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System Operator Trainee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Trainer | 2nd Shift

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Ensure trainee personnel records are maintained. * Help educate and reinforce company procedures ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as technical data, safety rules, operating and ...

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System Operator Trainee information

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

To thrive as a System Operator Trainee, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, power grid fundamentals, and typically an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and NERC certification is often required or preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help trainees excel in high-pressure, team-oriented environments. These competencies are crucial for maintaining grid reliability, ensuring safety, and responding rapidly to system disturbances.

What are some common challenges faced by System Operator Trainees in their first year on the job?

As a System Operator Trainee, one of the main challenges is mastering complex monitoring systems and learning to respond quickly and accurately to real-time changes in the power grid. Trainees must also adapt to rotating shift schedules, which can impact work-life balance. Collaborating with experienced operators and staying updated on protocols is key, as the role involves both independent decision-making and close teamwork under pressure. Building confidence in handling emergency scenarios and communicating effectively with field crews are also essential skills developed during the first year.

What is the difference between System Operator Trainee vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSystem Operator TraineePower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, training facilitiesPower plant facilities, control rooms
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, energy companies, training programsPower generation plants, energy sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a System Operator Trainee is in a training phase, learning to monitor and control systems, while a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for operating power plant equipment. The trainee role focuses on gaining experience, whereas the power plant operator role involves hands-on operational duties.

What are system operator trainees?

System operator trainees are entry-level professionals who are undergoing training to manage and monitor the operations of systems such as electrical power grids, water treatment plants, or other critical infrastructure. They work under the supervision of experienced operators, learning how to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of these systems. Their responsibilities typically include observing control panels, responding to alarms, recording data, and assisting with routine maintenance. The goal of the training is to prepare them for full operator roles by providing both hands-on experience and classroom instruction.
What are popular job titles related to System Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota? For System Operator Trainee jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various System Operator Trainee job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Trainer | 2nd Shift

SanMar-Internal

Shakopee, MN • On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Level
Grade T5
Supervisor
No
Level
DC Tier 5
What's the Short Version?
The DC Trainer is responsible for facilitating classroom training and conducting on-the-job training (OJT) to Distribution Center employees. OJT includes teaching all aspects of distribution positions for all new hires, retraining and educating existing employees to improve processes and productivity, and working with staff to enhance job knowledge and skills. They align training goals with company strategic plans and team distribution goals.
What Will You Be Doing?
  • Deliver training programs to new and existing employees.
  • Assist with the development of training materials and maintain accurate training documents.
  • Coordinate training schedule with the hiring and training demands of the Distribution Center.
  • Communicate daily with leadership and coworkers to execute training efforts accurately and efficiently.
  • Conduct training sessions covering specified areas such as on-the-job training, refresher training, etc.
  • Assist employees with problems concerning "how to" perform specific tasks related to their distribution position.
  • Assist with safety training.
  • Ensure trainee personnel records are maintained.
  • Help educate and reinforce company procedures and policies.
  • Support in all areas of the warehouse as needed.
  • May be required to operate powered lift equipment.
  • Responsible for checking out equipment and returning in same condition.
  • Perform other duties as assigned
  • Comply with all policies and standards

What Are We Looking For?
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • 4-6 years of warehouse experience
  • Ability to read, write and have sufficient ability to identify colors, sizes, quantity, label and SKU information
  • Demonstrated ability to follow directions and change priorities or job duties as business needs require
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as technical data, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
  • Ability to speak effectively in interpersonal situations and before groups of employees
  • Assist in building a positive and productive work environment
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills
  • Detail oriented ability to follow-through on projects and handle multiple tasks at once
  • Ability to efficiently work independently, with minimal supervision
  • May be required to complete and maintain SanMar's Lift Operator Certification every three years
  • Ability to work in high-demand, high-volume environment while meeting deadlines
  • Able to work both independently and within a team
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Essential days or overtime may be required

What's Our Offer?
Salary Range: You`ll earn between $19.50 - $26.00 on an hourly basis, depending on experience.
Paid Time Off: You`ll accrue paid time off on a weekly basis based on hours worked up to 112 hours per year to start. Employees also receive 8 paid holidays and 1 paid family day off.
Additional Benefits:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • 401k plan and matches $1 for $1 up to 4% of earnings, matched & vested at every pay cycle
  • Life insurance
  • Short/long-term disability coverage
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Pet insurance

What Should You Expect?
DC Warehouse (Equipment): While performing the duties of this job, the employee is constantly required to stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 60 pounds. The employee operates powered equipment requiring use of both hands as well as full range of motion of the neck, head and back. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, grasp and perform repetitive hand, wrist and arm motions. The employee is frequently required to climb stairs, kneel/squat, bend and carry. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Employee may be required to wear a headset covering one or both ears. Employee will be required to wear Personal protective equipment such as a Protective harness while operating equipment. Basic English literacy is required for operation of machines and necessary daily paperwork. Work environment is moderately noisy. The employee is occasionally required to work near conveyor systems. There is exposure to dust and changes in weather conditions. Work is performed under typical warehouse conditions. Potential hazards exist with regard to machinery such as forklifts, pallet jacks, mechanized systems, etc. Work environment is hectic and fast-paced.The employee is regularly exposed to ambient lighting and can be exposed to extreme heat and extreme cold including climates consistent with outside weather conditions.