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Operator Trainee Jobs in Conway, AR (NOW HIRING)

... Trainee or equivalent DOC experience preferred. Qualifications: * Switchman certified in all Entergy Distribution Trunk Line including ALTs, URD Trunk and Field Controlled Line Switching Tasks.

Sales Trainee

Alexander, AR · On-site

$188.79/day

Job Overview The Sales Trainee position is a foundational role designed to provide hands-on experience in sales, account management, and customer relationship building. As a Sales Trainee, you will ...

Sales Trainee

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$21.50/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 ...

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 ...

Sales / Management Trainee

Conway, AR · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

SALES/ MANAGEMENT TRAINEES (no previous exp. necessary - we will train you!) Looking for people who are --- * Career Minded * High in Integrity * Ethical * Energetic * Available evenings, weekends ...

Sales / Management Trainee

Conway, AR · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

SALES/ MANAGEMENT TRAINEES (no previous exp. necessary - we will train you!) Looking for people who are --- * Career Minded * High in Integrity * Ethical * Energetic * Available evenings, weekends ...

... Management Trainee Program. Whether you see yourself in sales, business development, customer ... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ...

... Management Trainee Program. Whether you see yourself in sales, business development, customer ... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ...

... Management Trainee Program. Whether you see yourself in sales, business development, customer ... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ...

... Management Trainee Program. Whether you see yourself in sales, business development, customer ... operating the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands through its ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operator Trainee information

See Conway, AR salary details

$22.4K

$38.2K

$55.7K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Conway, AR is $38,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,900.00 and $44,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator trainee?

An operator trainee is an entry-level worker who is learning to operate machinery or equipment under supervision. The role typically involves gaining hands-on experience, following safety protocols, and may require certification or training programs before becoming fully qualified. It is a common starting point in industries such as manufacturing, construction, or transportation.

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 jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Operator Trainees typically do not earn $4,000 per week without specialized experience or certifications. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree include certain skilled trades like commercial truck drivers, oil and gas workers, or construction managers with experience, often requiring on-the-job training, certifications, or licenses. These jobs usually involve physical work, technical skills, or operating heavy equipment.

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 is the role of an operator trainee?

An operator trainee is an entry-level worker who learns to operate machinery or equipment under supervision. They typically receive on-the-job training, may need to obtain relevant certifications, and develop skills in safety procedures and equipment operation to perform their duties effectively.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Heavy equipment operator trainee positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training and certification programs teach necessary skills. Employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license, and obtaining certifications like OSHA safety training can improve job prospects.
What cities near Conway, AR are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Conway, AR with the most Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Conway, AR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,139 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Distribution Operator I - Sr

Entergy

Little Rock, AR

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Entergy rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

PS Job Title: Distribution Operator II

Work Place Flexibility: Onsite 

Legal Entity: Entergy Arkansas, LLC 

This position can be filled as a Distribution Operator I, II or Sr depending upon the candidate's experience.

JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE

Responsible for the safe and reliable operation and control of the electric distribution system including all aspects of switching, system configuration, and system monitoring.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain OMS: Assign incoming trouble work to appropriate personnel; prioritize outages to optimize available resources; manage the after-hours call out process; enter and reflect outage information in the OMS as well as provide Entergy support personnel and customers with timely and accurate restoration information.

2. Troubleshoot System:  Aid in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and initiating repairs of electrical distribution system problems including providing troubleshooting support for field responders.  Analyze and act promptly in cases of system disturbance so that the system can be restored to a normal configuration.

3. Switching: Direct field personnel and/or disable/enable reclosing devices via SCADA. Write, review, and approve planned switching procedures.  Develop and implement contingency switching plans to restore customer outages on the distribution substation and line system both remotely and field devices. Coordinate large switching projects involving substation and distribution line resources.

4. Customer Service/Teamwork:  Interacts with Operations Center personnel and maintains working relationships with other operations centers and service center personnel.  Demonstrate sound internal and/or external customer service in the execution of restoring outages.  Recognize and alert others for the need of additional operations center/local office resources to handle outage response. Monitor/make use of all-weather tools and alerting affected personnel regarding the potential for severe conditions.

5. Monitor SCADA systems and respond appropriately to alarms including contacting the correct personnel to inform, log and carry out alarm corrections.

6. Capable of initiating/completing work orders, providing information to field inquiries and updating CCS/SAISO for situations involving outage related scenarios; Answer and address emergency line.

7. Provide feedback to Data Maintenance Support personnel regarding changes, missing devices, incorrect predictions, etc., in OMS.

