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Process Operator Trainee Jobs in Ashburn, VA (NOW HIRING)

Operations Manager Trainee

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$27.75 - $38.75/hr

Overview $27.75 - $38.75 / Hourly The role of the Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) is to gain an ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

Operations Manager Trainee must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

Operations Manager Trainee

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$29.25 - $39.25/hr

Overview $29.25 - $39.25 / Hourly The role of the Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) is to gain an ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

Operations Manager Trainee must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

Operations Manager Trainee must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

Operations Manager Trainee

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

$30.50 - $42.25/hr

Overview $30.50 - $42.25 / Hourly The role of the Operations Manager Trainee (OMT) is to gain an ... Process Focused Operator (data driven decision-maker; detailed; organized and structured ...

... process. This requires significant professional development. Qualified candidates will possess ... May conduct detailed experimental testing OPERATING HOURS AND EXPECTATIONS: * This position ...

... process. This requires significant professional development. Qualified candidates will possess ... May conduct detailed experimental testing OPERATING HOURS AND EXPECTATIONS: * This position ...

... process. This requires significant professional development. Qualified candidates will possess ... May conduct detailed experimental testing OPERATING HOURS AND EXPECTATIONS: * This position ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Operator Trainee information

See Ashburn, VA salary details

$26.1K

$44.5K

$64.9K

How much do process operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for process operator trainee in Ashburn, VA is $44,514.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,700.00 and $52,200.00 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.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Ashburn, VA? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Ashburn, VA are:
Infographic showing various Process Operator Trainee job openings in Ashburn, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,514 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Water Treatment Plant Operator: Trainee, I or II

Town of Leesburg, VA

Leesburg, VA โ€ข On-site

$53K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Salary: $53,570.00 - $116,738.00 Annually
Location : 43234 Edwards Ferry Road Leesburg, VA
Job Type: RFT
Job Number: 01303
Department: Utilities Department
Division: Water Supply Facility
Opening Date: 07/21/2026
About the Town of Leesburg and Nature of Work
Do you want to apply your expertise for a cause you can feel good about? Do you want to work for an organization that wants you to grow with it and offers tuition reimbursement, certification training, and a chance to learn about multiple industries? Come work for the Town of Leesburg, hometown of the 21st century! Located 35 miles west of the nation's capital in the heart of DC's Wine Country, you'll enjoy a vibrant and authentic community with "big city" amenities. The Town of Leesburg strongly encourages innovation, promotes career development, and offers excellent benefits to employees. Benefits include membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, enrollment into the Virginia Retirement System, excellent healthcare insurance, and other fringe benefits.
What You'll Be Doing
This position involves entry level through journey-level technical work opportunities in the Water Supply Division in the operation; and maintenance of a water treatment plant, associated facilities and plant grounds. Work involves responsibility for the operation, monitoring, and control of the facility on a shift under the close guidance of senior operations personnel. Work involves conducting tests in a microbiology lab; adjusting treatment processes to ensure conformance with applicable standards; operating wells, storage tanks and booster stations; participating in the maintenance of equipment and facilities; performing data entry on a computer; and preparing operating reports and records. The Water Supply Division is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Town's Kenneth B. Rollins Water Treatment Plant (WTP), one well, five water storage tanks, and four water booster stations.
Schedule
This position requires working rotating shifts (days/nights), including weekends and holidays.
Career Development Program
The Town's Water Supply Division offers a career development program. The purpose of this program is to recognize and compensate those individuals who have acquired additional or advanced work-related knowledge, skills and abilities during their career with the Town's Utilities Department. This program provides a career development plan based on an employee's performance, training, licensure and length of service.
For more detailed job descriptions, please visit the Town's
Required Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee ($53,570-$116,738 DOQ): HS/GED. Ability to obtain a Class IV Water Works Operator License for Water Supply within 18 months. Ability to obtain a Class III Water Works Operators License for Water Supply. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Certifications in CPR/AED and First Aid or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available and able to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator I ($54,601-$118,938 DOQ): High school diploma (or GED) and one year of experience operating a water or wastewater treatment
plant facility. Possession of a current Class III Water Works Operator License for Water Supply as issued by Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. CPR / AED First Aid certification or ability to obtain within one year of employment. Knowledge and familiarity with Virginia Waterworks Regulations. Knowledge in MS Suite applications and computer program applications appropriate to the position. Available to work shifts (nights, weekends and holidays).
Utility Plant Operator II ($57,331-$127,295 DOQ): HS/GED and two years of progressively responsible work in water treatment. Water or environmental laboratory experience. Possession of a Class II Water Works Operator License as issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). CPR/AED First Aid certification or within one year of hire. Possession of a valid driver's license and a safe driving record. Experience with industrial computer control systems (SCDA) and process control system. Available to work shifts ( nights, weekends and holidays).
Preferred Qualifications
Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Class IV License Water Works Operator License issued by the Virginia Department of Professional & Occupational Regulation (DPOR). Water or environmental laboratory experience.
Utility Plant Operator I: Backflow device certification. Experience with SCADA and Process Control Systems. Completion of VDH/VWEA Operators Short School - Virginia Tech.
Utility Plant Operator II: Backflow device certification. Associates or Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry or other related science. Bacteriology Laboratory Experience.
Employee BenefitsThe Town offers competitive compensation, affordable health insurance coverage, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, an optional 457(b) retirement plan with a Town matching contribution, flexible spending accounts, voluntary benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), membership to the Town's full-service recreation center, an optional payroll Roth IRA, and generous paid time off. For more information on the Town's robust benefits package, please visit the Town'sEmployee Benefits page.
EOE/ADA
Please click on "Employee Benefits" to review detailed information regarding employee benefits for regular full-time and regular part-time employees.