1

Operator Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Trainee

Eagan, MN · On-site

$31.14/hr

As a Trainee, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals in our Public ... Vehicle, equipment, and parts pickup and delivery Utilities * Assist treatment plant operators in ...

This is a training role that is made to prepare the Sales Trainee for the Account Sales Manager role. The role primarily is to support sales initiatives and provide route coverage for the ASM during ...

This is a training role that is made to prepare the Sales Trainee for the Account Sales Manager role. The role primarily is to support sales initiatives and provide route coverage for the ASM during ...

This is a training role that is made to prepare the Sales Trainee for the Account Sales Manager role. The role primarily is to support sales initiatives and provide route coverage for the ASM during ...

This is a training role that is made to prepare the Sales Trainee for the Account Sales Manager role. The role primarily is to support sales initiatives and provide route coverage for the ASM during ...

This is a training role that is made to prepare the Sales Trainee for the Account Sales Manager role. The role primarily is to support sales initiatives and provide route coverage for the ASM during ...

The Nursing Assistant Trainee will collect initial and ongoing data on all residents and report the condition and changes to the RN or LPN. * The Nursing Assistant Trainee will communicate and ...

The Nursing Assistant Trainee will collect initial and ongoing data on all residents and report the condition and changes to the RN or LPN. * The Nursing Assistant Trainee will communicate and ...

TRAINING The Sales Trainee (ST) is a training role. Upon successful participation in the training program, the ST is eligible to interview for open Account Sales Manager (ASM) roles. Upon completion ...

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 ...

Nursing Assistant Trainee

Crookston, MN · On-site

$23.30 - $26.77/hr

The Nursing Assistant Trainee will collect initial and ongoing data on all residents and report the condition and changes to the RN or LPN. * The Nursing Assistant Trainee will communicate and ...

Nurse Aide Trainee

Crookston, MN · On-site

$29K - $38K/yr

The Nursing Assistant Trainee will collect initial and ongoing data on all residents and report the condition and changes to the RN or LPN. * The Nursing Assistant Trainee will communicate and ...

TRAINING The Sales Trainee (ST) is a training role. Upon successful participation in the training program, the ST is eligible to interview for open Account Sales Manager (ASM) roles. Upon completion ...

TRAINING The Sales Trainee (ST) is a training role. Upon successful participation in the training program, the ST is eligible to interview for open Account Sales Manager (ASM) roles. Upon completion ...

TRAINING The Sales Trainee (ST) is a training role. Upon successful participation in the training program, the ST is eligible to interview for open Account Sales Manager (ASM) roles. Upon completion ...

TRAINING The Sales Trainee (ST) is a training role. Upon successful participation in the training program, the ST is eligible to interview for open Account Sales Manager (ASM) roles. Upon completion ...

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Operator Trainee information

See Minnesota salary details

$25K

$42.6K

$62.2K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Minnesota is $42,634.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,300.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota? For Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 44% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,634 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Maintenance Trainee

City of Eagan, MN

Eagan, MN • On-site

$31.14/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Salary: $31.14 Hourly
Location : City of Eagan
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 20260526
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
Closing Date: 6/9/2026 4:00 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Description
Maintenance Trainee
Pay: $31.14 per hour
Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Benefit Eligible
Are you ready to gain valuable skills and experience in the maintenance field?
Join our team as a Maintenance Trainee in the beautiful city of Eagan!
As a Trainee, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented individuals in our Public Works and Parks Departments.
From maintaining parks and outdoor facilities to assisting with street repairs and snow removal, you'll play a vital role in keeping our community running smoothly.
Be a part of a collaborative team that values diversity and is dedicated to making Eagan a great place to live, work, and play.
Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!
The Maintenance Trainee is a limited duration, full-time, union, benefit eligible position for up to a maximum of two years to train and gain the skills and experience necessary to be a fully qualified maintenance worker in Eagan. Each trainee position will be terminated at the end of two years. Trainees may have an opportunity to apply and be hired into a full-time maintenance worker position before that time.
All candidates meeting the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview.
Invitations will be sent to candidates as applications are received and reviewed.
Application Deadline: Tuesday, June 9th @ 4:00pm
Essential Position Functions
You will work and gain skills in the following areas:
Parks
  • Maintain outdoor hockey and pleasure skating rinks and winter facilities
  • Assist in the construction of parks improvements
  • Perform ongoing routine parks maintenance activities
  • Perform turf maintenance tasks
  • Conduct preventative maintenance and performs repair work on park equipment vehicles and other small equipment
  • Assist in the preparation of park facilities for scheduled recreation activities and special events
  • Assist in the installation of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and native grasses
  • Provide a high level of continual maintenance for planting beds and garden areas
  • Constructs and installs park hardscape features
  • Assist in the removal of potentially hazardous, diseased or dead trees from public parks, open spaces and other public properties.
  • Assist with park trail clearing activities
  • Assist in maintaining the city's computerized tree/landscape inventory management system
  • Assist with wildlife, prairie, and/or aquatic resources management projects and programs

