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Oil Field Trainee Jobs in Three Rivers, MI (NOW HIRING)

Oil Field Trainee information

See Three Rivers, MI salary details

$12

$19

$33

How much do oil field trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil field trainee in Three Rivers, MI is $19.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an oil field trainee?

Oil Field Trainees are entry-level workers who assist with various tasks in oil and gas extraction operations. They receive on-the-job training to learn about drilling, equipment maintenance, safety procedures, and site operations. Trainees often work under the supervision of experienced personnel and gradually take on more responsibility as they gain skills and knowledge. This role is a common starting point for a career in the oil and gas industry, offering valuable experience and opportunities for advancement.

What are some common challenges faced by oil field trainees during the initial months on the job?

Oil Field Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, adjusting to long or irregular shifts, and learning complex safety protocols. The work environment can be remote and requires teamwork with experienced technicians and engineers, which can be both rewarding and demanding. Building familiarity with specialized equipment and understanding industry-specific terminology are also key hurdles trainees must overcome, but strong support from mentors and structured training programs help ease this transition.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an oil field trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Oil Field Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety regulations, drilling equipment, and possibly certifications like H2S or first aid are typically required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help trainees integrate quickly and respond to dynamic field conditions. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safety, operational efficiency, and career advancement in the demanding oil field environment.

What is the difference between Oil Field Trainee vs Oil Rig Worker?

AspectOil Field TraineeOil Rig Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety certificationsHigh school diploma; safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, on-the-job learning, supervised tasksActive oil rigs, outdoor, physically demanding
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position for training purposesOperational role on oil rigs, more experienced

Oil Field Trainees are entry-level individuals undergoing training to learn oil extraction processes, often working under supervision. Oil Rig Workers are more experienced personnel performing hands-on tasks on oil rigs. While both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, trainees focus on learning, whereas rig workers execute operational duties.

What cities near Three Rivers, MI are hiring for Oil Field Trainee jobs?

Cities near Three Rivers, MI with the most Oil Field Trainee job openings:

Mechanical Laborer - Elkhart, IN 2026

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Elkhart, IN • On-site

$35.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-which guides how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to launch a career in mechanical support and contribute to the reliability of our locomotive fleet, we invite you to explore the Mechanical Shop Laborer Trainee role.

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in mechanical operations through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Trainees learn to service locomotives, transport supplies, and perform essential support activities that keep our operations running safely and efficiently.

What Should You Know

    • This is a seniority-based union position.
    • You must be available to work shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
    • Extensive travel for training may be required.
    • Union membership is required within 60 days of establishing seniority.

Training

Training includes both classroom and field instruction:

    • Classroom Training: Mechanical Safety Orientation during the first week of employment.
    • Field Training: Hands-on experience in locomotive service and shop operations.
    • Norfolk Southern provides lodging and reimburses travel per union agreement.

Job Responsibilities

    • Fuel locomotives and check/replenish oil levels.
    • Clean locomotive cabs, including restroom facilities.
    • Sand and wash locomotives.
    • Operate forklifts and other equipment.
    • Operate various vehicles; may be required to obtain CDL for Locomotive Service truck.
    • May operate locomotives within shop limits.
    • Clean and maintain related railroad facilities.
    • Perform other tasks as needed to ensure safe and efficient locomotive operations.
    • Transport supplies and materials between work and storage locations.
    • Complete other tasks as needed to ensure the proper and safe functioning of the locomotive.
    • Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.
    • Wear required protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, and safety-toe boots.
    • Complete annual safety training and pass safety rules examinations.

Qualifications - Required

    • High school diploma or GED.
    • 18 years of age or older.
    • Valid driver's license.
    • Ability to pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and physical standards.
    • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform heavy physical labor.
    • Must pass a post-offer medical examination, including a drug test.

Qualifications - Preferred

    • Mechanical aptitude and basic computer skills.
    • Ability to obtain a Locomotive Service Engineer license through NS-provided training.
    • Veterans and transitioning service members encouraged to apply (roles such as 2T3X1, AE, AMT, 2141, 88U).

Skills and Abilities

    • Understand oral and written communication.
    • Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability.
    • Time management and organizational skills.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements

    • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
    • Must maintain alertness and concentration while working around heavy, moving equipment.
    •  Ability to meet FRA medical requirements:
      • Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
      • Hearing-no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).
    • Frequently climbing on/off locomotives inside and outside the shop in all weather conditions.
    • Ability to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, and walk long distances over uneven terrain.

Work Conditions

    • Shop and outdoor environments.
    • Shift work across all three shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
    • Union membership required.
    • This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.

Compensation and Benefits

Pay Progression:

    • First 12 months: $26.43/hr (75% of full rate)
    • Second 12 months: $28.20/hr (80%)
    • After 24 months in any shop craft position: $35.25/hr

Benefits include:

    • Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hire.
    • Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan), $20,000 life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility from day one.
    • Dental and vision coverage after one year of service.

Company Overview

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting www.NorfolkSouthern.com.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.