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Operator Trainee Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ecruit

Trainee Operator

Centreville, VA · On-site

$52K - $84K/yr

Trainee Operator | Grade 4 | $52,964 - $84,743 Open: August 17, 2026 Close: Open Until Filled *Two positions are available; filled based on the candidate's qualifications. Starting salary will be ...

Hydromax USA

Technician Trainee - Water

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Technician Trainee - Water Location: Anne Arundel, MD Compensation: $22 - $24 / hour depending on ... Perform repairs on fire hydrants and water main valve operating nuts. * Maintain open and effective ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager Trainee

Springfield, VA · On-site

Overview The role of the Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) is to gain an understanding of the skills ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

Accel Talent Group

Sales Trainee

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$45K/yr

Commercial Truck/Bus Sales Trainee (We will train the right person) Location: KNeal North/Hyattsville Reports To: Sales Manager Are you looking to grow your career with us? We're excited to offer an ...

PDS Health

Operations Manager Trainee

Springfield, VA · On-site

$27.75/hr

The role of the Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) is to gain an understanding of the skills and ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

Accel Talent Group

Sales Trainee

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$45K/yr

Commercial Truck/Bus Sales Trainee (We will train the right person) Location: KNeal North/Hyattsville Reports To: Sales Manager Are you looking to grow your career with us? We're excited to offer an ...

Accel Talent Group

Sales Trainee

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

Commercial Truck/Bus Sales Trainee (We will train the right person) Location:KNeal North/Hyattsville Reports To:Sales Manager Are you looking to grow your career with us? We're excited to offer an ...

84 Lumber Company

Manager Trainee

Manassas, VA · On-site

$16/hr

Over 96% of our store managers began as Manager Trainees, and on average, you can earn your first promotion within six months. COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE: We offer all the benefits you expect ...

84 Lumber Company

Manager Trainee

Manassas, VA

$16/hr

Over 96% of our store managers began as Manager Trainees, and on average, you can earn your first promotion within six months. COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE: We offer all the benefits you expect ...

Cintas

Management Trainee

Jessup, MD

$61K/yr

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

Jessup, MD · On-site

$61K/yr

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

Landover, MD · On-site

$67K/yr

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

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$64K/yr

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

Laurel, MD · On-site

$67K/yr

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperator JobsOperator Trainee JobsOperator Trainee Jobs in Washington

Operator Trainee information

See Washington salary details

$28.9K

$49.3K

$71.9K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Washington is $49,302.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,400.00 and $57,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 do operator trainees do?

Operator trainees learn to operate and maintain machinery or equipment in industrial, manufacturing, or utility settings. They typically receive on-the-job training, develop technical skills, and may work under supervision to ensure safety and efficiency. Completing training programs or certifications is often required to advance to full operator roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Operator Trainee jobs in Washington?

For Operator Trainee jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Operator Trainee job openings:

Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,302 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Water Reclamation Operator Trainee - Class 1

