Heavy Equipment Operator - Trainee

Washington Mills; Hennepin (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

World-class medical and dental plans

Employer-sponsored retirement plan

Company-paid life insurance

Paid vacation and generous holiday

Family-friendly personal leave

Job summary

Washington Mills in Hennepin, IL is seeking motivated individuals to join our Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee program. This full-time, hourly role trains you to operate heavy mobile equipment in a safe, efficient production environment.

During the trainee period you will earn $26.35 per hour; after graduation and probation, the rate advances to $29.35 per hour with overtime available on a 2nd shift (3PM-11PM, Monday to Friday).

Qualifications

• Mechanical aptitude to understand and operate heavy machinery.
• Attention to safety procedures and precise inspections.
• Physical stamina to work in a demanding environment.
• Adaptability to learn structured training and new processes.
• Awareness of PPE use and hazard identification.
• Ability to collaborate with supervisors and teammates.

Responsibilities

• Learn and operate equipment under supervision, progressing toward full-time placement.
• Follow safety protocols, maintenance guidelines, and operating procedures.
• Participate in classroom instruction and supervised hands-on training with refresher courses.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Attention to Detail

Physical Stamina

Adaptability

Safety Awareness

Teamwork & Communication

Job description

Position type: Full-Time, Hourly
Pay Range: During Trainee Program $26.35 per hour, after 180-day probationary period
Once graduated from the Trainee Program, $29.35 per hour after probationary period
Shift & Work Schedule:2nd Shift, 3PM-11PM Monday - Friday
Overtime: Available
Location: Hennepin, IL

Ask Yourself This

Are you ready to take the driver’s seat in a dynamic, high-impact career? Washington Mills is looking for motivated individuals to join our Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee program! This unique training opportunity will equip you with the skills to operate heavy mobile equipment safely and efficiently in our specialized production and processing environment.

What You’ll Do

• Learn & Operate Equipment – Train on and operate heavy machinery under supervision, progressively gaining skills for full-time placement.
• Follow Safety & Procedures – Adhere to all company safety protocols, operational guidelines, and maintenance requirements.
• Structured Training Program – Participate in classroom instruction, physical equipment inspections, and supervised operation, with refresher courses every six months.

What You’ll Need

• Mechanical Aptitude – Ability to understand and operate heavy machinery, perform basic troubleshooting, and follow equipment manuals.
• Attention to Detail – Maintain safety procedures, conduct inspections, and follow operating protocols with precision.
• Physical Stamina & Coordination – Work in a physically demanding environment, including lifting, climbing, and operating equipment with precision.
• Adaptability & Willingness to Learn – Embrace structured training, adapt to new processes, and continuously improve skills.
• Safety Awareness – Understand and follow strict safety guidelines, including personal protective equipment (PPE) use and hazard identification.
• Teamwork & Communication – Work collaboratively with supervisors and teammates, take direction well, and effectively communicate operational needs.

Who We Are

Washington Mills is built on values that matter. Founded more than 150 years ago, we have earned our reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and reliable producers of abrasive, ceramic and refractory grains and powders. Serving thousands of customers and offering the broadest selection of abrasive grain and specialty electro-fused minerals in the market today, we constantly pursue growth in our products, our approach, and our people. Our founding principles of honesty, integrity and reliability still guide our business today, and we are a proud community of hands-on problem solvers, committed to shaping the materials applications of the future. With global distribution and sites located throughout North American and Europe, Washington Mills opens the door to a world of opportunity, creativity, and challenge.

Compensation

We proudly offer robust compensation and benefits packages, including:

• Competitive pay, with opportunities to advance
• World-class medical and dental plans
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid vacation and generous holiday time
• Family-friendly personal leave policies

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

Washington Mills is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, military or veteran status, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition as defined by applicable law, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training.