ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Westrock

Coordinator, Tech Trainer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

The role reports into the site General Manager/ Plant Manager and dotted lines into Operations ... Operator/ Craft Job Certification. The role will be a key contact/ trainer for team members and be ...

previous page

Showing results 21-21

All JobsPlant Operator JobsPlant Operator Trainee JobsPlant Operator Trainee Jobs in Minnesota

Plant Operator Trainee information

See Minnesota salary details

$29.9K

$51.9K

$83.7K

How much do plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operator trainee in Minnesota is $51,872.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,100.00 and $58,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 procedures, and willingness to learn on the job. Prior experience in related roles or with operating machinery can be advantageous.

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 passing written exams and gaining on-the-job experience, making it moderately challenging but achievable with proper preparation and training. Skills in mechanical systems, safety procedures, and attention to detail are important for success in this role.

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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Minnesota are:

What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota?

For Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Plant Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Plant Operator Trainee job openings:

Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,872 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Coordinator, Tech Trainer

Westrock

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Complete daily technical training on the floor to assist with the certification of team members in their roles

  • Support the creation and delivery of site-specific technical learning solutions and assist with tracking and evaluating training effectiveness

  • Participate in new teammate hiring processes by assessing candidates' skills and providing input on hiring decisions

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR62235
Posting Job Title
Coordinator, Tech Trainer
Locations
MN Minneapolis Container
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
19-Aug-2026
Relocation Support
No
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
Technical Trainer Job Summary: The Technical Trainer assists with training processes locally. The role reports into the site General Manager/ Plant Manager and dotted lines into Operations Learning & Development, to ensure training is completed for Operator/ Craft Job Certification. The role will be a key contact/ trainer for team members and be responsible for teammate assessments regarding machine skills - providing feedback, machine certification responsibility, and conducting assessments related to line of progression movements.
Must be flexible and be able to work 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift if needed.
Major Job Responsibilities:
• Completes daily technical training on the floor to assist with the Certification of team members in their roles
• Partners with OPS L&D leader to support New Hire Orientation/ On Boarding Training, as needed
• Assists with tracking, evaluating, and measuring training locally using the company's Dept. Training Standards & Learning System tools
• Supports site specific technical learning solution creation (SOP's, Guided Workflows, Technical Learning Aids - to assist with training)
• Develops, builds, and maintains relationships with trainees & leaders in their role
• Participates in new teammate hiring process - assesses candidates' skills (general and/ or machine, involved in interview process to assess industrial experience, and provides perspective on hiring decisions)
• Conducts training on all shifts • Influences others to be safety-minded
• Team member will be certified through a Train the Trainer process, support managing day to day Certification Processes & will be supported by Ops L&D with training tools & general knowledge content • Additional duties as assigned.
How you will impact WestRock: • Improve local team performance through increasing skills and time to certification processes • Cost eliminator driving training efficiencies across roles, saving us unnecessary risk, and reducing the time allotted for training - a continuous improvement mindset.
What you need to succeed: Critical Skills/ Capabilities:
• Growth and Results Oriented: Results oriented person that looks for constant ways to improve
• Innovation: Able to support implementation of new processes and new learning technologies to drive training into the flow of work
• Interpersonal Skills: Possess keen awareness and understanding of the importance of strong interpersonal skills in communicating, achieving OKR's and leading people or teams (self-awareness)
• Accountability: Holds self and others responsible for actions and results
• Influence: Able to partner and build relationships to influence teams to work together, share best practices and develop and drive effective training for operations teams
• Decision Making: Uses strong problem-solving skills and supporting information to arrive at optimal decisions in an appropriated timeframe; knows when to decide and/ or when to seek additional input, and drive for consensus
• Communication: Willingness to work on the floor, with all shifts, in a heavy manufacturing world, to ensure we can document and teach critical work processes
• Quality: Actively work to ensure quality is ensured while minimizing waste,
Technical Skills:
• 1 - 3 years' experience conducting/ leading training, including On-The-Job training, or similar, in a manufacturing environment preferred • 2 - 4 years' experience in a manufacturing environment preferred
• Knowledge of Learning Management Systems preferred
• Microsoft Office Experience Preferred- Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Forms
Others Qualification:
• Facilitation/ Presentation Skills • Influencing • Partnering • Problem Solving/ Continuous Improvement • Professionalism.
What we offer:
• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
• An attractive wage, reflecting skills, competencies, and potential
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of our daily work.
WestRock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating and maintaining a diverse workforce: Minorities/Females/ Disabled/Veterans
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
The salary range for this position is $55,875.00 - $93,125.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 30-Sep-2026.

Apply