1

Operator Trainee Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator Trainee A Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel ...

New

CNC Trainee (2nd Shift)

Pennsauken, NJ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OPEX Corporation is currently seeking a full-time CNC Operator Trainee to work on our 2nd shift (M-F, 2:00pm-10:15pm) in our manufacturing facility in Pennsauken, NJ. This individual will be in a two ...

CNC Trainee (2nd Shift)

Pennsauken, NJ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OPEX Corporation is currently seeking a full-time CNC Operator Trainee to work on our 2nd shift (M-F, 2:00pm-10:15pm) in our manufacturing facility in Pennsauken, NJ. This individual will be in a two ...

CNC Trainee (2nd Shift)

Pennsauken, NJ · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

OPEX Corporation is currently seeking a full-time CNC Operator Trainee to work on our 2nd shift (M-F, 2:00pm-10:15pm) in our manufacturing facility in Pennsauken, NJ. This individual will be in a two ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Operator Trainee information

See New Jersey salary details

$25.9K

$44.2K

$64.5K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in New Jersey is $44,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $51,800.00 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?

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 is an operator trainee?

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 New Jersey? The most popular types of Operator jobs in New Jersey are:
What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in New Jersey look for? The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in New Jersey are:
What cities in New Jersey are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in New Jersey with the most Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,194 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Refinery Operator Trainee

Pbf Energy

Paulsboro, NJ

$42.88/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


PBF Energy rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Refinery Operator TraineeA Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, refinery chemicals and other products. Our company is committed to a foundation of safe and environmentally compliant operations so Operators must follow procedures and safe work practices. New hires will be required to successfully complete a Basic Operator Training Program prior to training on an assigned operating unit. Starting pay is $42.88 per hour.

Responsibilities

An Operator may be responsible for: Maintaining operations and equipment; climbing ladders, tanks and towers up to 200 feet high; taking samples/reading of various process streams; initiating work orders and issuing work permits for work related to the assigned unit; maintaining proper and safe process operations of the operating equipment; and communicating effectively during the shift and at shift relief regarding key process unit and equipment information. Participate on the Firefighting Brigade and other Emergency Response Teams.

Basic/Required Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age; be legally authorized to work in the United States without restrictions; hold a High School Diploma or equivalent; and hold a current/valid Driver's License.

Must be willing to perform/comply with the following: working overtime; working holidays and weekends; work in enclosed/confined space, such as tanks, towers, reactors, silos; working around high speed rotating equipment; working around and in temperature extremes (hot/cold); lift a minimum of 50 pounds (self); work around chemicals; wear fire retardant clothing and personal protective equipment; maintain your face daily so that a respirator/face mask can seal properly; pass Fire Brigade physical and perform fire-fighting duties; work outside in harsh weather conditions; and work with petroleum products that are under high pressure and heat.

Preferred Qualifications

Military Experience

PTEC training/certification

Previous relevant Work experience


Conditions of Employment

Must complete pre-employment written tests and assessments; meet the physical criteria for the position; successfully complete a physical skills demonstration test; pass a background check and drug/alcohol screening; and be eligible to qualify for or hold a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card). Relocation is not available for this position.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must apply via the PBF website at: www.pbfenergy.com/careers. Scroll to the middle of the page and click on the link to view current openings. Under "Location" select Paulsboro Refining Company and click "Search Jobs". Select the Refinery Operator position and follow the steps to apply (If attaching a resume, please format in MicroSoft Word or .pdf format).

Selected Candidates will be notified and assigned a testing date and time via e-mail from MPS. Phase 1 consists of 3 tests. There are 3 phases in our hiring process. All contact information must be accurate and up-to-date. Phone calls will not be accepted.

Must complete pre-employment written tests and assessments; meet the physical criteria for the position; successfully complete a physical skills demonstration test; pass a background check and drug/alcohol screening; and be eligible to qualify for or hold a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card). Relocation is not available for this position.

We thank all respondents for their interest in PBF Holding Company LLC ("PBF Energy"), however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails to any employee of PBF Energy about this requisition. Placement agencies or recruiters need not respond. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee of PBF Energy via email, the Internet or in any method without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of PBF Energy. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral or through other means.

PBF Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, veteran and military status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

#LI-DNI


What PBF Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom