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Operator Trainee Jobs in Schenectady, NY (NOW HIRING)

E-Crane Operator Trainee

Albany, NY · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

Work closely with crane operators, riggers, signal persons, dock crews, and supervisors to complete lifting and material handling tasks safely and efficiently. * Follow all company, OSHA, and MSHA ...

Manager Trainee

Latham, NY · On-site

$78K/yr

Manager Trainee Opportunity Stewart's Shops is a fast growing convenience store chain in New York and Vermont with friendly store associates and great customers! We are looking for manager trainees ...

Blaster Trainee (Quarry)

Albany, NY · On-site

$24.30 - $29.50/hr

BLASTER TRAINEE-CONSTRUCTION Pay: $25/hr and up, DOE, plus daily travel stipend! We are looking for ... Assists Blaster with drill pattern layout and setup and reviews this with the drill operator

Sales Trainee

Albany, NY · On-site

$19.38 - $26.76/hr

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 ...

Sales Trainee

Albany, NY · On-site

$19.38 - $26.76/hr

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 ...

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 Trainee

Albany, NY · On-site

$20 - $23/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 ...

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Management Trainee to join our growing team in Albany, NY. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of ...

Management Trainee

Albany, NY · On-site

$61K - $65K/yr

We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Management Trainee to join our growing team in Albany, NY. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operator Trainee information

See Schenectady, NY salary details

$24.7K

$42.1K

$61.4K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Schenectady, NY is $42,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,900.00 and $49,300.00 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 Schenectady, NY?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Schenectady, NY are:

What cities near Schenectady, NY are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Schenectady, NY with the most Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Schenectady, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,117 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2

New York State

Latham, NY

$53K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Obtain soil and rock samples for engineering purposes and record sample blow counts during borehole progression.

  • Drive, set up, and operate drilling equipment and support vehicles, including manually drilling hand auger holes, probes, and test pits.

  • Perform maintenance, minor repairs, and supervise the drill crew in the absence of the Drill Rig Operator.


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 188 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description As a Drill Rig Operator Trainee, the candidate may, under the supervision of a Drill Rig Operator: obtain soil and rock samples for engineering purposes; record sample blow counts during progression of the borehole; progress borehole by means of hollow stem auger, mud rotary, drilled-in casing, driven casing, or rock coring; measure drill tools and measure and record depth to water and thickness of geological strata; prepare field drill log and maintain productivity and equipment records; drive drilling equipment and support vehicles to borehole site and set up drilling equipment; manually drill hand auger holes, probes, and test pits; operate bulldozers, pumps, and grout mixers; set up maintenance and traffic protection; perform traffic flagging; perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on all drilling equipment; train Drill Rig Operator Trainees and laborers; and supervise the drill crew in the absence of the Drill Rig Operator. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations. Minimum Qualifications This is a two-year traineeship that allows the successful candidate to start at the salary level appropriate for the candidate's work experience.

All levels require frequent and independent statewide travel from a Region 1 (Latham) base. Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1, NS=Grade 9 Non-Competitive: Candidate must possess a valid New York State Class D driver's license and be able to pass a medical and physical examination demonstrating the ability to perform physical labor prior to permanent appointment. Special requirement: Candidate must acquire a New York State Class B commercial driver's license permit by six months into the traineeship.

Drill Rig Operator Trainee 2, NS=Grade 11 Non-Competitive: Candidate must have one year of experience working as a driller's helper in an organization that does geotechnical drilling; possess a valid New York State Class B commercial driver's license without air-brake restriction; must pass a medical and physical examination demonstrating ability to perform physical labor and, within 30 calendar days of hire, must satisfactorily demonstrate ability to meet Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1 drilling skills and pump operation, and have acceptable knowledge of safety, traffic control, and drill tool identification. Special requirement: Candidate must acquire a New York State Class A commercial driver's license by six months into the traineeship. Drill Rig Operator (SG-12) Non-Competitive: Candidate must have two years of experience assisting in the operation of drilling equipment used for acquiring samples of rock, soil, and pavement, and measuring ground water as part of subsurface exploration for geotechnical engineering purposes; possess a valid Class A commercial driver's license without air-brake restriction; must pass a medical examination demonstrating ability to perform heavy physical labor and drilling and within 30 calendar days of hire, must satisfactorily demonstrate ability to meet Drill Rig Operator Trainee 2 drilling and safety skills, know visual soil identification, and complete introduction to instrumentation; and within six months of hire, must complete 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER training to identify and deal with hazardous material.

Failure to demonstrate required skill level within 30 calendar days would mandate appointment at the Drill Rig Operator Trainee 2 or Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1 level, as appropriate. Additional Comments Additional Information The starting salary for this position is $53,560. This amount is comprised of the base hiring salary of $44,560 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location.

The maximum compensation for this position is $73,321. This amount is comprised of the standard SG-12 job rate of $64,321 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The salary range listed reflects the full range for this graded position. For new State employees appointed into graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

For more salary information please visit https://oer.ny.gov/salary-schedules DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States

Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar).

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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