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Operator Trainee Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Bus Operator Trainee

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$18.50 - $24.53/hr

Bus Operator Trainee Safety Sensitive: Yes Supervisor's Title: Manager of Transportation Training FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Department: Transportation Division: Operations ABOUT US We are IndyGo, a ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Bloomington, IN

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Printpack Bloomington is looking for candidates to fill machine operator trainee positions in the Finishing Department. While manufacturing experience is helpful for this role, training is available ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Printpack Bloomington is looking for candidates to fill machine operator trainee positions in the Finishing Department. While manufacturing experience is helpful for this role, training is available ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Bloomington, IN · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Printpack Bloomington is looking for candidates to fill machine operator trainee positions in the Finishing Department. While manufacturing experience is helpful for this role, training is available ...

Machine Operator Trainee

Bloomington, IN

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

Printpack Bloomington is looking for candidates to fill machine operator trainee positions in the Finishing Department. While manufacturing experience is helpful for this role, training is available ...

Be Seen First

Magic Coil Products is a growing steel service center that is seeking a motivated and dependable individual to join our team as a Trainee Slitter Operator. This position is ideal for someone who is ...

... the operating standards in the areas of sales and customer service. Such standards will be set ... Sales Trainee is acquiring the skills necessary in becoming a successful Account Executive • ...

Mixer Operator

Evansville, IN · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Train new Mixer Operator Trainees and make trial batches for Research & Development and Product Development if designated as an 'A' Mixer Operator. Essential Skills * 1-3 years of experience in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operator Trainee information

See Indiana salary details

$24.3K

$41.4K

$60.4K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Indiana is $41,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,400.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, control systems, and machinery operation—sometimes supported by OSHA certifications or technical training—is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help trainees adapt quickly and handle operational challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant or equipment operations while minimizing downtime and incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by Operator Trainees during their initial training period?

Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, mastering complex machinery, and quickly learning strict safety protocols. The fast-paced environment can be demanding, requiring attention to detail and the ability to follow precise instructions. Additionally, trainees must develop effective communication skills to collaborate with experienced operators and supervisors, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing errors. Overcoming these challenges is essential for building a strong foundation for future advancement within the organization.

What are operator trainees?

Operator trainees are entry-level employees who are undergoing training to learn how to operate machinery, equipment, or processes in various industries such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation. They work under the supervision of experienced operators or trainers, gaining hands-on experience and developing the necessary skills for safe and efficient operation. The training period prepares them for more advanced roles and helps ensure they understand company procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.

What is the difference between Operator Trainee vs Equipment Operator?

AspectOperator TraineeEquipment Operator
CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingValid driver’s license, specialized certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, manufacturing plantsActive job sites, industrial facilities, construction zones
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level positions in construction, manufacturingOperational roles in construction, mining, manufacturing
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles, training programsSeeking job opportunities, skills required for operating equipment

In summary, an Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often requiring minimal certifications. An Equipment Operator is a fully qualified worker responsible for operating machinery in various industrial settings. The trainee role prepares individuals for the more skilled, operational position of Equipment Operator.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Operator Trainee jobs in Indiana? For Operator Trainee jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Operator Trainee job openings:
Bus Operator Trainee

Bus Operator Trainee

Indygo

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$18.50 - $24.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


IndyGo rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

62nd of 76 rated public transport


Job description


Position Title: Bus Operator Trainee

Safety Sensitive: Yes

Supervisor’s Title: Manager of Transportation Training

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Transportation

Division: Operations


ABOUT US

We are IndyGo, a Municipal Corporation of Indianapolis – Marion County, and we’re proud to be Indiana's largest public transportation provider. We operate 32 transit routes throughout the county, providing nearly 10 million passenger trips a year to the good citizens of our region. IndyGo is committed to expanding mobility options to improve connectivity with the company’s mission, vision, and goals.

WHO WE ARE

A key measure of any great city is the ease of getting from one place to another. We call it “mobility.” It’s as essential as access to electricity and clean water. It moves a city forward to become a better place of opportunity and community. It’s a measure of a city’s vitality and potential and reflects a city’s judgment about its civic priorities. It makes a city a better home and a better place to visit.

