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Equipment Operator Trainee Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator Trainee This position consists of a training program that will be conducted over ... Become proficient completing routine preventative maintenance of terminal equipment (i.e. pumps ...

Operate plant equipment: i.e. fork lift, loader, skid steer and boom truck. * Participate in ... Complete all required Operator Trainee training. * Must have a valid driver's license and working ...

Mobile Mechanic Trainee

Juneau, AK ยท On-site

$27 - $36.75/hr

Approximately 400 miners, mechanics, engineers, operators, geologists, environmental technicians ... Pre-shift inspection of work areas and equipment. * Maintenance and repair surface and /or ...

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Equipment Operator Trainee information

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an equipment operator trainee?

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 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.

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.

How long is equipment operator trainee training?

Equipment operator trainee training typically lasts from a few weeks to several months, depending on the employer and the complexity of the equipment. The training includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and safety procedures, often followed by certification or licensing requirements. Ongoing skill development is common as operators gain experience with different machinery and environments.

How to get a equipment operator trainee job with no experience?

To become an equipment operator trainee with no experience, focus on obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, and consider completing a training program or apprenticeship that provides hands-on experience with heavy machinery. Certifications such as OSHA safety training or equipment-specific courses can improve your chances, and applying to entry-level positions or companies that offer on-the-job training can help you start your career.

How to get started as an equipment operator trainee?

To start as an equipment operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some employers may require a valid driver's license. Gaining experience through entry-level positions or apprenticeships, and obtaining relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training, can improve your prospects. On-the-job training is common, and developing skills in operating machinery and understanding safety protocols is essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs in Alaska?

The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs in Alaska are:

Infographic showing various Equipment Operator Trainee job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Terminal Operator Trainee

ASRC Energy

Fairbanks, AK โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Terminal Operator Trainee

This position consists of a training program that will be conducted over a period of up to one year. The content of the training program will include the necessary skills required to perform the duties of a Terminal Operator at the Fairbanks Terminal. Primary duties include proficiency in handling fuel & chemicals associated with terminal operations and important aspects concerning site safety, spill response, facility security, quality assurance, and daily operational duties. After completion of the training program and demonstration of an understanding of the required skills, Trainees may be promoted to a full-time Terminal Operator position. The Terminal Operator Trainee will be expected to work a shift schedule that includes rotating day and night shifts and live in Fairbanks on a year-round basis.

Essential duties and responsibilities (and other duties as assigned):

  1. Become familiar with the facility and all products stored in the facility.
  2. Retain knowledge of all tank sizes, pipelines and all possible configurations of loading and unloading scenarios.
  3. Become knowledgeable in the properties and characteristics of the fuel products and chemicals that are handled and stored at the Terminal as well as the safe and proper handling techniques for each.
  4. Become familiar with the product specifications and learn to perform basic product quality tests. Learn to handle fuel and chemicals such that product quality is preserved and protected.
  5. Learn the proper skills required for receiving cargo into facility tanks, monitoring tank volumes, reconciling daily product inventories, loading/unloading trucks, and loading/unloading tank cars. These skills will include valve & pipeline alignments, operation of pumps, tank gauge monitoring, determination of product volumes, and confirmation of fuel quality specifications.
  6. Learn to account for product movements and resolve discrepancies between truck and tank car product transfers, and physical inventories using various systems and software.
  7. Become familiar with chemical additives in various fuel products and the proper operation of additive injection systems.
  8. Become proficient completing routine preventative maintenance of terminal equipment (i.e. pumps, valves, piping, vehicles, etc.) as scheduled as well as correcting minor equipment failures when they occur.
  9. Become knowledgeable of regulatory requirements and responsibilities for the handling and storage of fuel products and chemicals and become proficient with spill response techniques
  10. Learn and become proficient with the required facility security duties on site.
  11. Perform physical labor including shoveling snow & gravel, cutting brush, climbing tank stairways, and working inside of confined spaces.

Leadership competency requirements for individual contributor level:

ASRC's Core Competencies include Leading Self, Leading People and Leading the Organization. In addition to our core competency model, our framework includes competencies specific to the various levels of positions within our company. For more information on our core competencies please contact the HR Department and reference the ASRC Leadership Framework.

Customer Focus

  • Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.

Drive for Results

  • Can be counted on to exceed goals successfully; is constantly and consistently one of the top performers; very bottom-line oriented; steadfastly pushes self and others for results.

Problem Solving

  • Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions; probes all fruitful sources for answers; can see hidden problems; is excellent at honest analysis; looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers.

Time Management

  • Uses time effectively and efficiently, concentrating his/her efforts on the more important priorities.

Education and/or Experience

  1. High School Diploma or Equivalent; secondary training in a skilled trade (i.e. mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, electronic, equipment operator) is preferred.
  2. Demonstrated ability to take direction/supervision and work cooperatively with others.
  3. Alaska Driver's License with clean record required; CDL Class A with Hazardous Material endorsement preferred.
  4. Demonstrated ability to learn how to operate equipment such as a front-end loader, man-lift, skid-steer, spill response vessel, plow truck, forklift, crane, and snow blower in order to conduct Terminal operations and maintenance.

Language Skills

  1. The ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  2. The ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  3. The ability to speak effectively before groups of employees or customers.

Mathematical Skills

  1. The ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  2. The ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability

  1. The ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
  2. The ability to deal with problems involving several variables and prioritize responsibilities as needed.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; reach with hands and arms; and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. The employee must have the ability to climb tanks up to 50 feet utilizing stairs, ladders and platforms and perform their job at those heights. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment at the Fairbanks Terminal consists of a variety of settings including a busy office/control room, maintenance shop, truck rack, rail rack, and tank farm. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will often be exposed to outside weather conditions throughout all seasons.