1

Process Operator Trainee Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

... operators) performing production operations. • Possess thorough working knowledge of the union ... Recommends improvements in equipment and processes. • When applicable, study operations where ...

Farm Fresh Management Trainee

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$19.30 - $25.50/hr

Stew Leonard's, a family-owned and operated fresh food store founded in 1969, has locations in ... If you encounter any issues submitting your resume or have questions about the application process ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Linden, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Kenilworth, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Elizabeth, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Colonia, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Roselle, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Linden, NJ

$43K - $59K/yr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Elizabeth, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Westfield, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

CDL SALES ROUTE DRIVER

Linden, NJ · On-site

$14.16 - $32.88/hr

Safety-Kleen in Linden, NJ is seeking a Sales and Service Route Driver Trainee (Driver Class B ... Observe all company environmental health and safety operating guidelines * Performs other duties as ...

Showing results 21-40

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 14, 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 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.

How to become a process operator trainee with no experience?

To become a process operator trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers often provide on-the-job training and may require basic technical skills or familiarity with safety procedures; some positions may also prefer candidates with a background in math or science. Certification in safety or process operations can improve chances, but many companies train entry-level applicants without prior experience.

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 do process operator trainees do?

Process operator trainees learn to monitor and control industrial processes in manufacturing or chemical plants. They operate equipment, follow safety protocols, and gain skills in process control systems, often working under supervision to ensure efficient and safe plant operations.

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 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, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,194 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Operations Supervisor Trainee

Sims Limited

Jersey City, NJ

Full-time

PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

Our Operations team is growing, and we want to add new team members who are results-driven, creative, and collaborative to ensure our continued success. As an Operations Supervisor Trainee, you will be enrolled in a one-year paid program that will prepare you to manage a front-line team within our North American operation. This includes leading employees and managing operations at one of our many facilities.

When you join Sims Metal as a trainee, you will be in a 12-month program that gives you the opportunity to receive field-based training and shadow a team of seasoned experts from our Operations, Commercial, and Support functions. You will also receive comprehensive leadership training and professional development that will bring you more visibility and engagement with leaders from other programs across our global operations. Occasional travel to locations in the U.S. may be required during this training.

 Once the training program concludes, you will be considered for a full-time role on the Sims Metal Operations team. Sims Metal is offering you the chance to build a rewarding and fulfilling career with a leading sustainability company and acquire transferable skills that you can use for the rest of your life! If you are good at what you do, you can work anywhere. If you are great at what you do, come work with us.

Upon completion of the Operations Supervisor Trainee Program, some of your daily responsibilities include:

             Supervise production team members (laborers and equipment operators) performing production operations.

             Possess thorough working knowledge of the union contract (if applicable), employee handbook, safety manual, and all rules, programs, and procedures that pertain to production team members and apply them effectively and consistently.

             Familiarize team members with company policies/rules/regulations.

             Promote and maintain good employee relations through effective management practices, setting expectations, coaching, and proper application of employee relations policies.

             Responsible for orientation and on-the-job training of team members in the safe, efficient operation of equipment.

             Instill a sense of good housekeeping of their immediate work area in all employees as well as their responsibility for compliance with all quality specifications.

             Evaluate probationary team members based on attendance, performance, attitude, potential, etc. Recommend candidates for hire, promotion, transfer, demotion, or termination.

             Responsible for maintaining production within the assigned department at authorized levels.

             Re-assign team members on 'down equipment' to reduce unfavorable labor variances.

             Observe the production operation within your area of control to ascertain compliance with methods, quality standards, safety regulations, production standards, and efficient operation of equipment: take corrective action to eliminate any deviation.

             Participate in conducting job hazard analyses and the development of safe work procedures.

             Continuously analyze the assigned area of responsibility for improved methods of production, tool design communication, and reporting, cost controls and make recommendations to the production manager for disposition.

             Clearly communicate on-the-job problems including low production, poor quality, poor attendance, tardiness, etc. to employees and works with employees to develop a corrective action plan.

             Documents problems and reviews action plans to plant manager.

             Process all required forms in a timely manner for payroll and Human Resources (i.e. Employee Change Forms, Paid Time Off Requests, etc.).

             Arrange for proper maintenance of machines and equipment. Recommends improvements in equipment and processes.

             When applicable, study operations where cost standards are not being met to determine causes and implement corrective action.

             Where appropriate, coordinate the functions over which assigned with those of other departments or shifts.

             Develop among the assigned team members a consciousness of the need for teamwork to attain departmental and Sims Metal Management (SMM) goals and objectives.

             Support and carry out the management philosophy and vision.

             Conducts meetings (i.e. safety and quality) and is responsible for communicating policies and regulations to subordinate personnel.

             In case of an emergency, direct team members to their assigned safe area.

             Promote plant-wide teamwork and positive morale.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world's safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination. 

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.