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Terminal Operator Trainee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator Trainee information

See Michigan salary details

$22.2K

$37.9K

$55.3K

How much do terminal operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for terminal operator trainee in Michigan is $37,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,800.00 and $44,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Terminal Operator Trainees typically do not earn $4,000 per week without experience or specialized skills. High-paying jobs that can reach this level without a degree often include roles such as commercial pilots, certain sales managers, or skilled trades like elevator installers, but these usually require certifications or extensive training. Most jobs paying this amount without a degree involve specialized skills, certifications, or significant experience.

What is a Terminal Operator Trainee?

A Terminal Operator Trainee is an entry-level position in industries such as oil, gas, shipping, or logistics, where the individual learns to manage and oversee the daily operations of a terminal facility. This role involves training in the safe handling, storage, and transfer of materials or products, often under the supervision of experienced operators. Trainees are taught to follow safety protocols, operate equipment, conduct inspections, and respond to emergencies. The position is designed to prepare individuals for full operator roles by providing hands-on experience and knowledge about terminal processes and regulations.

How to become a terminal operator?

To become a terminal operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or technical certification in terminal operations, safety procedures, and equipment handling. Relevant skills include attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment; some positions may require a valid driver's license or certification in operating specific machinery.

What are some common challenges faced by Terminal Operator Trainees during their initial training period?

Terminal Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, learning complex safety protocols, and mastering the operation of specialized equipment. The fast-paced environment requires strong attention to detail and the ability to respond quickly to changing conditions. Trainees typically work closely with experienced operators, which helps them build confidence and competence while navigating the learning curve.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Terminal Operator Trainees typically do not earn $700 a day; such high daily wages are more common in specialized roles like experienced crane operators, offshore oil rig workers, or certain high-level construction supervisors. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience, and they may involve working long hours or in hazardous environments.

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

AspectTerminal Operator TraineeTerminal Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; specialized training or certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised tasks, safety protocolsOperational environment, handling cargo, operating equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning safety procedures, assisting with operationsExecuting terminal operations, managing cargo movement

The main difference is that a Terminal Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining skills and experience under supervision, while a Terminal Operator is fully responsible for daily terminal operations. Trainees focus on training and skill development, whereas operators perform the actual work independently.

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

To thrive as a Terminal Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical operations, safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial equipment, computerized control systems, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA or HAZMAT is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient handling of terminal operations and help prevent accidents or operational delays.

What do operator trainees do?

Terminal operator trainees learn to operate and monitor equipment used in loading, unloading, and transferring cargo or materials at a terminal. They follow safety procedures, use control systems, and gain hands-on experience under supervision to develop the skills needed for full operational roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Terminal Operator jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Terminal Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Terminal Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Terminal Operator Trainee job openings:
TITLE 32 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL) (MI CRTC)

TITLE 32 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL) (MI CRTC)

Air National Guard Units

Alpena, MI • On-site, Remote

$89K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Air National Guard rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

Summary
THIS IS AN AIR FORCE NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a TITLE 32 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALIST (TERMINAL) (MI CRTC), Position Description Number NGD1455000 and is part of the MI Alpena CRTC, Michigan Air National Guard.
MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a Michigan Air National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
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Duties
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This vacancy may qualify for a Recruitment Incentive up to 25% of the basic salary rate.
***THIS IS A TITLE 32 NATIONAL GUARD POISITION THAT REQUIRES MILITARY MEMBERSHIP***

The purpose of this position is to provide, on a rotation basis, tower and radar control services to military and civilian aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) or Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Provides terminal Air Traffic Control, (ATC) services within the delegated airspace. Operates ATC equipment ensuring proper alignment of such equipment, which will result in a satisfactory usability status for control of aircraft.
1. Directs movement of aircraft in flight and on the ground as displayed on radar indicator, pilot reported, or observed visually from the tower. Issues instructions to provide for movement and required separation/sequencing of all IFR and VFR traffic operating under control of the facility.
2. Initiates /relays and issues air traffic control clearances and instructions in facility of assignment for aircraft operating IFR and/or VFR. Formulates clearance and control instructions based on detailed mental picture of three dimensional dynamic air traffic situations derived from pilot reports, radar presentations, flight progress strips, and information from adjacent ATC facilities.
3. Required to possess skills/training to provide On-the-Job Training (OJT) to newly assigned controllers in live/simulated traffic situations in accordance with USAF, ANG, and local directives. While training other personnel, is responsible for actual control of traffic in addition to providing instruction to the trainee and providing periodic evaluation of the trainee's progress.
4. Incumbent must be capable of performing ATC duties IAW AFI 13-203, ANG Supplement.
The above duty description doesn't contain all details of the official position description.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • MICHIGAN AIR NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED. If you are not sure you are eligible for military membership, please contact a Michigan Air National Guard recruiter prior to applying for this position.
  • This is an excepted service position that requires membership in a compatible military assignment in the Michigan Air National Guard, required prior to the effective date of placement.
  • Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform.
  • Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment.
  • Applicants who are not currently a member of the Michigan Air National Guard must be eligible for immediate membership and employment in the Michigan Air National Guard in the military grade listed in this announcement.
  • Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a trial period
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory
  • Must have a valid civilian driver's license.

