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Terminal Operator Trainee Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Terminal Operator Trainee information

See New York salary details

$27.9K

$47.6K

$69.5K

How much do terminal operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for terminal operator trainee in New York is $47,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,100.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a terminal operator trainee?

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 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 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.

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 certifications related to terminal operations. Relevant skills include attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with safety procedures and equipment such as cranes and forklifts.

What does a terminal operator trainee do?

A terminal operator trainee assists with the operation and maintenance of equipment used to load, unload, and transfer cargo or liquids at a terminal. They learn to monitor systems, follow safety procedures, and may operate machinery under supervision as part of their training. The role often requires understanding of safety protocols and technical skills related to terminal operations.

What skills do you need to be a terminal operator trainee?

A terminal operator trainee needs strong mechanical and technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to operate heavy equipment and control systems safely. Good communication skills and the ability to follow safety protocols are also essential, often supported by relevant certifications or training programs.

What cities in New York are hiring for Terminal Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Terminal Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Terminal Operator Trainee job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,624 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Training Officer - Conductor Flag

New York, NY • On-site

Metro-North Railroad
Rail Transportation • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare, schedule, and deliver training programs including new hire, regulatory, refresher, and induction training.

  • Perform ongoing evaluation of new hire student performance, review records, counsel students, and participate in performance review activities.

  • Manage the overall delivery of training programs, coordinate with client departments, manage resource needs, trainee schedules, and maintain training records.


Metro-North Railroad rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Title: Training Officer-Conductor Flag

Department: Operations Training

MTA Agency: Metro-North Railroad

Primary Location(s): New York, NY

Salary Range: $133,020.72

Regulated/Safety Sensitive: Yes. Non-DOT Regulated/Safety Sensitive

Union Affiliation: Non-agreement

Closing Date (if applicable)Until Filled

Shift (if applicable):

Title 55-a (yes or no): Not Applicable

Other: Telework eligible

  

ABOUT THE AGENCY 

MTA Metro-North Railroad is a dynamic organization, operating out of the jewel of New York City, Grand Central Terminal. We provide service to over 86.5 million customers, traveling in and out of New York and Connecticut. A subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro-North Railroad is one of the busiest commuter railroads in the nation. MTA Metro-North Railroad strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities for its employees.

Metro-North Railroad reserves the right to remove this posting before the Application Deadline.

JOB SUMMARY 

This position is responsible for delivering training and assisting with new hire and Incumbent Conductor and Conductor flag classes, and all other Conductor training needs. Selecting and supervising new hire trainees, including ongoing performance reviews/evaluations, determination of eligibility to continue in the program, and approval of program completion. Managing the overall delivery of training programs, including coordination with the client department(s), management of resource needs, coordination of trainee schedules, recordkeeping, and other administrative responsibilities. Supporting and/or conducting training program development work as required. Performing peer review activities.


RESPONSIBILITIES

 • Prepare, schedule, and deliver training programs. Includes new hire, regulatory, refresher, and induction training as required. Includes technical and non-technical training as required.

• Perform ongoing evaluation of new hire student performance. Review records and counsel students. Implement disciplinary action as required, up to and including termination from the program. Participate in performance review committee(s) or similar efforts with other Training Officers, to establish and ensure a consistent approach to new hire performance issues. For training of incumbent employees, monitor student performance and coordinate with client department(s).

• Participate in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive onboarding process for new Training Officers. Mentor and team-teach with new Training Officers to facilitate their development as fully qualified Training Officers capable of independently delivering effective training. Provide planning and guidance in preparation for team teaching events, ensure effective support to the new Training Officer during training delivery, and provide ongoing formal mentoring and informal feedback. When team-teaching with fully qualified Training Officers, provide regular peer-to-peer feedback.

• Participate in establishment, maintenance, and improvement of a peer review program among Training Officers across the Department as required. Conduct peer observations and provide feedback. Participate in the identification of best practices for the Department. • Serve as a subject matter expert in the development, review, evaluation, and revision of training programs for compliance with current statutory/regulatory requirements, documented practices, technology, operational needs, and other requirements. Coordinate with other staff performing program development and/or perform program development work as required. Conduct observations of programs and/or deliver pilots of new or updated programs and provide documented feedback to the development process. • Keep accurate and timely training records, including, but not limited to, records of attendance, new hire student progress and performance, and coordination with support departments and client department(s). Perform other administrative duties as required.

