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Process Operator Trainee Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator Trainee A Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel ...

Refinery Operator Trainee A Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel ...

Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Work ... Perform visual and functional in-process Quality Control (QC) inspections in accordance with ...

CNC Operator Trainee - 2nd shift

Mahwah, NJ · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Work ... Perform visual and functional in-process Quality Control (QC) inspections in accordance with ...

Applystatistical process methodsandgain experience usingbasicquality tools like diagrams,flow ... Enforcestandard operating procedures and assistwith training and developing plant staff. * Oversee ...

Apply statistical process methods and gain experience using basic quality tools like diagrams, flow ... Enforce standard operating procedures and assist with training and developing plant staff. Oversee ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Operator Trainee information

See New Jersey salary details

$25.9K

$44.2K

$64.5K

How much do process operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for process operator trainee in New Jersey is $44,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $51,800.00 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 New Jersey?

The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in New Jersey are:

Infographic showing various Process Operator Trainee job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,194 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Refinery Operator Trainee

Paulsboro, NJ


Pbf Energy
Oil and Gas Extraction • 1 - 5K employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good employer

Paid breaks


$42.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Refinery Operator TraineeA Refinery Operator works 12-hour rotating shifts on various units within the refinery which process crude oil as a feed stock in order to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, refinery chemicals and other products. Our company is committed to a foundation of safe and environmentally compliant operations so Operators must follow procedures and safe work practices. New hires will be required to successfully complete a Basic Operator Training Program prior to training on an assigned operating unit. Starting pay is $42.88 per hour.

Responsibilities

An Operator may be responsible for: Maintaining operations and equipment; climbing ladders, tanks and towers up to 200 feet high; taking samples/reading of various process streams; initiating work orders and issuing work permits for work related to the assigned unit; maintaining proper and safe process operations of the operating equipment; and communicating effectively during the shift and at shift relief regarding key process unit and equipment information. Participate on the Firefighting Brigade and other Emergency Response Teams.

Basic/Required Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years of age; be legally authorized to work in the United States without restrictions; hold a High School Diploma or equivalent; and hold a current/valid Driver's License.

Must be willing to perform/comply with the following: working overtime; working holidays and weekends; work in enclosed/confined space, such as tanks, towers, reactors, silos; working around high speed rotating equipment; working around and in temperature extremes (hot/cold); lift a minimum of 50 pounds (self); work around chemicals; wear fire retardant clothing and personal protective equipment; maintain your face daily so that a respirator/face mask can seal properly; pass Fire Brigade physical and perform fire-fighting duties; work outside in harsh weather conditions; and work with petroleum products that are under high pressure and heat.

Preferred Qualifications

Military Experience

PTEC training/certification

Previous relevant Work experience


Conditions of Employment

Must complete pre-employment written tests and assessments; meet the physical criteria for the position; successfully complete a physical skills demonstration test; pass a background check and drug/alcohol screening; and be eligible to qualify for or hold a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card). Relocation is not available for this position.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must apply via the PBF website at: www.pbfenergy.com/careers. Scroll to the middle of the page and click on the link to view current openings. Under "Location" select Paulsboro Refining Company and click "Search Jobs". Select the Refinery Operator position and follow the steps to apply (If attaching a resume, please format in MicroSoft Word or .pdf format).

Selected Candidates will be notified and assigned a testing date and time via e-mail from MPS. Phase 1 consists of 3 tests. There are 3 phases in our hiring process. All contact information must be accurate and up-to-date. Phone calls will not be accepted.

Must complete pre-employment written tests and assessments; meet the physical criteria for the position; successfully complete a physical skills demonstration test; pass a background check and drug/alcohol screening; and be eligible to qualify for or hold a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC Card). Relocation is not available for this position.

We thank all respondents for their interest in PBF Holding Company LLC ("PBF Energy"), however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please no phone calls or emails to any employee of PBF Energy about this requisition. Placement agencies or recruiters need not respond. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee of PBF Energy via email, the Internet or in any method without a valid written search agreement will be deemed the sole property of PBF Energy. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PBF Energy as a result of the referral or through other means.

PBF Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision making, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, veteran and military status, or any other status protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by law.

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