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Process Operator Trainee Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Driver Class B Trainee

Champaign, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Dundee, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Champaign, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Urbana, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Elgin, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Champaign, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

South Elgin, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Thebes, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Urbana, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

... process but are not used as a replacement for human decision making. Clean Harbors is committed to ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Driver Class B Trainee

Urbana, IL · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

... processes and always acting in a safe manner * Complete daily scheduled services, deliveries, and ... Safely observe all corporate operating guidelines and procedures * Observe all company ...

Showing results 21-40

Process Operator Trainee information

See Illinois salary details

$24.7K

$42.2K

$61.5K

How much do process operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for process operator trainee in Illinois is $42,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $49,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a process operator trainee?

Process Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn how to monitor, control, and maintain equipment and systems in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, or energy production. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to gain hands-on experience with safety protocols, machinery operation, and troubleshooting. The goal is to prepare them for full Process Operator roles, where they ensure the smooth and safe running of industrial processes.

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

To thrive as a Process Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in a relevant field. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and equipment monitoring tools is important, often gained through on-the-job training or programs like OSHA certification. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help trainees excel and adapt to dynamic plant environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial facilities.

What are some common challenges process operator trainees may encounter during their training period?

Process Operator Trainees often face challenges such as adapting to shift work schedules, learning complex control systems, and understanding safety protocols in industrial environments. The steep learning curve can be daunting, especially when troubleshooting equipment or responding to unexpected process deviations. However, trainees are typically supported by experienced mentors and structured training programs to help them build confidence and competence over time.

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

AspectProcess Operator TraineeProcess Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull-time, operational environment, responsible for daily processes
Employer UsageEntry-level position for training purposesFull-fledged role managing production processes

The Process Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Process Operator is a fully responsible role managing daily operations. Trainees typically undergo training before becoming Process Operators, making the roles sequential in career development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Process Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Process Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Process Operator Trainee job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,182 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Management Trainee (Onsite: Chicago, IL)

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$64K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Old Dominion Freight Line rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 164 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 64 rated delivery companies


Job description

At Old Dominion, we don't just move freight-we help businesses keep their promises. As one of the nation's leading LTL carriers, we've earned our reputation by putting people first, delivering premium service, and staying true to the values that have guided us for more than 90 years. Our PROMISES values shape how we work, our family culture shapes how we treat one another, and our commitment to being the Best in the Game drives everything we do. If you're looking for more than just a job, you'll find a career built on trust, teamwork, and opportunity at OD.
For those with a passion for leadership and a drive to excel, this program offers the perfect foundation for a successful career in operations management. Old Dominion Freight Line's Management Trainee program provides hands-on experience in all aspects of service center operations, from logistics and freight management to team leadership. With mentorship from industry experts and the opportunity to earn your CDL, you'll build the skills and knowledge needed to grow within a thriving, fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your potential and gain valuable insight into a company that values excellence, teamwork, and professional growth.
Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is currently recruiting Management Trainees who will receive hands on training in all wage and salaried jobs to learn to manage a shift or an operational area in a service center. Once hands-on training is completed in each area the trainee fills in as a supervisor on various shifts and departments. The trainee will learn to manage a shift while emphasizing safety, quality, efficiency, service and delivery. The trainee also completes assignments while being assessed through knowledge indicators, writing papers, viewing management videos, recommending process improvements on operating procedures. Participates in Old Dominion Truck Driving Training program to receive a CDL license, participates in forklift training program and management and leadership training courses as scheduled.
Responsibilities
  • Complete shift manager's training as an understudy with an experienced manager or supervisor.
  • Trainees will complete forklift job training knowledge and production exercises on all jobs within the service center.
  • Trainees will participate in ODTDT (Old Dominion Truck Driving Training) program to obtain CDL license.
  • Fill in as a supervisor on various shifts and departments.
  • Completes department/area knowledge indicators and develops new indicators as well as process and procedure changes.
  • Works in AS400 moving freight as needed throughout the system and maintains records of efficiency, quality, cost, hot loads, missed loads, etc.
  • Works in Workday as needed to update payroll and employee information.
  • Writes and submits monthly activity reports.
  • Assigns work to employees according to daily schedule.
  • Makes quick and informed decisions based on the volume levels and communicates schedule to affected employees.
  • Inspects working conditions of tools and equipment needed for safe operation within the area and directs the correction of any improper or adverse condition that exists.
  • Approximately 15% travel to other service centers to learn the operations and supervise in a different environment.

Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor's degree
  • Good working knowledge of computer/PC software (WORD, EXCEL). AS400 background helpful.
  • Good communications skills, both Oral and Written
  • Solid work history (if applicable)
  • Professional appearance
  • Must be open to relocation when trainee program is completed

Compensation Range:
The referenced salary range is based on the Company's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level, and state/local wage requirements.
$64,397 - $67,617
Working Days:
Shift and hours to be determined.
Working Shift:
Shift and hours to be determined.
Work days/shifts may change based on scheduling and business needs and are provided as guidelines at the time of posting.
Join the OD Family Today!
As a Full Time member of our Family, you and your family are eligible to receive:
  • Great Health Benefits including a Zero premium medical plan for employee only coverage
  • Vision & Dental
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Flex Spending Accounts
  • 401k Retirement plan with company match and additional company annual discretionary match opportunity
  • Life Insurance
  • Wellness Program
  • 12 Days Paid Time Off
  • 9 Paid Holidays including a birthday holiday
  • Tuition Reimbursement for Drivers and Technicians
  • Training and growth opportunities to build a career
  • We prioritize our OD family of employees
  • Ability to advance through our promote from within philosophy
  • National Career Opportunities Available at our 260+ service centers

Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, and/or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military status, Vietnam Era and/or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law(s).
If you have questions regarding this posting or require assistance with the application process, please click here for contact information.

What Old Dominion Freight Line employees say

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About Old Dominion Freight

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Old Dominion Freight Line, often referred to as Old Dominion or ODFL, is based out of Thomasville, North Carolina, in the United States and operates within the industry of Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) carrier services. Their services include regional, super-regional, and intrastate domestic shipping, assembly and distribution, container delivery, truckload brokerage, supply chain consulting, and expedited freight delivery. Established in 1934, Old Dominion has grown from a single truck running a 94-mile route in Virginia to a leading national LTL carrier with over 235 service centres.

Industry

Trucking

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Thomasville, NC, US

Year founded

1934