Operator Trainee Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

We recognize our competitive advantage -- our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company.

Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

Posting End Date: 07/16/2026 at 11:59PM HST

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:

Hawaiian Electric is currently establishing an External Applicant Pool, from which qualified applicants may be considered for an Operator Trainee (temporary or permanent) vacancy on the island of Oahu. 

Applicants must successfully pass an aptitude and skills assessment. The Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) aptitude test sessions will be scheduled for mid-July and mid-August. Confirmed dates and times will be sent separately. Please be sure to provide your current email address when submitting your application. Early applications are encouraged. 

Applicants who achieve a qualifying POSS score will be invited to participate in a Job Sample Test (JST), which is tentatively, scheduled for August 2026 - more information will be forthcoming.

Interested employees should not apply through this external applicant pool but through the internal job requisitions postings when position vacancies become available.

JOB FUNCTION:

Trains to perform the duties of Equipment Operator. Performs unskilled manual tasks as directed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Attends instruction classes and studies Operator Trainee Program on company time to prepare to pass examinations to qualify for Equipment Operator position.
• Trains to perform the following operations:
  • Determine operating status of equipment from previous shift personnel and logbook entries.
  • Watch carefully all equipment for normal operation utilizing direct, physical observations and computerized trends. Report any unusual conditions to the Shift Supervisor.
  • Operate circulating water pumps, feed pumps, auxiliary cooling water pumps, condensate pumps, condensate booster pump, vapor extractor pump, distilled water make-up pumps, generator air cooler pumps, sump pumps, various other pumps & systems equipment, evaporator and demineralizers.
  • Operate the hydrogen and seal oil systems; the feed water heaters, controls, traps and drain pumps; the HP drip receiver; the traveling screens, which include the proper disposal of any trash caught; the lubricating oil storage and purifying system, which includes the periodic change of filter bags and strainer cleaning and various other strainers, pumps and systems equipment.  Cuts-in and cuts-out one-half of condenser for cleaning.
  • Regulate the steam to the air ejector and the turbine steam seal as required.  Inspect the generator winding for oil and/or moisture.  Watch for condenser leaks; notify the Shift Supervisor if leak occurs.  Feed sawdust into the traveling screen pit when necessary.
  • Take complete log sheet readings
  • Use company provided computer to update timesheets, write work notifications, and professionally communicate via email and other means as necessary.
• Keeps equipment and floor clean.
• Maintains shift until properly relieved.
• Assume an emergency management role, as assigned, and perform specific assignments or functions, as needed, in an event of an emergency, not to include routine trouble calls/callouts.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs similar and incidental duties as required.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to identify and distinguish the difference between colors, including shades, hues, and tints. (for electrician related positions).
• T105: Must pass the Edison Electric Institute Plant Operator Selection System (POSS).
  • Note: Employees who became regular on or before April 15, 1985 AND who have taken and passed the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) do not need to take the POSS.
• T105: Must pass Job Sample Test.
• T105: High School diploma or GED. Preferred requirements: 12 months of related experience in a similar position or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Role: Non-Exempt

Number of Vacancies: Applicant Pool

Work Schedule: Monday- Friday

Work Hours: 7:00 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Pearl City - Oahu

Wage: $33.99

About Hawaiian Electric Companies
Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state's 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state's leading employers and a major contributor and supporter of community and educational programs.

The demand for power that has fueled the growth of the Hawaiian Islands has been met by Hawaiian Electric Companies for well over a century. And as the next millennium unfolds, the company is committed to providing quality service and seeking clean local energy sources to power generations of Hawaii families and businesses to come. Visit us at http://hawaiianelectric.com.

Interested individuals should apply online. The application must clearly indicate the demonstrated experience/knowledge/skills/abilities the candidate possesses which specifically qualifies him/her for the position.

Applicant Certification
By submitting an application for the position, candidates:
1. Authorize the Hawaiian Electric Companies to confirm all statements contained in the application and/or any materials submitted and made a part of the application as they relate to the position and to the extent permitted by law;
2. Authorize and consent to, without reservation, the Hawaiian Electric Companies sharing any and all information regarding previous or present employment, educational training or personal information from their records and from any other source with the hiring department or subsidiary company;
3. Release, discharge, and hold harmless, Hawaiian Electric Companies, from any and all liability for any damage which may be claimed as a result of furnishing such information to the hiring department or subsidiary company;
4. Authorizes release and transfer of all personnel records to be maintained by the hiring company in the event of an inter-company transfer; and
5. Authorize, direct, and consent to Hawaiian Electric Companies and/or its authorized agents to conduct investigations into candidates' background. These investigations may include, but are not limited to searches for information about applicants; record of criminal convictions to the extent permitted by law, education records, professional certifications, personal character references, and employment history.

EEO Statement 
Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. 

Hawaiian Electric Companies complies with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at (808) 543-4848.

Affiliate Disclaimer

The relationship between Hawaiian Electric and unregulated, energy-related affiliate companies is governed by the Affiliate Transaction Requirements (ATRs) established by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The ATRs were established with the PUC's Decision and Order No. 35962 issued on December 19, 2018, and subsequently modified by Order No. 36112, issued on January 24, 2019, in Docket No. 2018-0065. With Decision and Order No. 42409, issued on March 23, 2026, in Docket No. 2025-0391, the PUC indefinitely suspended certain sections of the ATRs.

The ATRs address many issues related to Hawaiian Electric's interactions and transactions with Affiliates and Affiliate-Related Entities. If you'd like more information about these rules/regulations, you can email ATR@hawaiianelectric.com.

This list may be amended, updated or revised from time to time without notice.