Prince William County Service Authority

Woodbridge, VA • On-site

$50K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Salary : $50,212.50 - $87,652.50 Annually
Location : H.L. Mooney WR Facility, 1851 Rippon Blvd, Woodbridge, VA 22191, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01321
Department: Division of Environmental Services & Water Reclamation
Division: Water Reclamation Operations
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Sign on Incentive is available to licensed candidates.
Candidates who possess a current Virginia Wastewater License from Class IV - Class I and have wastewater experience may be hired in above the entry level trainee in accordance with Prince William Water's Career Path Policy requirements. The candidate will be required to meet Prince William Water's specific requirements within a set period of time.
Hiring Range Min
Hiring Range Max
Trainee
$25.75
N/AClass 4 Wastewater License$25.75$33.79Class 3 Wastewater License
$28.32
$37.17
Class 2 Wastewater License
$31.16
$40.86
Class 1 Wastewater License
$34.28
$44.95
Candidates for this position will receive overtime each pay period when assigned to a shift and will also receive shift differential pay when working during the hours of 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Employees' work schedule will be one of the following:
A rotating day/night schedule
Seven days on/Seven days off
Seven nights on/Seven nights off
All shifts will work 14 days in a 28-day cycle
Position Summary:
Learns to perform technical work in the operation and maintenance of an advanced water reclamation facility. The work involves working with experienced wastewater treatment plant operators as part of a planned program to learn the duties and to acquire certifications. Employees may be assigned various projects for learning and developmental purposes and perform helper duties while serving as trainees. Workers follow specific instructions and procedures and refer nonstandard situations or problems to others. Demonstrates a commitment and supports a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Position Responsibilities / Essential Job Functions
  • Learns water reclamation facility operation to include:
    1. Ensuring proper operation and maintenance of plant machinery and equipment used in wastewater treatment; oils and adjusts machines; to determine if process changes are required and make adjustments; to calibrate meters in preparation to run tests on various samples; to start and stop plant machinery and pumps as required; to regulate valves and observe and record plant flows; to operate and maintain incinerator.
    2. Operating equipment such as blowers for air supply to activated sludge, influent and backwash pumps for filtration, UV for disinfecting, centrifuge for dewatering and incinerator for solids and scum disposal.
    3. Maintaining logs and to record all parameters related to plant operations; to record and manage the consumption of all chemicals used at the plant; to collect composite samples for process control and permit compliance; to perform testing on various samples in order to make lime feed change; to use computer graphics and trends to identify necessary plant changes and/or adjustments.
    4. Monitoring Solids Handling; to collect samples from holding tanks, gravity thickeners and cake pump; to obtain level readings from holding tanks and gravity thickeners; to run tests on holding tank samples; to check equipment settings; to open and close chain valves at scheduled times.
    5. Making routine checks throughout the plant; to record temperature and pressure readings to exercise and check position of valves; to check operation of pumps, and to haul sludge: visually inspect the facility.
    6. Monitoring SCADA system in order to stay within specific guidelines; to record equipment information from equipment; to identify problems; to connect and disconnect fuel oil line, water sprayers as required.
    7. Performing preventive maintenance; to steam clean hoses and equipment; to check oil and temperature; to clean filters, hose draft tubes; to pump standing water; and to perform other related maintenance duties for units.
  • Learns to coordinate the plant's maintenance requirements with superiors; to ensure that the plant is operated efficiently and at minimum reasonable cost; to ensure that all equipment and machinery is kept in good working condition.
  • Learns to collect and test samples; to collect data from field testing samples; to perform various tests on wastewater samples.
  • May be deemed essential at any time.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Essential Skills and Experience
Essential Competencies:
  • Knowledge of basic mechanical concepts and procedures; English usage, spelling and grammar.
  • Aptitude for the use of the tools, equipment and materials of the work.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; learn the water reclamation facility operations; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; work cooperatively with others.
Minimum Education and Work Experience:
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Or a combination of education and experience as described above.
Required Licenses/Certifications and Other Special Requirements:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license consistent with Prince William Water policy requirements.
  • Required to work rotating shifts including days, nights, weekends and holidays.
  • Must obtain and maintain a Class 4 Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) Wastewater License within two years of employment in this position.
  • Must pass Prince William Water's skill level 3 written exam in each major work areas (liquids, dewatering and incineration) within two years of employment in this position.
  • Must pass Prince William Water's skill level 3 practical exam in each major work areas (liquids, dewatering and incineration) within two years of employment in this position.
Minimum Lead/Supervisory or Management Experience:
  • None

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands of this position are available upon request. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications do not express absolute employment or promotional standards. They are general guidelines that should be considered along with the job-related selection or promotional criteria.
You can learn about our comprehensive benefits package for regular full-time employees by clicking
01
Do you have a current Virginia Wastewater Class license?
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you have a current Virginia Wastewater Class license, please list the class license you currently hold and the expiration date.
03
This position requires working various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Are you able to meet this job requirement?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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