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Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Technical Trainer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$31.50 - $42/hr

Reporting directly to the General Manager/Plant Manager with a dotted-line relationship to ... Build strong working relationships with trainees, supervisors, and site leadership to support ...

Mechanical Maintenance Technician

Clayton, NC · On-site

$19.50 - $26.25/hr

Follow Standard Operating Procedures, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams, job plans and/or equipment ... Understand industrial plant safety and environment requirements Requirements: Trainee High School ...

QC Tech IV

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Point of contact for plant and QC/QA management. Ensures that the lab runs smoothly and all ... Frequent interactions with operators, engineers, and Quality management for reporting routine ...

QC Tech IV

Raleigh, NC

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Point of contact for plant and QC/QA management. Ensures that the lab runs smoothly and all ... Frequent interactions with operators, engineers, and Quality management for reporting routine ...

Plant Operator Trainee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$29.6K

$51.5K

$83.1K

How much do plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operator trainee in Raleigh, NC is $51,481.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $57,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are Plant Operator Trainees?

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, and why are they important?

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 the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,484 per year, or $24.8 per hour.
Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee

Harnett County

Lillington, NC

$49K - $57K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY POSITION SUMMARY: An employee in this position performs technical work in the operation and minor maintenance of equipment at a water treatment plant on an assigned shift for Harnett Regional Water. Work involves controlling mechanical, electrical, and chemical equipment involved in pumping and/or treating water. This is a night shift position working from 7:00pm to 7:00am.

Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee $49,177 Water Treatment Plant Operator C $51,636 Water Treatment Plant Operator B $54,217 Water Treatment Plant Operator A $56,927 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Monitors pumps, gauge charts, and equipment and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system; and maintains chemical feed systems and levels. Monitors coagulation process of raw water; plans and monitors clear well water level and usage. Keeps plant records and periodic summary reports of operations; completes daily monitoring reports required by state and federal government.

Inspects plant equipment and machinery; makes minor repairs and adjustments on equipment according to preventive maintenance schedules or as necessary. Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle to travel as needed. Prepares lab chemicals and performs physical tests such as turbidity, color, odor, taste and temperature; performs chemical tests as needed such as pH, alkalinity, carbon dioxide, hardness, metal content, and residual chlorine and fluoride; and performs other bacteriological tests as needed.

Answers telephone and provides answers or refers caller to appropriate personnel. Performs other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: High school diploma or equivalent.

No experience required. Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Possession of a NC Surface Water Treatment Plant Operator: Level C Certification within one (1) year of hire date.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Knowledge of the operating principles and practices of water treatment. Knowledge of the maintenance requirements of water treatment plant equipment and machinery. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with water plant and related activities.

Knowledge of County policies and procedures. Knowledge of chemistry as applied to water treatment. Knowledge of standard laboratory principles, techniques, terminology, and equipment.

Skill in using a computer and popular word-processing and spreadsheet software. Skill in identifying and assisting in identifying solutions to work problems. Ability to follow specified operating and recording procedures.

Ability to detect defects and to take appropriate action in the operation of water treatment equipment, chemical feed machines, and other related equipment. Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Ability to meet deadlines. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring to exert up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, using mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, performing repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, and walking.

An incumbent must also possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color or depth perception, determine accuracy or make observations, operated equipment, and inspect defects. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee works in a plant environment which included indoor and outdoor activities.