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Operator Trainee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

lwg

Big O Tires Manager Trainee

Urbandale, IA · On-site

Summary A Sales Associate (Manager Trainee) exemplifies professional integrity, strong teamwork ... Utilize promotional materials, special offers, incentives, and standard operating procedures to ...

CarMax, Inc.

Sales Consultant Trainee

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Position Overview As a Sales Consultant Trainee, you will be the foundation of an iconic, customer-first experience at CarMax. Your mission is to build genuine relationships, understand customer ...

Carmax

Sales Consultant Trainee

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Position Overview As a Sales Consultant Trainee, you will be the foundation of an iconic, customer-first experience at CarMax. Your mission is to build genuine relationships, understand customer ...

Carmax

Sales Consultant Trainee

Urbandale, IA

Position Overview As a Sales Consultant Trainee, you will be the foundation of an iconic, customer-first experience at CarMax. Your mission is to build genuine relationships, understand customer ...

TMC Transportation

Yard Instructor

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$20.25 - $26/hr

... preparations of new trainees for the over-the-road truck driver positions. DUTIES AND ... backing and operating a tractor-trailer unit in town and confined spaces. TMC is an equal ...

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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
Senior Reactor Operator

Senior Reactor Operator

Constellation Energy

Davenport, IA • On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 hours ago

Constellation Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Who We Are

As the nation's largest producer of clean, carbon-free energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: accelerating the transition to a carbon-free future. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute.
Our culture and employee experience make it clear: We are powered by passion and purpose. Together, we're creating healthier communities and a cleaner planet, and our people are the driving force behind our success. At Constellation, you can build a fulfilling career with opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. By doing our best work and meeting new challenges, we can accomplish great things and help fight climate change. Join us to lead the clean energy future.

Total Rewards

Constellation offers a wide range of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. In addition to highly competitive salaries, we offer a bonus program, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including a robust wellness program paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days and much more.

  • During initial license training, Total compensation earnings eligibility ranging from $159,000.00 to $182,000.00 per year (depending on experience and past license status) including a 15% annual incentive bonus, an initial sign-on bonus, $10,000 bonus spread through training milestones, a comprehensive benefits package, and a 401k with employer matching on contributions.
  • After obtaining SRO license, Total compensation earnings eligibility from $191,000.00 per year, including a target 15% annual bonus, License Premium, as well as, extended hours pay at 1.5 times the base salary (expressed on hourly basis) involving mandated operation shift coverage.  

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance may be offered to those who meet the conditions in the Company&rsquos policy.

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) supporting Quad Cities Nuclear Power Station located in Cordova, IL. 

These Initial License Trainees (ILT) are for the Quad Cities Nuclear Station in Cordova, IL &ndash ILT class beginning in January, 2027.  

Primary Purpose of Position

The primary purpose of this position is to train and prepare to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor who holds a Senior Reactor Operator (SRO)License. Upon completion of training the candidate will be fully licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to supervise the licensed activities of licensed reactor operators in the reactor control room. They will also be trained to directly supervise bargaining unit reactor operators and equipment operators generally.

Primary Duties and Accountabilities

  • Attend Initial License Training (ILT) which includes classroom training and examination, along with on-the-job training and evaluation.
  • Successfully complete all phases of training to obtain an SRO license in order to perform the duties of an Operations Shift Supervisor.
  • Perform other job assignments and duties as directed by management or pursuant to company policy, including but not limited to emergency response, departmental coverage, call outs, and support of outage activities in positions outside the department.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma/GED
Meet or exceed one of the following:
  • 1 year Reactor Operator license at a comparable facility or 1.5 years at a noncomparable facility. Comparable is PWR to PWR or BWR to BWR and noncomparable is PWR to BWR or BWR to PWR.
  • 1.5 years or more in a position equivalent to Reactor Operator (or Supervisor) at a military reactor (i.e., Power Plant Watch Engineer, Engineering Watch Supervisor, Reactor Operator, Engineering Officer of the Watch, Propulsion Plant Watch Supervisor). Must have 1.5 years after qualification.
  • Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical sciences, or professional engineer license, and more than 1.5 years as a qualified non-licensed operator or Staff member, Supervisor or Manager in work control, operations, engineering, outage management, maintenance, radiation protection, chemistry, or accredited training at a comparable (BWR or PWR) facility. Managerial, staff engineer, or supervisor experience at a noncomparable plant may be credited on a 1.5:1.0 basis (i.e., over 2.25 years required for noncomparable facility), and 3 years required for a nontraditional degree.
  • Current or previous SRO Instructor certification and 4 years experience at a comparable facility or 6 years experience at a non-comparable facility.
Maintain minimum access or unescorted access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties

What Constellation Energy employees say

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