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Equipment Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operator Trainee

Beulah, ND · On-site

$43.98/hr

OPERATOR TRAINEE We have an opening for full-time Operator Trainee at Coyote Station, a 427 MW coal ... plant equipment; learn all major and minor equipment systems in the plant. Provide general ...

Equipment Operator - Williston, ND

Williston, ND · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Level 1 * Internal Applicants:6+ months' experience as an Equipment Operator Trainee, successfully meeting all competency requirements * External Applicants: 6+ months' experience as an Equipment ...

Equipment Operator - Williston, ND

Williston, ND · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Level 1 * Internal Applicants: 6+ months' experience as an Equipment Operator Trainee, successfully meeting all competency requirements * External Applicants: 6+ months' experience as an Equipment ...

Operator Trainee

Beulah, ND · On-site

$43.98/hr

OPERATOR TRAINEE We have an opening for full-time Operator Trainee at Coyote Station, a 427 MW coal ... plant equipment; learn all major and minor equipment systems in the plant. Provide general ...

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Equipment Operator Trainee information

How to get started as an equipment operator?

To start as an equipment operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or a formal apprenticeship. Obtaining relevant certifications, such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) or equipment-specific licenses, can improve job prospects, and gaining experience with machinery like bulldozers, excavators, or loaders is beneficial.

What are some common challenges faced by Equipment Operator Trainees during their initial training period?

Equipment Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to various types of heavy machinery, learning strict safety protocols, and mastering precise control techniques. The initial training period typically involves both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, which can be physically demanding and mentally intensive. Additionally, trainees must quickly develop effective communication skills to work safely and efficiently with supervisors and team members on busy job sites. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for building confidence and progressing to more advanced operator roles.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry-level equipment operator trainee positions often do not require prior experience, but applicants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or certification programs. Having knowledge of equipment operation, safety procedures, and physical fitness can improve chances of employment, even without prior experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Equipment Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Equipment Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of machinery operation, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, maintenance tools, and sometimes entry-level certifications like OSHA safety training are commonly required. Attention to detail, willingness to learn, and effective communication help trainees excel and integrate into teams. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient equipment operation and lay the foundation for career advancement in construction or industrial environments.

What do operator trainees do?

Equipment operator trainees learn to operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, and loaders under supervision. They gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and often work toward obtaining certifications or licenses required for full equipment operation. Trainees typically follow safety protocols and assist with construction, maintenance, or excavation tasks.

What is the difference between Equipment Operator Trainee vs Equipment Operator?

AspectEquipment Operator TraineeEquipment Operator
CertificationsMay require OSHA safety training, basic certificationsTypically requires valid certifications, licenses, or licenses depending on equipment
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction zones, or job sites under supervisionActive job sites, operating heavy machinery independently
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning equipment operation, assisting experienced operatorsOperating machinery, performing maintenance, ensuring safety

The main difference between an Equipment Operator Trainee and an Equipment Operator is experience level. Trainees are in training, often under supervision, while Equipment Operators are fully qualified to operate machinery independently. Trainees focus on learning and gaining certifications, whereas Operators perform the actual work on job sites.

What is an Equipment Operator Trainee?

An Equipment Operator Trainee is an entry-level worker who learns how to safely operate heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, excavators, forklifts, or other construction and industrial equipment. Trainees typically work under the supervision of experienced operators, receiving on-the-job training and sometimes classroom instruction. Their responsibilities include learning to inspect equipment, follow safety protocols, and assist with basic maintenance. This role is designed to prepare individuals for advancement to full equipment operator positions as they gain experience and demonstrate proficiency.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

The highest paid equipment operators are often those who operate specialized machinery such as crane operators, excavator operators, or heavy-duty equipment in industries like construction, mining, or oil and gas. Experience, certifications, and working in high-demand sectors or remote locations can also increase earning potential. Typically, crane operators and heavy equipment operators with advanced skills and certifications earn the highest wages in the field.
More about Equipment Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Equipment Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Equipment Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Equipment Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Equipment Operator Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Equipment Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Stormwater Services - Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I, II - Stormwater Utility

cityofabilene

Abilene, TX

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, perform a variety of skilled work in the operation, maintenance, construction and care of the City’s stormwater infrastructure, equipment, and machinery. This position involves manual work in the performance of various tasks to improve drainage and flood control within Abilene, operation & minor maintenance of all Stormwater Utility Division construction and heavy equipment.   

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee and I under immediate supervision; requires skilled work, tact and the ability to meet rough grades.

Heavy Equipment Operator II is an advanced journey level position under general supervision; requiring the ability to perform highly skilled work that meets finished engineered grades.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee exercises no supervision.

Heavy Equipment Operator I may function as a crew leader on small projects or in small work groups and in the absence of the Heavy Equipment Operator II. This position exercises technical and functional supervision over assigned Equipment Operators.

Heavy Equipment Operator II functions as a crew leader on assigned operations. This position exercises technical and functional supervision over assigned Heavy Equipment Operators and Equipment Operator Trainees.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Skilled knowledge of maintenance operations performed in rough terrain, creeks and stormwater drainage infrastructure including project oversight, mowing, street sweeping and herbicide application.

Advanced knowledge in the general operation and servicing of all Stormwater utility division construction equipment. Ability to perform minor preventive maintenance servicing to assigned equipment and report mechanical or other problems.

Effectively utilize a variety of loaders in excess of three (3) yards capacity.

Operate hydraulic & walking excavators including the tandem and trailer used for transport, boom truck, and dump trucks.

Drive a truck tractor hauling equipment or a 2000-gallon tank, a vac-truck, a street sweeper, a mid-mount mower and tractor with pull mower attachments.

Operate gradall, crawler or large rubber-tire tractors equipped with bulldozer blades used in moving earth in the maintenance and rehabilitation of creeks, drains and borrow ditches.

Operate a motor grader with blade, scarifier, and other attachments in the maintenance and repair of creeks, drains, and borrow ditches to obtain grade and proper water flow.

Operate power tools, shovel and attachments in excavation and loading work, and repair of storm sewer systems.

Ability to conduct training, safety review, and close coordination with Crew Chief and Maintenance Supervisor.

Performs on-call services and attends to after-hour emergencies, when necessary.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job related duties and responsibilities as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I

Operating features of heavy maintenance and construction equipment. 

Proper use and occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for the safe operation of equipment.

Heavy construction techniques and procedures.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Heavy Equipment Operator II 

Operating characteristics of large automotive equipment.

Division policies and procedures.

Skill to:

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I

Operate a variety of heavy equipment including:

  • Crawler tractor
  • Wheel loader
  • Rubber tire loader
  • Gradall
  • Hydraulic excavator
  • Knuckle boom truck
  • Self-propelled scraper
  • Tractor, mower, boom mower, and mid-mount mowers
  • Street sweeper
  • 3 to 16 cubic yard dump truck and truck tractor/equipment with a tanker trailer

Heavy Equipment Operator II 

Operate a variety of heavy equipment including bulldozer, walking excavator or spider including tandem and trailer used to transport the walking excavators, motor grader with blade and vac-out truck.

Ability to:

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, I

Shoot and produce a rough grade.

Perform maintenance and construction work to high standards of engineering accuracy.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Heavy Equipment Operator II 

Operate a variety of heavy equipment including bulldozers, walking excavators or spiders including tandems and trailers used to transport the walking excavators, motor graders with blades and vac-out trucks.

Produce a final grade.

Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.        

Experience and Training Guidelines:

For positions with more than one level, all listed requirements at the lower levels are required at the higher levels. Any combination equivalent to experience and training to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying. Knowledge, skills, and abilities may be obtained through:

Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee

Experience:

Six (6) months of experience in the operation of heavy equipment is required.

Education/Training:

A high school diploma or a GED is required.

License or Certificate:

 A valid Class A Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), or the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment is required.

A Non-Commercial Herbicide Applicator License from Texas Department of Agriculture is preferred.

Heavy Equipment Operator I

License or Certificate:

 A valid Class A Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required.

Non-Commercial Herbicide Applicator License from Texas Department of Agriculture is preferred.

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience equivalent to that of a Heavy Equipment Operator I is required.

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training are required within sixty (60) days of employment.

Exposure to outdoors, inclement weather, wet weather, rough terrain, poison ivy, wild animals and noise.

Exposure to confined workspaces, vibration, chemicals, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, and other pollutants during spill clean-ups.

Ability to travel to different work sites and be available after work hours. 

Ability to safely traverse steep grades often found in creeks and drainage ways.

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___     Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___     Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

___     Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___     Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

_X_     Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N         =          No

E         =          Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M         =          Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I           =          Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A         =          Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_M_    Standing

_M_    Sitting

_M_    Walking

_M      Lifting

_M      Carrying

_M_    Pushing/Pulling

_I__    Overhead Work

_M_    Fine Dexterity

  M_    Kneeling

_M_    Crouching

_I__    Crawling

_M_    Bending

_M_    Twisting

_M_    Climbing

_M_    Balancing

_E_     Vision

_E_     Hearing

_E_     Talking

___     Other:  _____________________