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Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bayer

Field Seed Technician - Grinnell, IA

Grinnell, IA · On-site

$25.68 - $32.28/hr

Provide coaching and training to seasonal workforce, area trainees and peers supporting achievement ... Maintain key process documentation (operating, start-up, and shut-down procedures; standard work ...

Bayer

Field Seed Technician - Grinnell, IA

Grinnell, IA · On-site

$25.68 - $32.28/hr

Provide coaching and training to seasonal workforce, area trainees and peers supporting achievement ... Maintain key process documentation (operating, start-up, and shut-down procedures; standard work ...

Bayer

$25.68 - $32.28/hr

Provide coaching and training to seasonal workforce, area trainees and peers supporting achievement ... Maintain key process documentation (operating, start-up, and shut-down procedures; standard work ...

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Showing results 21-31

All JobsPlant Operator JobsPlant Operator Trainee JobsPlant Operator Trainee Jobs in Iowa

Plant Operator Trainee information

See Iowa salary details

$28.6K

$49.7K

$80.3K

How much do plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operator trainee in Iowa is $49,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,400.00 and $55,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired as a plant operator trainee?

To get hired as a plant operator trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant technical training or certification, and sometimes a valid driver's license. Employers often look for basic mechanical skills, the ability to follow safety protocols, and willingness to learn on the job, with some positions requiring passing a background check and drug test.

Is being a plant operator trainee worth it?

A plant operator trainee role provides hands-on experience in operating and maintaining industrial equipment, often leading to full-time positions with competitive wages and benefits. The job requires technical skills, safety awareness, and sometimes certifications, making it a valuable entry point into the energy, manufacturing, or utilities industries.

What are some common challenges faced by plant operator trainees during their initial training period?

Plant Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to rotating shift schedules, learning to monitor complex machinery, and quickly troubleshooting minor operational issues. Trainees must also become familiar with strict safety protocols and environmental regulations, which can be overwhelming at first. However, with mentorship from experienced operators and structured hands-on training, most trainees are able to develop the necessary confidence and skills to handle these responsibilities effectively.

What is the difference between Plant Operator Trainee vs Plant Operator?

AspectPlant Operator TraineePlant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be preferredTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a state-issued operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning on the jobFull responsibility for operating equipment, more autonomous
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning under supervisionOperating machinery, monitoring systems, troubleshooting

In summary, a Plant Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining skills and certifications needed to become a fully qualified Plant Operator. The trainee role involves supervision and assistance, while the Plant Operator role involves independent operation and responsibility.

What is a plant operator trainee?

Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn to operate, monitor, and maintain machinery and equipment at facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety procedures, equipment operation, and facility protocols under the supervision of experienced operators. Their goal is to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to eventually become fully qualified Plant Operators. This role typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

Is it hard to become a plant operator trainee?

Becoming a plant operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, technical training, and sometimes a relevant certification. The process involves learning safety protocols, operating procedures, and gaining hands-on experience, which can vary in difficulty depending on prior knowledge and training opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant operator trainee?

To thrive as a Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a willingness to learn plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, safety protocols, and basic hand tools is often required, and some employers may prefer candidates with relevant certifications like OSHA or confined space entry. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help trainees adapt quickly and contribute to safe, efficient plant operations. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, minimizing downtime, and supporting the smooth functioning of the facility.

What degree do I need to become a plant operator trainee?

A plant operator trainee typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require post-secondary education such as an associate degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related field. Relevant skills include understanding of mechanical systems and safety procedures, and obtaining certifications like a commercial driver's license or plant-specific training can be beneficial.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa? For Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,746 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Weld Coach (Days) (2,2,3 in Future)

Sabre Industries

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$29.50/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Sabre Industries rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

522nd of 536 rated manufacturers

Job description

Description
At Sabre Industries, we connect and power America's communities with world-class utility and telecom solutions. We reliably build a better world together; one customer, one team, and one community at a time.
Our teams live out the organization's core values of integrity, commitment, innovation, and connection. That's how we continuously exceed our high standards of enterprise excellence-by creating a space for our engaged employees to thrive.
With consistent hiring opportunities nationwide and countless career levels, chances are the next big step on your career path starts here. We work with our employees to create customized career paths and development in all facets of the organization. People will always be our greatest asset and we place emphasis on enhancing the lives of our employees.
Scope of Responsibility:
This position is responsible for training new employees in established welding standards and procedures as well as training of existing employees who are having difficulties performing to established standards.
Essential Duties:
  • Communicates with the Plant Managers and Supervisors regarding welding employees who are having difficulties performing to established standards.
  • Ensures that all welding personnel are operating within the established welding parameters for the procedures that are being used
  • Assists with the training of new employees and employees needing refinement or up-grading of certifications
  • Assists and identifies welding related issues (personnel, consumable or equipment related)
  • High level of training capabilities, to ensure leadership and motivation of employees to attain high standards of safety, quality and productivity
  • Knowledge and awareness of the safety issues related to each operation performed within the department and ensures that all employees adhere to safe practices at all times
  • Must be able to administer classroom training in the absence of weld tech.
  • Able to fill in as needed when Production leads are absent
  • Able to weld or fit in production lines as needed
  • Able to complete special projects in all production aspects as needed in a timely manner.
  • Oversees weld testing (1G or 2G). Prepares test plates according to AWS D1.1 specifications both pre & post testing with VT technicians' acceptance of weld.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent, or any combination of education and experience
Experience: 3-5 years recent experience in a welding environment preferred
  • 1+ year recent experience fitting poles and arms including 3DLP is preferred (for utility divisions only)

Skills & Abilities:
  • Must possess the ability to train and communicate well with trainees and other staff; be patient and be able to offer a variety of techniques to a trainee so that the trainee is able to find a welding technique that suits them in order to produce quality welds.
  • Must be able to read, understand and communicate effectively in the English language.
  • Must have demonstrated ability to accurately read blueprints, tape measure, and comprehend documents such as safety roles, operating and procedure manuals.
  • Must have the ability to pass Sabre's Welder C certification and certify to use overhead cranes and gantries.
  • Regular and on-time attendance
  • Work in your shift as scheduled.
  • Must work well with others.

Physical Requirements:
  • Heavy work. Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 50 pounds of force constantly to move objects
  • Must be able to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving entire body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, tugging, stooping, bending, twisting, crawling, and handling of materials.
  • Position requires manual dexterity, ability to pick/pinch and work with fingers, repetitive motions of wrists/hands/finger, arm-hand steadiness, and a safety-minded individual.
  • Must be able to work in an open environment for long shifts (including weekends) exposed to extreme temperatures, standing entire shift
  • Must have the ability to concentrate on tasks for long periods of time and be able to observe and receive information from all relevant sources
  • Visual acuity to perform visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts at distances close to the eyes
  • Must be able to pass a visual acuity test

At Sabre Industries, we invest in your future with a competitive benefits program. As a full-time employee, you are eligible for:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • Continuing Education & Tuition Reimbursement
  • Life and Disability Coverage
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
  • Health and Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

Sabre Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer: M/F/Vets/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

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