ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operator Trainee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cintas

Management Trainee

Pleasant Hill, IA

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Pleasant Hill, IA · On-site

The Management Trainee will work closely with experienced managers to learn about Outside Sales, Production/Warehouse Management, Office Management, Service Management and ultimately prepare you for ...

Aldi

Retail Manager Trainee

Dyersville, IA

$96.50K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... Travel: • Full-Time Store Manager Trainees will train at multiple locations and must have ...

Aldi

Retail Manager Trainee

Dubuque, IA

$96.50K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... Travel: • Full-Time Store Manager Trainees will train at multiple locations and must have ...

Silgan

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Dodge, IA Join ... Enforce standard operating procedures and assist with training and developing plant staff.

Silgan

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Madison, IA Join ... Enforce standard operating procedures and assist with training and developing plant staff.

Aldi

Retail Management Trainee

Dyersville, IA

$96.50K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... Travel: • Full-Time Store Manager Trainees will train at multiple locations and must have ...

Aldi

Retail Management Trainee

Dubuque, IA

$96.50K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... Travel: • Full-Time Store Manager Trainees will train at multiple locations and must have ...

Graybar

Sales Trainee

Davenport, IA · On-site

$24.04/hr

As a Sales Trainee , you will learn the electrical distribution business and Graybar's sales process through a mix of formal training sessions and hands-on learning. Our Sales Trainees are exposed to ...

Graybar

Sales Trainee

Davenport, IA · On-site

$24.04/hr

As a Sales Trainee , you will learn the electrical distribution business and Graybar's sales process through a mix of formal training sessions and hands-on learning. Our Sales Trainees are exposed to ...

Aldi

Retail Store Manager Trainee

Dubuque, IA

$96.50K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... Travel: • Full-Time Store Manager Trainees will train at multiple locations and must have ...

Aldi

Full-Time Store Manager Trainee

Sioux City, IA

$111K/yr

... operating results. • Oversees the appropriate resolution of employee and customer concerns ... Travel: • Full-Time Store Manager Trainees will train at multiple locations and must have ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsOperator Trainee JobsOperator Trainee Jobs in Iowa

Operator Trainee information

See Iowa salary details

$24K

$40.9K

$59.6K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Iowa is $40,887.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,000.00 and $47,900.00 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa? For Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa are:
Operator Trainee jobs near you
Operator, Pipeline Trainee (Iowa City, IA)

Operator, Pipeline Trainee (Iowa City, IA)

Enterprise Products

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Enterprise Products rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

Description
Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is one of the largest publicly traded partnerships and a leading North American provider of midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals. Our services include: natural gas gathering, treating, processing, transportation and storage; NGL transportation, fractionation, storage and import and export terminals; crude oil gathering, transportation, storage and terminals; petrochemical and refined products transportation, storage and terminals; and a marine transportation business that operates primarily on the United States inland and Intracoastal Waterway systems. The partnership's assets include approximately 50,000 miles of pipelines; 260 million barrels of storage capacity for NGLs, crude oil, refined products and petrochemicals; and 14 billion cubic feet of natural gas storage capacity.
The Pipeline Trainee Operator works a rotating shift, travels and cross-trains in the operations and maintenance of equipment and processes associated with pipeline operations. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Performs terminal and station operations by coordinating with Pipeline Control and other affiliates to ensure timely, safe and quality controlled handling of petroleum products.
  • Tank gauging, manifold line up, development of paperwork and log/record information related to inventories and quality control.
  • Must be knowledgeable of environmental regulations and company policy concerning handling and disposal of hazardous substances.
  • Participates in available cross training to effectively develop skills in areas specific to other operators and technicians.
  • Performs mechanical functions that will include inspecting, checking, troubleshooting, and repairing equipment in order to maintain high levels of safe and productive equipment performance.
  • Routine maintenance of centrifugal pumps and electric motors such as bearing and seal replacements, alignments, drain piping modifications, maintenance for electronic transmitters, valve actuators, etc.
  • Review procedures as necessary to achieve good workmanlike performance and ensure compliance of all company and industry standards to meet the requirements of all regulatory agencies.
  • Maintain close contact with the Area Supervisor/Manager regarding maintenance trouble reports and scheduled equipment maintenance to effect a minimum interruption of product throughput.
  • Optimize work to affect a minimal amount of overtime.
  • Maintain facility appearance and safety through good housekeeping practices inside and outside of the facilities.
  • Attend all safety meetings and complete safety training courses as required.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
  • High school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
  • Associates degree or 2 year technical certification is preferred.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record is required.
  • Ability to work a rotating shift schedule including weekends, nights, and holidays, as well as unscheduled overtime.
  • Previous experience in natural gas/gas liquids, gas processing, petrochemical, refining or pipeline operations.
  • Must be able to perform basic mathematical calculations.
  • Able to assume responsibility, perform duties and handle multiple tasks under potentially stressful and/or hazardous conditions.
  • Must live or relocate to within 1 hour response time of job assignment.
  • Basic computer skills including spreadsheet and word processing applications.
  • Good organizational skills & strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Works indoors and outdoors in and around industrial and electrical equipment.
  • Works in temperature extremes due to weather conditions and operating equipment.
  • Uses physical force to lift, push, pull and hold equipment and tools.
  • Climbs and works at various heights and may work in a standing, sitting, lying down, crouched or kneeling position.
  • Routinely reacts to visual, aural and other signals, including alarms and instructions, and is required to visually inspect work.
  • May work in confined spaces (i.e. tanks, between compressors, vessels).
  • Must be able to regularly bend, stoop, move from ground level to higher levels, raise/lift from ground level and lift up to 50 lbs., manually transport a load up to 75 lbs. and apply up to 100 foot pounds of torque.
  • Must have ability to get in and out of vehicles regularly.
  • Must wear special safety equipment while working and must be able to lift and put on emergency breathing apparatus and/or protective equipment.
  • Possess a strong commitment to personal and job safety.
  • Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude and dexterity in the use of tools and equipment.
  • Self-motivated individual able to work independently or in a team environment and willing to learn.
  • Must be able to demonstrate sound judgment with the ability to make decisions and corrections when problems are detected.
  • Must have a history of being dependable and reliable, take pride in a job well done, and enjoy working hard.

What Enterprise Products employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply