1

Process Operator Co Op Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

In this role, the student co-op will also work with supervisors, manufacturing teams, process engineers, and environmental consultants. The remaining positions are Process Engineer Co-ops for the ...

Responsible for producing ethanol, distiller's grain, corn oil and other co-products. Those ... Approximately 50% of the operator's time will be spent monitoring the production process from the ...

Process Operator

Kennedy, MN

$19.42 - $31.01/hr

Conduct continuous inspections, monitor equipment, record operating parameters of key process ... Work together with co-workers in a professional manner to support overall plant operations ...

Process Operator

Kennedy, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $24.75/hr

Conduct continuous inspections, monitor equipment, record operating parameters of key process ... Work together with co-workers in a professional manner to support overall plant operations ...

Process Operator

Kennedy, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $24.75/hr

Conduct continuous inspections, monitor equipment, record operating parameters of key process ... Work together with co-workers in a professional manner to support overall plant operations ...

2025 - Summer Intern Co-op Conversion

Duluth, MN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

This requisition is for 2025 Summer Intern/Co-op Conversion candidates with assignment end dates from 7/1 - 9/30 to apply to be considered for the conversion process. There are two ways you can be ...

Agronomy Salesperson

Hills, MN · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Supports New Vision Co-op's stated Vision, Mission, and Business Values. * Projects a positive ... Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. * Attention to detail, multi-tasking ...

Agronomy Salesperson

Adrian, MN · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Supports New Vision Co-op's stated Vision, Mission, and Business Values. * Projects a positive ... Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. * Attention to detail, multi-tasking ...

Agronomy Salesperson

Hills, MN · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Supports New Vision Co-op's stated Vision, Mission, and Business Values. * Projects a positive ... Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. * Attention to detail, multi-tasking ...

Agronomy Salesperson

Adrian, MN · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Supports New Vision Co-op's stated Vision, Mission, and Business Values. * Projects a positive ... Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. * Attention to detail, multi-tasking ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Process Operator Co Op information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$20

$30

How much do process operator co op jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator co op in Minnesota is $20.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.88 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Process Operator Co-Op do?

A Process Operator Co-Op is a student or recent graduate who works alongside experienced operators in manufacturing or industrial settings to learn and assist with the operation of machinery and equipment. Their responsibilities often include monitoring production processes, maintaining safety standards, recording data, and troubleshooting minor issues. Co-Ops gain hands-on experience, apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios, and often participate in projects or process improvements under supervision. This position helps prepare students for full-time roles in process operations after graduation.

What is the difference between Process Operator Co Op vs Process Technician?

AspectProcess Operator Co OpProcess Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, chemical or oil & gas plantsSimilar industrial settings, often more focused on troubleshooting and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageUsed as a temporary or internship role for students or entry-level workersFull-time role with more responsibility for process control and troubleshooting

The Process Operator Co Op is typically an entry-level, temporary position aimed at students gaining industry experience, while a Process Technician is a full-time role with greater responsibility for maintaining and troubleshooting industrial processes. Both roles are common in manufacturing, chemical, and oil & gas industries, but they differ in scope and career progression.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Operator Co Op, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Operator Co Op, you need a solid understanding of process operations, safety procedures, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by coursework in engineering, technology, or related fields. Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), process control systems, and industry-specific safety certifications such as WHMIS or OSHA is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes, which is critical for productivity and workplace safety.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Process Operator Co Op expect to handle during their placement?

As a Process Operator Co Op, you can expect to be actively involved in monitoring and controlling manufacturing or production processes alongside experienced operators. Typical responsibilities include collecting and analyzing process data, performing routine equipment inspections, supporting troubleshooting activities, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Co Op students often work on project assignments such as process optimization or efficiency improvements, and they collaborate closely with engineering, maintenance, and quality assurance teams. This hands-on experience provides a solid foundation for understanding plant operations and developing technical and teamwork skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
Process Engineer Co-op

Process Engineer Co-op

Sappi

Cloquet, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Sappi rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 113 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Sappi's pulp and paper Mill in Cloquet, Minnesota, is looking for energetic, self-motivated Paper Science, BBE, Chemical and/or Environmental Engineering students to fill co-op positions in the Environmental, Paper and Pulp Business Technical departments. These full-time paid co-op positions will be during the 2026/2027 school year and last 15 months.
The co-op in the Environmental department will work with mill Environmental Engineers to perform tasks within the scope of the mill's environmental management system. These tasks range from field sampling and analytical testing, to data analysis, report writing, training development and project management. In this role, the student co-op will also work with supervisors, manufacturing teams, process engineers, and environmental consultants.
The remaining positions are Process Engineer Co-ops for the Paper and Pulp Business groups. These co-ops will work on projects to improve existing and new process efficiencies throughout the pulp or paper business. Co-ops work collaboratively with other process engineers as process technical support and progressing to independent project assignments. In addition, co-ops will conduct process sampling and analytical testing as well as process data analysis to aid in process optimization and troubleshooting.
This is a great opportunity to gain real-world engineering experience while contributing to the mill's objectives and success. The pulp and paper industry has much to offer Paper Science, BBE, Chemical and Environmental Engineering students. There are chemical, biological, mechanical and electrical processes or systems to learn.
Any student interested should have completed a minimum of 2 years in an accredited engineering program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Experience with Visual Basic is a plus.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and transcripts.
Sappi's pulp and paper Mill in Cloquet, Minnesota, is looking for energetic, self-motivated Paper Science, BBE, Chemical and/or Environmental Engineering students to fill co-op positions in the Environmental, Paper and Pulp Business Technical departments. These full-time paid co-op positions will be during the 2026/2027 school year and last 15 months.
The co-op in the Environmental department will work with mill Environmental Engineers to perform tasks within the scope of the mill's environmental management system. These tasks range from field sampling and analytical testing, to data analysis, report writing, training development and project management. In this role, the student co-op will also work with supervisors, manufacturing teams, process engineers, and environmental consultants.
The remaining positions are Process Engineer Co-ops for the Paper and Pulp Business groups. These co-ops will work on projects to improve existing and new process efficiencies throughout the pulp or paper business. Co-ops work collaboratively with other process engineers as process technical support and progressing to independent project assignments. In addition, co-ops will conduct process sampling and analytical testing as well as process data analysis to aid in process optimization and troubleshooting.
This is a great opportunity to gain real-world engineering experience while contributing to the mill's objectives and success. The pulp and paper industry has much to offer Paper Science, BBE, Chemical and Environmental Engineering students. There are chemical, biological, mechanical and electrical processes or systems to learn.
Any student interested should have completed a minimum of 2 years in an accredited engineering program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Experience with Visual Basic is a plus.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Sappi does not provide visa sponsorship.
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and transcripts.
Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.
Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Salary is determined by a number of factors including the value of the job to the organization, market forces, internal equity and skills brought to the job.
Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
ABOUT SAPPI
Sappi is a leading global provider of everyday materials made from woodfibre-based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on sustainable processes and products, we are building a more circular economy by making what we should, not just what we can.
HR Contact for Questions:
Name: Danna Dahn
Email: danna.dahn@sappi.com
Telephone number: 218-879-2393

What Sappi employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom