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Equipment Operator Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

... equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard ... greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational ...

The Production Trainee will be responsible for safely operating equipment, supporting quality standards, minimizing downtime, and recommending improvements to operations to meet customer demand.

Showing results 41-60

Equipment Operator Trainee information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$15

$25

How much do equipment operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for equipment operator trainee in Michigan is $15.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.88 and $16.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Michigan?

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Equipment Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Equipment Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Equipment Operator Trainee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,112 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Republic Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 576 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: A Driver Trainee will be trained by Republic Services to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) to then assume the responsibility of a Driver with our Company. Driver Trainees will complete a comprehensive training program and be given the resources to take the CDL examination. Once the Driver Trainee completes the program and obtains a CDL, the incumbent will be moved into a Driver position in one of the Company's lines of business, including but not limited to, Residential, Commercial, Industrial or Roll-Off.


PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Successfully complete Republic Services' CDL training program, which includes classroom study, on-route training, driving experience, and resources (including the loan of a truck) necessary to take and pass the state CDL examination.

  • Complete twelve (12) full months of employment with Republic Services after obtaining a CDL.

  • Learn to perform complete pre- and post-operation inspection of the assigned vehicle in accordance with Company policy to ensure tire pressure, fluid levels, safety equipment, gauges and controls are in proper working order. Report any safety issues on standard reports.

  • Learn to safely operate a heavy or commercial truck along a designated route and to the disposal site; read route sheet, follow map and service each customer as identified on the route sheet or as assigned by the dispatcher and/or supervisor.

  • Learn to operate manual and/or automatic controls in accordance with Company safety policies and procedures to lift and load refuse, operate compactor and dispose of collected material at the designated facility.

  • Learn to identify unsatisfactory waste containers and tag containers in accordance with applicable departmental procedures.

  • Learn to continuously monitor waste for evidence of unacceptable waste.

  • Continuously monitor the condition of any assigned vehicle to ensure it is operationally ready at all times to minimize down time; clean waste from the packer blade and truck body on each disposal trip.

  • Follow all required safety policies and procedures.

  • After obtaining a CDL, perform all responsibilities of a Driver in one of the Company's lines of business (i.e., Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Roll-Off).

  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

  • No prohibitions to acquiring a commercial drivers' license.

Rewarding Compensation and Benefits

Eligible employees can elect to participate in:
Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
Short- and long-term disability.
Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
Employee discount programs.
Retirement plan with a generous company match.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Benefits: https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/about-us/benefits

The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.

EEO STATEMENT:Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For any concerns relating to Republic Services' commitment to equal opportunity employment, you may contact the AWARE Line at 1-866-3-AWARE-4.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry. We provide customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services.Our industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on our vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world.


In 2025, Republic's total company revenue was $16.6 billion, and adjusted EBITDA was $5.3 billion. We serve 13 million customers and operate more than 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills.


Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By combining local operational management with standardized business practices, we drive greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational decisions at the local level, closest to the customer.


Our customers, including small businesses, major corporations and municipalities, want a partner with the expertise and capabilities to effectively manage their multiple recycling and waste streams. They choose Republic Services because we are committed to exceeding their expectations and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our 42,000 team members understand that it's not just what we do that matters, but how we do it.


Our company values guide our daily actions:

  • Safe: We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities.
  • Committed to Serve: We go above and beyond to exceed our customers' expectations.
  • Environmentally Responsible:We take action to improve our environment.
  • Driven: We deliver results in the right way.
  • Human-Centered:We respect the dignity and unique potential of every person.

We are proud of our high employee engagement score of 86. We have an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice counts. In addition, our team positively impacted 5.1 million people in 2024 through the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and local community grants. These projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on building sustainable neighborhoods.


STRATEGY

Republic Services' strategy is designed to generate profitable growth. Through acquisitions and industry advancements, we safely and sustainably manage our customers' multiple waste streams through a North American footprint of vertically integrated assets.

We focus on three areas of growth to meet the increasing needs of our customers: recycling and waste, environmental solutions and sustainability innovation.

With our integrated approach, strengthening our position in one area advances other areas of our business. For example, as we grow volume in recycling and waste, we collect additional material to bolster our circularity capabilities. And as we expand environmental solutions, we drive additional opportunities to provide these services to our existing recycling and waste customers.


Recycling and Waste

We continue to expand our recycling and waste business footprint throughout North America through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The 13 million customers we serve and our more than 5 million pick-ups per day provide us with a distinct advantage. We aggregate materials at scale, unlocking new opportunities for advanced recycling. In addition, we are cross-selling new products and services to better meet our customers' specific needs.


Environmental Solutions

Our comprehensive environmental solutions capabilities help customers safely manage their most technical waste streams. We are expanding both our capabilities and our geographic footprint. We see strong growth opportunities for our offerings, including PFAS remediation, an increasing customer need.


Sustainability Innovation

Republic's recent innovations to advance circularity and decarbonization demonstrate our unique ability to leverage sustainability as a platform for growth.


The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility. These innovative sites process rigid plastics from our recycling centers, producing recycled materials that promote true bottle-to-bottle circularity. We also formed Blue Polymers, a joint venture with Ravago, to develop facilities that will further process plastic material from our Polymer Centers to help meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. We are building a network of Polymer Centers and Blue Polymer facilities across North America.


Our customers are increasingly looking for decarbonization solutions, and we are leveraging our network of landfills to meet that need. Republic is committed to harnessing landfill gas, a natural byproduct of decomposing waste, and converting it to energy. Republic has partnered with renewable gas developers to construct Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plants at our landfills, expanding beyond the 77 projects we currently have to make progress towards our goal to beneficially reuse 50% more biogas by 2030 (2017 baseline year).


RECENT RECOGNITION

  • Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies
  • CDP Discloser
  • Dow Jones Best-In-Class Indices
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies
  • Fortune World's Most Admired Companies
  • Great Place to Work
  • Sustainability Yearbook S&P Global

What Republic Services employees say

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