8. Initiate and/or restore system emergencies including load shed (automatic or manual) and blackstart operations.

9. Capable of working a 24-hour rotating shift schedule including nights/weekends.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS  

Minimum education required of the position

4-Year Engineering Degree or equivalent electric utility experience preferred.

Minimum experience required of the position

Operator I Minimum Experience

  • 1-3 years distribution, transmission, or substation experience or equivalent.
  • 12 months experience as Distribution Operator Trainee or equivalent DOC experience preferred.

Qualifications:

  • Switchman certified in all Entergy Distribution Trunk Line including ALTs, URD Trunk and Field Controlled Line Switching Tasks.
  • Obtain 85% exam passing rate involving Q1 switching tasks along with management/peer signoff of related tasks.
  • Completed annual training for Entergy’s Transmission Operator Reliability Directives

Operator II Minimum Experience

  • 3-5 years distribution, transmission, or substation experience or equivalent.
  • Preferred: 2 years’ experience as Distribution Operator I.

Qualifications:

  • Switchman certified in all Entergy Distribution Substation, Switchgear, and Downtown Network URD Switching Tasks.
  • Obtain 85% exam passing rate involving Q1 switching tasks along with management/peer signoff of related tasks.
  • Capable of developing and delivering internal/external training for all DOC departmental tasks/processes/software including dispatching, switching, TO/BA Interaction.

Operator Sr. Minimum Experience

  • 5+ years distribution, transmission, or substation experience or equivalent.
  • 2 years’ experience as Distribution Operator II or 4 years’ experience (combined) as Distribution

Qualifications:

  • Switchman certified in all Entergy Distribution Substation, Switchgear, and Downtown Network URD Switching Tasks.
  • Obtain 85% exam passing rate involving Q1 switching tasks along with management/peer signoff of related tasks.
  • Capable of developing and delivering internal/external training for all DOC departmental tasks/processes/software including dispatching, switching, TO/BA Interaction.

Minimum knowledge, skills and abilities required of the position

  • Strong knowledge of computers and related technology. Ability to work irregular hours and out of town assignments as required.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills. Ability to communicate effectively over the telephone and radio. Ability to take and understand directives and complete tasks. Ability to make timely and safe decisions regarding outage restoration.
  • Ability to \work safely and follow all Entergy safety policies and procedures. Excellent leadership skills. Strong decision making skills.
  •  Ability to manage multiple activities and changing priorities. Self-motivated and dependable team player. Ability to work well under pressure.
  •  Ability to recognize hazards in the workplace and have the ability to mitigate the hazards. Ability to maintain and care for Company equipment properly and safeguard assets.
  • Ability to meet the public in a pleasant and tactful manner and understand the importance of delivering a high level of customer service. Demonstrated acceptance of a diverse and inclusive work environment and customer base.
  • Ability to obtain Critical Cyber Access. Desired: Ability to lead and participate in problem solving teams as required;
  • Ability to recognize opportunities for process improvement and have the ability to enact change.

Any certificates, licenses, etc. required for the position

None

Primary Location: Arkansas-Little Rock Arkansas : Little Rock 
Job Function: Engineering
MRV Minimum Salary: $83,000.00 
MRV Maximum Salary: $125,000.00 
FLSA Status: Exempt Ind 
Relocation Option: No Relocation Offered
Union description/code: NBU 
Number of Openings: 1
Req ID: 124055
PS Job Title: Distribution Operator II
Hiring Manager: Kimberley Jeannette Carter
Recruiter: Shaun Johnson
Travel Percentage:Up to 25%

An Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Vets. Please click here to view the EEO page, or see statements below.

EEO Statement: The Entergy System of Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Entergy System of Companies complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 
The Entergy System of Companies expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the Entergy System of Company employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.

Accessibility: Entergy provides reasonable accommodations for online applicants. Requests for a reasonable accommodation may be made orally or in writing by an applicant, employee, or third party on his or her behalf. If you are an individual with a disability and you are in need of an accommodation for the recruiting process please click here and provide your name, contact number, the accommodation requested and the requisition number that you are requesting the accommodation for. Employee Services will contact you regarding your request.

Additional Responsibilities: As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

The non-confidential portions of the affirmative action program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans shall be available for inspection upon request by any employee or applicant for employment.  Please contact HRCompliance@entergy.com to schedule a time to review the affirmative action plan during regular office hours.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.

Our expectations are the five employee and leader behaviors we believe are essential for positive stakeholder outcomes.

Our expectations:

  1. Make our customers more successful
  2. Innovate and continuously improve
  3. Collaborate and share knowledge
  4. Be accountable for results
  5. Recognize and reward outcomes

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