involves enrolling in an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include passing a skills assessment or physical exam. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to a journeyman operating engineer certification and better job opportunities in the field.

Is an apprentice operating engineer hard to get into?

Becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, passing an entrance exam, and completing a structured apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Competition can be moderate, and relevant skills such as mechanical aptitude and safety awareness are important for entry.

What cities near Shepherd, MI are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities near Shepherd, MI with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

SENIOR ENERGY FACILITY OPERATOR

Mount Pleasant, MI • On-site

Central Michigan University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

$38.08/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operates high pressure steam boilers, chillers, generators, cooling towers, and related equipment to maintain campus demand.

  • Performs maintenance, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on boilers, chillers, generators, cooling towers, steam traps, pumps, and water treatment equipment.

  • Monitors and maintains the campus energy management system and keeps operational records and logs.


Central Michigan University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

415th of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Information
Position Information
Posting Number
S-3848
Position Number
42440
Type of Recruitment
External
Position Title
SENIOR ENERGY FACILITY OPERATOR
Position Summary
Performs skilled work in the operation and maintenance of high pressure steam boilers, steam absorption and centrifugal chillers, air conditioning cooling towers, steam, diesel and gas turbine driven generators, air compressors, pumps, and related work as required.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED.
Completion of a formal apprentice program of a qualifying nature or equivalent training and experience.
Possession of a valid driver's license.
Ability to work from blueprints, diagrams, and sketches.
Demonstrated ability to follow and/or interpret oral or written directions.
Demonstrated positive interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and project a positive image.
Ability to perform the essential functions and requirements of the job.
Preferred Qualifications
Duties & Responsibilities
Operates with automated and manual controls high pressure steam boilers to maintain campus demand for steam.
Performs maintenance on boilers, chillers, generators, cooling towers, steam traps, and related pumps.
Maintain cleanliness of the Central Energy Facility.
Maintain telephone and radio contact with campus and outside vendors and contractors as necessary.
Keeps necessary operating records and logs.
Performs touch up painting on equipment, pipes, floors, and walls.
Performs minor carpentry work.
Operates with automated and manual controls absorption and centrifugal chillers to maintain campus demand for chilled water.
Operates diesel, steam, and gas turbine driven generators.
Operates and maintains cooling towers.
Performs preventative maintenance and lubricates Central Energy Facilities equipment.
Monitors campus energy management system.
Operates water treatment equipment and takes water tests as prescribed by supervisor.
Maintains steam distribution and condensate return system in distribution tunnels.
Supervision Exercised
None.
Message to Applicants
Central Michigan University is dedicated to fostering an environment that is reflective of the communities we serve. We are especially interested in highly qualified candidates who will advance and promote CMU's mission, vision, and leadership standards.
You must submit an on-line application in order to be considered as an applicant for this position.
Cover letters may be addressed to the Hiring Committee.
If there is another applicable document you wish to include that is not required, please utilize the Other Document (1) upload field.
Employee Group
Service Maintenance
Staff Pay Level
11
Pay Range
$38.08/hour
Division
Finance and Administrative Services
Department
Utility Operations
Position Status
Regular
Position End Date
Employment Status
Full-Time
FTE
1.0
Position Type
12 month
Weekly Work Schedule
12 Hour Rotating shifts; rotating days/nights - 30 day cycle, every other weekend off
Location
Mount Pleasant, MI
About the Department
About CMU
Central Michigan University has a more than 125-year legacy of preparing students to become leaders and changemakers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.
We serve nearly 15,500 students on our Mount Pleasant campus, in satellite locations around the state and throughout the country, and through flexible online programs. Many of our approximately 300 undergraduate, master's, specialist and doctoral programs in the arts, media, business, education, human services, health professions, liberal arts, social sciences, medicine, science and engineering are nationally ranked for excellence.
CMU leads the nation in leadership development programming through our Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute, and we are proud to be among only 5% of U.S. universities in the top two Carnegie research classifications. Our faculty work with graduate and undergraduate students in areas such as Great Lakes research, medical innovation, engineering technology and more.
Central is home to 17 men's and women's Division 1 sports including football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, wrestling and more. Our student-athletes achieve great success in competition and in the classroom, capturing Mid-American Conference championships and maintaining an average cumulative GPA of 3.17.
CMU is located in Mount Pleasant, a community that blends the best of small-town living with big-city amenities. It's part of the culturally varied and vibrant Great Lakes Bay Region that also includes Saginaw, Bay City, Midland and the state's largest Native American community, centered on the Saginaw Chippewa Isabella Reservation in Mount Pleasant.
Area residents enjoy the mix of outdoor activities, cultural events, shopping and dining options, and family attractions. Other major Michigan destinations and attractions - Lansing, Grand Rapids, Detroit, Traverse City, wineries, beaches, golf and ski resorts, and many more - are within easy reach of the city's central location in Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
CMU employees enjoy access to a nationally recognized wellness program along with health care and benefits that exceed regional, state and national norms.
CMU Leadership Standards
Central Michigan University is a place where we value students and work for their success, where we act as family, and where employees are engaged, appreciated and have extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We intentionally maintain and strengthen the hallmark CMU culture that sets us apart from our peers by expecting CMU leaders and employees to model the following Leadership Standards and develop them within their teams.
Please review the Leadership Standards before applying for this position.
EEO Statement
CMU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and institution. CMU does not discriminate against persons based on age, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, sex, sex-based stereotypes, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status, or weight.
If you wish to see "Know Your Rights " posters, please click here.
CMU does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, including admission and employment, and is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 not to discriminate in such a matter.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be made to CMU's Title IX Coordinator, the US Department of Education's Assistant Secretary, or both.
CMU's Title IX Coordinator can be reached at:
Phone: 989-774-3253
Office: 103 E. Preston St.
Bovee University Center, suite 306
Mount Pleasant, MI 48858
Email: titleix@cmich.edu
Posting Ends
Open Until Filled
Yes

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