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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Buffalo, NY (NOW HIRING)

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Buffalo, NY

$21 - $25/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Derby, NY

$21 - $25/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Depew, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Elma, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Clean Harbors

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Lackawanna, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

Safety-Kleen

Class B CDL Route Relief Driver

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Lackawanna, NY is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Service parts washer machines and clean out sediment from sinks * Up-sell at customer locations and ...

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All JobsMachine Operator JobsMachine Operator Trainee JobsMachine Operator Trainee Jobs in Buffalo, NY

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Buffalo, NY salary details

$11

$17

$22

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Buffalo, NY is $17.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $18.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get started as a machine operator trainee?

To start as a machine operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic mechanical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with tools, safety procedures, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in safety or equipment operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator trainee?

To thrive as a Machine Operator Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and basic computer systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety.

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

AspectMachine Operator TraineeMachine Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the jobTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull operational environment, responsible for machine operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning machine operation tasksOperating machinery independently, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Machine Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, often supervised and still acquiring skills, while a Machine Operator is fully responsible for operating machinery independently. Trainees focus on gaining experience, whereas operators perform the job routinely with established skills.

What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?

Machine Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery safely, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and mastering quality control procedures. Adjusting to shift work and understanding the importance of teamwork in a manufacturing setting can also take time. However, most employers provide hands-on training and mentorship to support new trainees as they build confidence and proficiency in their roles.

What is a machine operator trainee?

A machine operator trainee is an entry-level worker learning to operate manufacturing or industrial machinery under supervision. The role involves gaining skills in equipment operation, safety procedures, and maintenance, often requiring on-the-job training and sometimes certifications. Trainees typically work in manufacturing environments and develop technical proficiency for full machine operator positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY? The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY are:
What cities near Buffalo, NY are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Buffalo, NY with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:
Machine Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Buffalo, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,641 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Dairy Machine Operator Trainee - 3rd shift

Lactalis American Group Inc

Buffalo, NY • On-site

$28.78 - $30.07/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Lactalis USA rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

100th of 437 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.


At Lactalis in the USA, we're committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive-whether you're just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we're proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani Italian cheeses and ricotta, President specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone's cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond cheddar, and Parmalat milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi's, Stonyfield Organic, Brown Cow, Oui, Yoplait, Go-Gurt, :ratio, Green Mountain Creamery, and Mountain High, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun, Gopi, and Arz.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values-Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone's unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 

From your PASSION to ours:

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Dairy Machine Operator based in Buffalo, NY.(3rd shift - includes working weekends with days off during the week.)

Summary: Responsible for running and cleaning multiple pieces of equipment which include the cheese molders, cooker, DMC and brine system.   


Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:


1.Ability to start-up, maintain sanitation, perform CIP, shutdown and operate machinery. Also to include troubleshooting machinery when needed. 

2.Monitors key processing indicators such as time, temperature, pH, moisture and weight. 

3.Maintains production in a continuous flow operation. 

4.Will be in control of daily production and sanitation paperwork; filling it out properly and making comments of any non-compliance results. 

5.Ensures Food Safety and Security as required per the Plant's GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GSP (Good Sanitation Practices) Policy and Procedures.  

6.Performs other work duties as requested by the Mozzarella Production Supervisor.

7.Responsible for working efficiently and safely to produce a high quality product.

Requirements

Qualifications:


Basic mathematical skills are required (must be able to calculate averages).

Attention to detail and accuracy in work required.

Strong communication abilities, written and verbal.


Education and/or Experience: 


Associates Degree Dairy Science/chemistry preferred.

High School Diploma Required.

Dairy Experience Preferred.


At Lactalis, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. We support insurance costs significantly, contribute generously to retirement plans, and offer Paid Time Off from day one. We are committed to your professional growth, providing training and development opportunities, including Education Reimbursement. Join us and grow your career.

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.

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