Qualifications
Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the dates of each period of employment (from MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY) and the number of hours worked per week. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
For additional information see: What to include in your resume.
NOTE: All job seekers will be required to limit their resumes to 2 pages in length when applying for job opportunity announcements (JOAs)
MILITARY GRADE: E1 - E6
Selectee(s) must be within the military grade(s) listed in this job announcement prior to the effective date of placement into the technician position to ensure to avoid grade inversion, as determined by the Human Resources Office (HRO). Technicians will not be militarily senior to their full-time supervisor or wage leader (Grade Inversion). Enlisted members currently at a higher grade than allowed by the position (see Military Grade Requirement above) may apply; however, they must administratively reduce prior to appointment and provide confirmation of the reduction to HRO.
GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Progressively responsible experience that demonstrated the potential for learning and performing air traffic control work. Two years of such experience is required for GS-4 positions, and 3 years is required for GS-5 positions.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Experience in a military or civilian air traffic facility that demonstrated possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the level of work of the specialization for which application is made. This experience must have provided a comprehensive knowledge of appropriate air traffic control laws, rules, and regulations.
For Terminal Positions: Issuing control instructions and advice to pilots in the vicinity of airports to assure proper separation of aircraft and to expedite their safe and efficient movement. This specialization also requires:
  • Ability to act decisively under stressful situations and to maintain alertness over sustained periods of pressure;
  • Skill to coordinate plans and actions with pilots and other controllers; and
  • Judgment to select and take the safest and most effective course of action from among several available choices.

QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE: Length of time is not of itself qualifying. Candidates' experience should be evaluated on the basis of duties performed rather than strictly on the rank of the individual; however, established compatibility criteria/assignments must be followed. The applicant's record of experience, training, and education must show possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to fully perform the duties of the position to be filled.
MAXIMUM ENTRY AGE
Under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 3307, a maximum entry age has been established for Terminal and Center positions.
CERTIFICATE AND RATING REQUIREMENTS
Air traffic control specialists in all specializations must possess or obtain, within uniformly applicable time limits, the facility ratings required for full performance at the facility where the position is located.
Applicants must possess or obtain a valid Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate and/or Control Tower Operator Certificate, if appropriate. These certificates require demonstrating knowledge of basic meteorology, basic air navigation, standard air traffic control and communications procedures, the types and uses of air navigation aids, and regulations governing air traffic.
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
In general, air traffic control specialist applicants and employees must have the capacity to perform the essential functions of these positions without risk to themselves or others. The provision of sufficient information about physical capacity for employment requires that before appointment applicants undergo appropriate pre-employment physical/medical evaluations.
The physical impairments/medical conditions that follow, unless otherwise noted, are disqualifying because there are medical and/or management reasons to conclude that an individual with such impairment/condition cannot perform the duties of the position without unacceptable risk to his or her own health, or to the health or safety of others (employees or the public).
Education
No substitution of education allowed for this position.
Additional information
SELECTIVE SERVICE:
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
MILITARY MEMBERS WITH BONUSES:
Upon acceptance of a military technician position military members who are currently receiving a military Reenlistment/Extension Bonus (REB) or GI Bill-SR Kicker may lose incentive eligibility and may be subject to termination or suspension of incentive (includes indefinite and temporary technicians on assignment for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period). Are advised to meet with education specialist to review contract.
NOTE: If the individual selected is currently on a Title 10 or Title 32 tour no action can be taken until he/she is released from tour.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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