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Operator Trainee Jobs in Portland, TN (NOW HIRING)

Reliance

Crane Operator 2

Nashville, TN · On-site

Operators and operator trainees shall meet the following physical qualifications: * Have vision of at least 20/30 Snellen in one eye, and 20/50 Snellen in the other, with or without corrective lenses;

WebstaurantStore

Operations Leadership Trainee

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$65K/yr

Job Summary The Operations Leadership Trainee is a position which provides the structure, time, and ... Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly metrics for assigned departments; identify and resolve operating ...

Southeastern Freight Lines

Driver Trainee

Nashville, TN · On-site

$33.35 - $34.50/hr

As a Driver Trainee, you will participate in the Driver Training Program while performing the ... Inspect truck for defects and safe operating condition before, during, and after trips and submit a ...

Southeastern Freight Lines

Driver Trainee

Nashville, TN · On-site

$33.35 - $34.50/hr

As a Driver Trainee, you will participate in the Driver Training Program while performing the ... Inspect truck for defects and safe operating condition before, during, and after trips and submit a ...

Southeastern Freight Lines

Driver Trainee

Nashville, TN · On-site

$33.35 - $34.50/hr

As a Driver Trainee, you will participate in the Driver Training Program while performing the ... Inspect truck for defects and safe operating condition before, during, and after trips and submit a ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsOperator JobsOperator Trainee JobsOperator Trainee Jobs in Portland, TN

Operator Trainee information

See Portland, TN salary details

$23.1K

$39.5K

$57.6K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Portland, TN is $39,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $46,300.00 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 cities near Portland, TN are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Portland, TN with the most Operator Trainee job openings:
Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Portland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,509 per year, or $19 per hour.

Press Op Trainee SF- 2nd Shift

INTERSTATE PACKAGING COMPANY

Springfield, TN • On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: The Printing Press Operator Trainee’s primary role is to effectively support the

processes in the wide-web/narrow-web department to ensure that our product meets or exceeds our

customer requirements.  The trainee must possess the mechanical aptitude to set up and maintain

operation of their designated machine.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Production & Press Operation: 

  • Be at workstation within 3 minutes of reporting time
  • Perform basic visual checks for print defects
  • Monitor ink levels
  • Assist with splicing at unwind
  • Stay busy when press is down

Job Prep & Wrap-Up:

  • Review work orders and confirm job details (substrate, materials, plates, inks, etc…)
  • Stage substrate, sleeves, anilox rolls, printing plates, inks, etc…
  • Prepare cores and tape for splicing and tools
  • Fill ink chambers, install/load ink pans & doctor blades
  • Assist with installing anilox rolls, sleeves, and plate cylinders
  • Examine plate quality to only accept plates suitable to print the job
  • Stage next job’s materials
  • Clean up and any other procedures related to the completion of jobs

Safety & Compliance:

  • Adhere to all required safety practices, including use of PPE, lockout/tagout, and machine guarding procedures
  • Ensure compliance with facility food safety (GMP), product safety, and quality standards
  • Performs job in manner that protects the health and safety of all employees
  • Check press area for cleanliness and remove hazards
  • Keep press area clean

Communication & Collaboration:

  • Communicate issues to lead operator
  • Properly make computer entries
  • Record readings (speed, scrap counts, basic QC checks) as instructed
  • Follow chain of command from supervisor to department manager to plant manager, etc…

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Previous manufacturing or mechanical experience
  • Ability to distinguish between subtle color variations (Not colorblind)
  • Ability to lift 50-75 lbs. without the assistance of a hoist or mechanical device
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time, bend, stoop, and climb
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically active environment
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to work with complex press equipment
  • Basic math skills and ability to read rulers, tape measures, micrometers, and gauges
  • Basic reading skills necessary to properly understand production orders, reports, warning signs, etc…
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail under production demands

Essential Physical & Cognitive Functions:

  • Must be able to distinguish subtle shades of colors accurately in order to match samples and color designations in orders
  • Must have eyesight whether correct or not, which allows pressman to distinguish hairlines, registration, mounting accuracy and ink lay-down to print suitable quality
  • Must be able to lift 50 – 75-pound air shafts without the assistance of a hoist and must be able to manipulate 100 – 300 pounds with the assistance of mechanical devices
  • Must be agile (bending, stooping, squatting, climbing, etc.) in order to climb up on press, move cylinders, adjust equipment and avoid dangerous moving machinery
  • Must have a good sense of smell to distinguish odors from materials and smell smoke in case of fire 
  • Must have good hearing to follow directions and coordinate procedures with fellow employees and to hear warning signals
  • Reflexes must be in excellent condition for quick response time on moving machinery to avoid serious injury to his/her or other employee’s limbs or other life-threatening injuries
  • Must be completely alert at all times to operate machinery in a proper manner
  • Must be able to read a ruler and have other general math skills to measure roll diameters, roll widths, package sizes, etc…
  • Must have directionality to distinguish right and left sides of machinery and to follow operating instructions from other employees and from written instructions
  • Must be able to comprehend and follow detailed instructions without constant supervision 
  • Must be able to communicate operating problems to supervisor
  • Must have spatial skills, which can be applied to judge dimensions necessary for operation of machinery
  • Must have mechanical ability to learn how the press operates including anilox rollers, cylinders, tension controls, safety mechanisms, etc…
  • Must be able to carry out press procedures in an initial sequence and repeat that procedure on future orders in a similar manner or with alterations
  • Must be able to record information electronically as required by accounting
  • Must have maturity and disposition to always operate press safely 
  • Must understand and be able to implement safety emergency procedures and follow all standard safety procedures
  • Must be able to interact with and follow instructions from quality control or management to maintain specified quality standards  
  • Must be able to do meticulous work under production demand

Apply