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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Harahan, LA (NOW HIRING)

... operating heavy equipment, loading ocean going vessels and river barges, and perform basic upkeep ... Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges and other indicators to make sure a machine is working ...

Butcher

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Mentors and supports assigned Meat Cutter Trainee(s). * Arrives to work station on time ... machinery. Note : The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential ...

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Machine Operator Trainee information

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$10

$16

$20

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Harahan, LA is $16.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How to become a machine operator trainee with no experience?

To become a machine operator trainee with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through vocational training or community college courses, and highlight your willingness to learn and work in a manufacturing environment. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level candidates, so applying to companies that provide training programs can also be effective.

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 technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

What do machine operator trainees do?

Machine operator trainees learn to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, such as presses, lathes, or conveyor systems. They gain skills in safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting under supervision to prepare for full-time roles as machine operators.

What cities near Harahan, LA are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Harahan, LA with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Harahan, LA 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 $33,510 per year, or $16.1 per hour.

Stevedore Trainee - Destrehan, LA

Archer Daniels Midland

Destrehan, LA

Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago


ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Stevedore Trainee - Destrehan, LA
This is a full-time, hourly position.
Job Description:
This is a trainee position to introduce potential candidates to Stevedoring operations. This includes vessel loading, heavy equipment operation, lifting operations. Candidates may be required to know and understand all paperwork that goes with loading ocean going vessels.  Candidates will be asked to make/keep time logs and fill out end of vessel reports as well as other reports relating to safety and production. perform a wide variety of tasks including operating heavy equipment, loading ocean going vessels and river barges, and perform basic upkeep on heavy equipment. Candidates will be expected to participate in all facets of the ADM policies in particular the safety, ethics, and environmental commitments.
Skills:                                                                         
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges and other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Job Requirements:
  • Must have a safe work record and be 100% safety minded                                                                                                    
  • Must have good written and oral skills
  • Must have basic mathematic skills
  • Must be able to perform basic preventive maintenance on heavy equipment
  • Must be able to work in barges
  • Must be able to work shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be able to work in small groups
  • Must be able to be flexible in your hours and be able to work on short notice
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Must have or be able to acquire a TWIC Card
  • Must be in good physical condition and able to lift 50 pounds 
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:112493BR

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