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Process Operator Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Location Address: 600 Vista Drive, Sparta, Tennessee 38583 Work Shift: 12hr-C Shift (United States of America) The Processor, Trainee is responsible for operating injection/blow molding machinery to ...

Practices sales process by calling on existing and then new accounts; adhering to established sales ... Operating Income, and EBITDA 50% - Demonstrate practical application of knowledge and skills

Practices sales process by calling on existing and then new accounts; adhering to established sales ... Operating Income, and EBITDA 50% - Demonstrate practical application of knowledge and skills

Learn all aspects of our business including sales, quality control, manufacturing processes, office ... operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. Established in 1908, RGI is the largest privately ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Operator Trainee information

See Tennessee salary details

$23.1K

$39.5K

$57.6K

How much do process operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for process operator trainee in Tennessee is $39,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $46,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 are Process Operator Trainees?

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 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 Tennessee? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Process Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Process Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Operator Trainee job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,509 per year, or $19 per hour.
1st Shift Press Op Trainee NW

1st Shift Press Op Trainee NW

INTERSTATE PACKAGING COMPANY

White Bluff, TN • On-site

$14.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Summary: This Printing Press Operator Trainee’s primary role is to effectively support the processes in the wide/narrow web department to ensure that our product meets or exceeds our customer requirements.  The trainee must possess the mechanical aptitude to set up and maintain operation of their designated machine. 

Production Responsibilities:  

  • This includes, but is not limited to the following of all required safety procedures such as PPE’s, ergonomics, chemical hazards, etc. and performs job in a manner that protects the health and safety of all employees.   

  • Reads and understands job jackets/order.   

  • Establishes and follows quality checking procedures in the pressroom.  

  • Effectively communicates with supervisor, oncoming shift, and management. 

  • Cleanup and any other procedures related to completion of jobs. 

  • Assist in the setup of the next job including: 

  • Pulling ink. 

  • Cleaning of press. 

  • Keeping press area cleaned including: 

  • Clean press area at end of shift. 

  • Staying busy when press is down. 

  • Communicate effectively by: 

  • Properly making computer entries. 

  • Following the chain of command from supervisor to department manager to plant manager, etc. 

  • Being at work station within 3 minutes of reporting time. 

  • Responsible for compliance with all regulatory, facility food safety, and quality policies and procedures including product safety (GMPs) policies and procedures 

Job Qualifications: 

  • Quality conscious. 

  • Attention to detail. 

  • Must be able to see good true color. (Must not be colorblind.) 

  • Ability to lift. 

  • Accurate with numbers. 

  • Basic math skills. 

  • Basic mechanical skills. 

  • Must be able to read a tape measure. 

  • Confidentiality 

  • Organizational skills. 

  • Shift work 

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Must have reading skills necessary to properly understand production orders and designate specific plates for an order, and understand materials, reports, warning signs, etc. 

  • Must be able to distinguish subtle shades of colors accurately in order to match samples and color designations in orders. 

  • Must be able to lift 50 – 75 pound air shafts without the assistance of any hoist and must be able to manipulate 100 – 300 pounds with the assistance of mechanical devices. 

  • Must be able to read a ruler and have other general math skills in order to measure roll diameters, roll widths, package sizes, etc. 

  • Must have directionality to distinguish right and left sides of machinery and to follow operating instructions from other employees and from written instructions. 

  • Must be agile (bending, stooping, squatting, climbing, etc.) in order to climb up on press, move cylinders, adjust equipment and avoid dangerous moving machinery. 

  • Reflexes must be in excellent condition for quick response time on moving machinery.   Employee must be able to react to rapidly moving parts in order to avoid serious injury to his/her or other employee’s limbs or other life threatening injuries.  Employee must be completely alert at all times to operate machinery in a proper manner. 

  • Must have a good sense of smell to distinguish odors from materials and smell smoke (in case of fire).  Must have good hearing to follow directions and coordinate procedures with fellow employees and to hear warning signals. 

  • Must be able to comprehend and follow detailed instructions without constant supervision.  Must be able to communicate operating problems to supervisor. 

  • Must have spatial skills, which can be applied to judge dimensions necessary for operation of machinery. 

  • Must have mechanical ability to learn how the press operates.  This includes anilox rollers, cylinders, tension controls, safety mechanism, etc. 

  • Must be able to logically deduce (reason) the source of the problem on the press, which prevents commercially acceptable printing, propose a solution to that problem and carry out that solution.   

  • Must be able to carry out press procedures in an initial sequence and repeat that procedure on future orders in a similar manner or with alterations. 

  • Must have eyesight whether correct or not, which allows pressman to distinguish hairlines, registration, mounting accuracy and ink lay-down to print suitable quality. 

  • Must be able to record information electronically as required by accounting.