Streets
  • Perform repairs to asphalt and gravel road surfaces using specialized equipment
  • Load and haul material for street maintenance and repair
  • Perform concrete curb and sidewalk repair and replacement
  • Perform street, boulevard, ditch, and right-of-way cleaning
  • Perform rough-cut mowing and tree trimming/removal
  • Perform snow and ice removal
  • Perform minor vehicle, building, and grounds maintenance and participate in building constructions/refurbishment as assigned
  • Install, maintain, and replace street identification, traffic control signs, and pavement markings while maintaining and organizing records
  • Understand and actively participate in work zone safety procedures and operations
  • General shop and building cleanup and minor repair
  • Vehicle, equipment, and parts pickup and delivery

Utilities
  • Assist treatment plant operators in daily activities
  • Clean and maintain pump houses, treatment plants, and booster stations
  • Perform catch basin/storm sewer inlet and outlet maintenance
  • Maintain landscape around lift stations and other buildings
  • Assist Utility staff in the inspection, operation, and maintenance of the City's utility infrastructure
  • Water Distribution - curb stops, mains, valves, hydrant, meters, etc.
  • Sanitary Collection - sewers, lift stations, etc.
  • Storm Conveyance - sewers, lift stations, pond inlet/outlets, etc.
  • Enter, review, and maintain inspection, maintenance, and repair records of City infrastructure. Update and record as built and location plan information
  • Assist in the location of City infrastructure under the Gopher State One Call system
  • Leverage and utilize technology daily to gather and record information/data

Other
  • Assist other city staff as assigned
  • Performs other training and duties as apparent or assigned

Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 Years of age or older.
  • High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.)
  • A valid Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver's License with provided training.

Things that may help you be successful in this role
  • Experience in construction, maintenance, landscape, snow removal or other related tasks.
  • MN Class A - Commercial Driver's License.
  • Fluency in a non-English language.

Working Conditions:
The working environment is 100% in the field. The employee will be required to do sustained physical work in all weather conditions.
Work Hours:
Normal hours of work are Monday-Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm, 40 hours per week except holidays. The employee shall be available for extended workdays and callbacks which may include weekends and holidays. Compensation for hours worked in excess of the 40-hour work week is applicable.
Why choose the City of Eagan?
We love to work hard and play hard! We have supportive leadership and a known culture of teamwork. Current employees have said they like working for #TeamEagan because of the strong connection to the Community, great benefits, access to nature, and it's a place that being respectful is the norm - people are just nice!
What are the benefit offerings?
For detailed plan information please visit our Benefits Website at
Benefits
  • Medical - Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN
  • Dental - Health Partners
  • Basic Life, AD&D, Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntarily Life Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Vision
  • Legal Services
  • Flexible Spending (medical and dependent care)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discount programs

Retirement and Medical Savings Options
  • Retirement Investment opportunities through MissionSquare Retirement and Minnesota State Retirement System
  • PERA Pension
  • Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP)

Leave accruals
  • Vacation accrues at a rate that equates to 3-weeks per year, with opportunities to accrue more after 10 years of employment
  • Opportunities to purchase up to 40 hours of vacation, earn PTO for wellness incentives, convert sick time to vacation, volunteer hours, etc.
  • Sick and safe leave will be accrued on a per pay period basis at the rate of one working day each calendar month

If you have additional questions, please contact Human Resources at
01
Are you 18 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School Diploma or equivalent G.E.D.?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Please list any education or training you've completed related to this position (NA if none).
04
Do you have a valid driver's license?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL)?
  • Yes - Class A CDL
  • Yes - Class B CDL
  • I have a valid CDL permit
  • I DO NOT have a CDL, but am currently enrolled in a CDL training program
  • I DO NOT have a CDL, but I'm able to obtain one with City provided training
  • I DO NOT have a CDL, and I'm NOT ABLE to obtain one with City provided training

06
What experience do you have in construction, maintenance, and/or repair tasks? Check all that apply.
  • Asphalt Maintenance
  • Concrete Construction
  • Landscaping/Horticulture/Forestry/Mowing
  • Heavy Equipment operation
  • Agriculture/Farming
  • Vehicle and/or equipment repair
  • Snow Plowing and/or Removal
  • Carpentry/construction
  • Plumbing/Mechanical/HVAC
  • Other
  • None of the above

07
If you indicated "other" in the previous question, please describe your related construction, maintenance, and/or repair experience.
08
Are you able to communicate fluently in a non-English language?
  • Yes
  • No

09
Please list any non-English languages you are able to communicate in fluently. Also indicate if you're able to communicate verbally and/or in writing for each language listed.
Required Question