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Refinery Operator Trainee Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Refinery Operator Trainee information

See Nebraska salary details

$9

$19

$33

How much do refinery operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for refinery operator trainee in Nebraska is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.22 and $21.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Refinery Operator Trainee do?

A Refinery Operator Trainee learns how to monitor and control the equipment and processes involved in turning crude oil into usable products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety protocols, read gauges, adjust controls, and troubleshoot issues within the refinery. Trainees often work under the supervision of experienced operators and gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience and knowledge. This role is essential for maintaining efficient and safe refinery operations.

What are some typical challenges a Refinery Operator Trainee may face during their initial training period?

As a Refinery Operator Trainee, you may encounter challenges such as mastering complex control systems, understanding detailed safety protocols, and adapting to shift work, which often includes nights and weekends. The learning curve can be steep due to the technical nature of the processes and the need to respond quickly and accurately to potential operational issues. However, most facilities provide structured training programs and mentorship to help trainees build confidence and competence in both routine operations and emergency responses.

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

To thrive as a Refinery Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial safety, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable refinery operations in a hazardous environment.

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

AspectRefinery Operator TraineeRefinery Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic safety and technical trainingAdditional experience and certifications; advanced technical skills
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning-focusedOperational, hands-on, responsible for daily plant operations
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning safety procedures, basic equipment operationMonitoring processes, adjusting equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Refinery Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while a Refinery Operator is fully responsible for plant operations. Trainees are supervised and gaining experience, whereas operators perform routine and complex tasks independently.

What are popular job titles related to Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Nebraska? For Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Nebraska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Nebraska look for? The top searched job categories for Refinery Operator Trainee jobs in Nebraska are:
Infographic showing various Refinery Operator Trainee job openings in Nebraska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,849 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Maintenance Technician, Training Instructor

Maintenance Technician, Training Instructor

McCain Foods Limited

Grand Island, NE • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


McCain Foods rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 397 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Position Title: Maintenance Technician, Training Instructor
Position Type: Regular - Part-Time
Requisition ID: 41103
Maintenance Technical Training Instructor - Processing & Packaging
Grand Island, NE
About the role .
In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and interested in helping each other create good work experiences. We think about the customer and make doing business with McCain easy.
We're looking for a Part Time Maintenance Technical Training Instructor to deliver an established industrial maintenance training program for our onion ring manufacturing plant.
This role is ideal for someone who has taught industrial maintenance or mechatronics at a college or technical school and wants to bring that experience directly into a real-world production environment. You'll use a ready-made curriculum-your focus is teaching and coaching.
You'll train maintenance technicians and operators on topics such as:
  • Product Belting & Conveyors
  • Power Transmission
  • Bearings & Gearboxes
  • Pumps
  • Shop Tools & Safe Use
  • Basic Electrical
  • Hydraulics/Pneumatics
  • Processing & Packaging Equipment
  • Basic Stainless Steel Welding

Your goal: build safe, capable troubleshooters and improve equipment reliability across the plant.
This role is part-time - 4 days per week, every other week, 11:30 AM-11:30 PM
Accountabilities:
  • Deliver classroom and hands-on training using an existing curriculum on a 11:30 AM-11:30 PM, part-time, every-other-week schedule.
  • Teach maintenance theory and connect it directly to real plant equipment and troubleshooting.
  • Lead lab/shop activities and on-equipment practice with a strong emphasis on safety and lockout/tagout.
  • Coach technicians and operators at different skill levels, from new hires to experienced mechanics.
  • Administer written and hands-on evaluations, document results, and provide clear feedback.
  • Reinforce safe work practices, food safety, and reliability-focused maintenance behaviors in every session.
  • Provide feedback on training delivery and trainee needs to improve the overall program.

Qualifications:
Teaching/Training Experience
  • Experience teaching industrial maintenance, mechatronics, or a related technical field at a college, technical school, or as a corporate/plant technical trainer.
  • Comfortable leading a classroom, explaining technical concepts simply, and managing group learning

Maintenance Background
  • 5+ years of hands-on industrial maintenance experience in manufacturing (food or packaging a plus).
  • Practical knowledge of conveyors, power transmission, bearings & gearboxes, pumps, basic electrical, hydraulics/pneumatics, and basic stainless welding.

Education
  • Associate degree or higher in Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Electrical/Mechanical Technology, or related field preferred or journeyman's card/apprenticeship in related field
  • Equivalent experience with strong teaching background will be considered.

Skills:
  • Passion for teaching and developing people.
  • Strong safety mindset and commitment to lockout/tagout and safe work practices.
  • Clear communicator, patient coach, and good listener.
  • Organized, reliable, and comfortable using basic computer tools for training and documentation.

The benefits of working for McCain .
  • Use your college-level teaching skills in a dynamic, real-world environment.
  • Part-time, predictable every-other-week schedule that can pair well with other work or teaching responsibilities.
  • Work with a dedicated team focused on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
  • Directly impact the skills, confidence, and careers of maintenance staff.

About McCain .
At McCain, we're feeding the world: from French fries to cakes, we contribute to the important role food plays in people's lives. That's why we're dedicated to ensuring our core values-Family, Authentic, Trusted, and Quality-shine through every day. As a privately owned family company with over 60 years of experience, a presence in more than 160 countries, and a global team of 22,000 people, our values and culture are at the heart of everything we do. We believe that we can work together, along with our business and community partners, to bring sustainable growth and positive change today, tomorrow, and for generations to come. Join us and see how you can MAKE IT at McCain!
Leadership Principles .
Our principles, each with related practices, guide our actions across the organization. Together, they address how McCain interacts with our customers and employees, and how we work as individuals and collectively to find success. While each role adheres to the Leadership Principles, individual roles may focus more on a specific principle or principles.
We are customer obsessed. Customers are our starting point. By understanding their needs and leveraging data and consumer insights, we drive mutual success.
We think big and plan ahead. Through ambition, curiosity, and smart risks, we can accomplish goals, refine processes, and innovate to scale success.
We bring out the best in our people. We create safe spaces for our people so that trust and empowerment come naturally. Inclusion is about listening first, showing humility, and working together.
We act like owners. Together, we clear obstacles and do the work that makes us all successful and proud to be part of McCain.
The McCain experience .
We are McCain: this statement is about our power collectively and our importance individually-your impact is a significant part of the business. Our winning culture focuses on authenticity and trust so we can always bring out the best in our people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while being yourself. Join our team to see why we're better together.
#LI-VG1
Compensation Package : $47.15 USD hourly + Bonus eligibility + Hourly Pay Differential for applicable shifts
The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Benefits: At McCain, we're on a mission to create a winning culture that puts employee safety and well-being at the heart of what we do, every day. We understand and appreciate that each person's needs are unique and ensure our benefits & well-being programs reflect that. Employees are eligible for the following benefits: health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription drug), retirement savings benefits, and leave support, including medical, family and bereavement. Well-being programs include vacation and holidays, company-supported volunteering time, and mental health resources. Coverages are aligned with the Collective Agreement, country, provincial and state governing plans and can vary by work level, location and nature of the role. Additional benefits details available during the application process.
Your well-being matters to us, and we're here to provide you with the necessary resources to support you in being your best self at work - and at home.
McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.
Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain's Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy , as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here .
Job Family: Engineering & Technical
Location(s): US - United States of America : Nebraska : Grand Island
Company: McCain Foods USA, Inc.

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