• Provide expertise on technical, operations, and/or work practices to client department(s) as appropriate. Identify performance problems (with equipment, material, and/or personnel, as appropriate) and implement solutions. Provide additional support to client department(s) as required.

• Performs other duties as assigned • Complies with all policies and standards

• May be required to work hours outside regular work hours, as applicable

• Observes the work performed by contractors, as applicable

• Reviews invoices and approves them if the work has contractual standards, as applicable • Addresses performance issues with the contractor, when possible, as applicable

• Escalates issues to other parties when needed, as applicable

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

General training and development techniques and practices Required

• Microsoft Office Suite and/or comparable applications (working knowledge) Required

• Deliver training in a classroom and field setting Required

• Achieve appropriate qualification as a trainer Required

• Model and communicate safe practices in all aspects of work Required

• Proactively identify and correct unsafe conditions and work practices Required

• Manage day-to-day activities of trainees Required

• Build a foundation of communication and partnership Required

• Change priorities while meeting deadlines Required

• Keep current with business trends, rules/regulations, and the training implications Required

• Focus on/practice of safety Required

 • Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and foster teamwork Required

 • Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and communication (verbal, written, presentation) skills Required

• Ability to work with minimal supervision Required

• Appropriate focus on internal and external customers Required

• Ability to work various shifts and locations to support operations 24 hours/7days a week Required

• Design, develop, implement, facilitate, evaluate, and measure training and development activities Required

• Analyze performance problems and implement solutions Required

• Deliver effective and efficient training processes and services tailored to unique business needs Required

• Apply information technology to rapidly deliver high-quality training products and services Required

• In-depth knowledge of Metro-North’s On-Board Service Manual, On-Board Revenue Manual, MN290, MN401, safety rules, and other safe work practices, or ability to demonstrate required knowledge within 9 months Required

• Ability to work out of any of Metro-North’s terminals Required

• Working knowledge of relevant operations systems, including, but not limited to, eHOS and TIMS Preferred

• Experience in developing and delivering training. Preferred

 • Supervisory experience. Preferred

• Qualified in Metro-North Operating Rules and Roadway worker manual. Preferred

 • 3 years' experience flagging on MNR property. Preferred

• 2 lined qualified on MNR Physical Characteristics. Preferred

 • Licensed MNR Conductor.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

  • Associate’s Degree (AA) in a related field. Demonstrated equivalent experience, education and/or technical credentials to include two additional years of related experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Required

The following is/are preferredNone

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Driver’s License Required

• Certified Conductor with either Physical Characteristics on at least one Metro-North line or ability to obtain within 9 months Required

• Qualified MNR flag Conductor Required

• Certified Conductor, or prior certification with ability to rapidly recertify Required

• Current qualification in Metro-North operating rules, or ability to qualify within 9 months Required

• Physical Characteristics on at least one Metro-North line or ability to obtain within 9 months Required

• Qualified Conductor or Locomotive Engineer on multiple Metro-North lines Preferred 

 

OTHER INFORMATION 

  • Pursuant to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).
  • Final salary is determined experience, skillset, and alignment with compensation practices. The posted range reflects expected compensation and may be updated as market or business needs evolve.
  • Employees driving company vehicles will be subject to License Monitoring and must complete defensive driver training once every three years for current MTA drivers; or within 180 days of hire or transfer for an employee entering an authorized driving position.
  • To be eligible for consideration for a new role, current MTA employees must complete at least one year of service in their current role prior to applying. Additionally, eligibility to interview is contingent upon maintaining a satisfactory record of job performance, attendance, and disciplinary conduct.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ADA DISCLAIMER

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers and encourage qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

If you seek a reasonable accommodation for a medical condition or disability, or for a religious practice or observance, to participate in the job application or interview process, please notify your MTA representative once you have been contacted regarding the role.

HOW TO APPLY:

For Internal Applicants: Log in to the My MTA Portal, click on the My Job Search tile, select the Careers link, search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the on-screen instructions.

For External Applicants: Visit www.mta.info, click the “Careers” link located in the footer under the "The MTA" section, then click on “See All Open MTA Positions”. Search for the desired position, click Apply, and follow the instructions.


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