At IndyGo, getting people from one place to another is much more than just moving riders; it’s about getting our riders to their hopes and dreams, to their education and careers, to their families and friends, to their health and well-being, and another day of life in Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

We’re here because you’ve got somewhere you need to be, and you need an easy, reliable way to get there. So come on; get on and go wherever you want to go on IndyGo.

INDYGO MISSION

As the region's largest transit authority, we are duty-bound to set the bar for transparency, trust, and professionalism. Our mission is to connect our community to economic and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable, and accessible mobility experiences.

Accountability: We are legally, ethically, and morally committed to utilizing all resources responsibly with integrity and transparency. 

Diversity: We promote, embrace, and value all individuals. 

Safety: We ensure safe and secure environments.  

Excellence: We strive for quality in everything we do.

Teamwork: We actively promote effective communication, collaboration, and partnerships. 

Respect: We value and treat all with dignity.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

  • Full-time positions with guaranteed 40 hours/week.
  • Medical, dental, and vision (effective on the 1st of the month, 30 days after the start date).
  • Free on-site wellness clinic for employees and their families.
  • Retirement plan (401A and 457B).
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Free IndyGo transportation is available for employees and their families.
  • Federal Loan Forgiveness Program

POSITION PURPOSE

The Bus Operator Trainee position is a limited-duration training position in which the incumbent is taught the knowledge and skills necessary to become an IndyGo Professional Bus Operator. After successful completion of the IndyGo Training Academy, an incumbent will know how to transport, safely and expediently, passengers throughout the Indianapolis Metropolitan area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the functions listed below. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

  • Learns to be and is responsible for conducting self in an appropriate manner as a representative of IndyGo, working effectively in a diverse work environment, making appropriate decisions, safely performing duties, and assuring professional quality of services to all external and internal customers.
  • Learn how to operate a transit bus in revenue and non-revenue service while strictly complying with IndyGo policies, directives, procedures, and all Federal and Indiana traffic laws and regulations. This includes using proper defensive driving techniques.
  • Learn how to perform a pre-trip inspection of a transit bus for mechanical problems before beginning the work assignment. This includes conducting an external/internal visual inspection of the transit bus and pre-testing all necessary equipment, operating/safety devices, and transit bus controls for use while in service. In addition, learn how to conduct an internal visual inspection at the end of revenue service to collect and turn in lost items, check for sleeping passengers, and bring route schedules back inside the operator’s lounge.
  • Learns and maintains a working knowledge of streets, current bus routes, and stops within the service area, as well as IndyGo’s current fare structure and bus pass programs.
  • Learns to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in operating the transit bus. This includes learning how to assist individuals with disabilities with boarding and de-boarding, when requested, and safely securing wheelchairs and mobility devices in a courteous manner, announcing designated stops and other stops as requested, without question, and examining and testing all passenger accessibility equipment during pre-trip inspections.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

  • Successfully passes the CDL Skills Exam, if applicable.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following education and/or experience.

  • Must be at least 21 years of age.
  • Valid Operators/Chauffeurs/Commercial Driver’s License
  • Valid Commercials Driver’s Permit preferred.
  • Valid Indiana CDL with Passenger and Airbrake Endorsements Preferred - Please upload Testing History and DOT Physical if you have these documents.
  • Strong documented experience in customer service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

  • Knowledge of and the ability to use standard defensive driving techniques.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, while interacting with customers and IndyGo employees in a courteous, professional manner. This includes providing good customer service by attending to the needs of a diverse customer base in a sensitive manner.
  • Above-average decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
  • Basic mathematical abilities (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
  • Ability to tell time and keep a timely schedule.
  • Ability to read and understand maps, routes, and timetables, which includes determining directions and following a mapped-out route.
  • Ability to work and maintain professional composure while under stress and pressure.
  • Ability to work unusual hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
  • Ability to make appropriate decisions based on standard policies and procedures, make quick, safe decisions with minimal supervision, and adapt to constantly changing operation environments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those an individual must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to pass a current Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination by obtaining a DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and then maintain a current DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate thereafter.
  • Must be able to pass all post-offer physical testing and the (DOT) physical examination.
  • Ability to work in an environment with dust, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, various temperatures, and chemicals for an extended length of time and in various outdoor weather conditions as required.
  • Must be able to sit for long periods of time within a defined workspace that cannot be modified.
  • Must occasionally move and position yourself to conduct inspections and secure wheelchairs.
  • Must be comfortable transporting individuals with service animals.

IndyGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer