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Operator Trainee Jobs in Schenectady, NY (NOW HIRING)

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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 8, 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 job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Schenectady, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% 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.

Administrative Assistant 1 / Trainee 1 / 2 - NY HELPS

Albany, NY • On-site

$49K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Duties Description The Administrative Assistant 1 (SG 11) is assigned to assist the Director, Assistant Director, Majors and Central Office Captains within the Division of Forest Protection. This position will be responsible for preparing various correspondences, reports and setting up meetings and will be knowledgeable in the process of preparing Commissioners correspondence and can meet work demands in a timely and effective manner. This position must be worked out of the Central Office.
The duties will include:
• Administrative support for the Central Office Command Staff and CO Captains.
• Primary contact for the Commissioners Correspondence Unit.
• Collect and edit information for the compilation of the statistical summary. Prepare statistical summary for the division.
• Work with the Fiscal Captain to collect and maintain paperwork necessary for motor vehicle collisions for the Division. Track and record all MVA reports for the Division.
• Maintain Division training records.
• Assist other support staff in screening and directing incoming telephone calls and inquiries within the Division.
• Designated as second point of contact for the Divisions Information Resource Coordinator (IRC).
• Maintain the Division SharePoint calendar and time off approved requests.
• Responsible for picking up, sorting and opening mail for Division staff daily.
• Responsible for ordering all Division office supplies.
• Prepare certification cards/ patches after Search and Rescue class is entered into Access database. Prepare paper certificates for S130/S190 classes as needed.
• Develop duty officer schedule, upload to SharePoint and send out updates as needed.
• Print and issue business cards for the Division.
• Maintain the limited continuous search file.
• Temporarily assist the Fiscal Captain with processing invoices, vouchers and credit card reconciliation.
• Temporarily assist the Fiscal Captain with maintaining inventory in the DFP storerooms. This position is responsible for receiving, unpacking, sorting, and repacking for shipment various uniform and equipment items used by Forest Rangers.
• Other duties assigned by the Division Director or designee as needed.
Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.
To be eligible for appointment under NY HELPS, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications below:
Non-competitive qualifications for NYHELPS:
Administrative Assistant Trainee 1:
Six months of experience in administrative support, which includes use of office software (e.g., email, word processing), provision of customer service, business writing, and/or office administration.
Administrative Assistant Trainee 2:
One year of experience in administrative support, which includes use of office software (e.g., email, word processing), provision of customer service, business writing, and/or office administration.
Administrative Assistant 1:
Two years of experience in administrative support, which includes use of office software (e.g., email, word processing), provision of customer service, business writing, and/or office administration.
Competitive qualifications:
Reassignment - Currently in the title and an employee of DEC
OR
Reinstatement Eligible - Previously held the title on a permanent competitive basis or held a title as indicated under the transfer eligible section on a permanent competitive basis
OR
Transfer Eligible - One year of permanent competitive service at Salary Grade 6* or higher and:
Eligible for transfer under Section 70.1: Permanent competitive service as an Administrative Assistant 1 (formerly Secretary 1), Administrative Assistant 2 (formerly Secretary 2), Accountant Aide including Trainee 1 & 2, Business Document Specialist 1 & 2, Program Aide, Legal Assistant Trainee 1 & 2, Library Clerk 2 & 3, Office Assistant 1, Office Assistant 1 (Keyboarding), Office Assistant 2, Office Assistant 2 (Calculations), Office Assistant 2 (Customer Service), Office Assistant 2 (Keyboarding), Office Assistant 2 (Stores/Mail), Office Assistant 3, Office Assistant 3 (Calculations), Senior Offset Machine Operator, Stores & Mail Operations Supervisor.
Also, any language parenthetic for the above titles. Additional titles which qualify can be found on the Department of Civil Service website, search "GOT-IT".
*Note: Appointment may be made at a traineeship level. Two-year traineeship (Administrative Assistant Trainee 1, NS=Grade 8 starting salary $42,209 & Administrative Assistant Trainee 2, NS=Grade 10 starting salary $47,110) leading to Administrative Assistant 1, Grade 11 ($49,841). Trainees will be required to take four mandatory courses the first year of the traineeship and four elective courses in each the second year of the traineeship in four competency areas through the CSEA Partnership, or equivalent offerings through another entity as determined by the agency. All trainees are required to successfully complete all courses before advancing to the Administrative Assistant 1, G-11.
Additional Comments Telecommuting may be available up to 50% of work schedule, will be discussed at interview.
We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
For new State employees appointed to 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.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please email: equity@dec.ny.gov.
Please be advised, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation does not use E-Verify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Alan Ilagan
Telephone 518-402-9273
Fax 518-402-9038
Email Address PostingResponses@dec.ny.gov
Address
Street 625 Broadway
Personnel, 10th Floor
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12233
Notes on Applying Please mail/email your resume to the above. Be sure to include Vacancy #26-223002 on your resume or it may not be accepted.