Heavy Equipment Operator - Trainee

Heavy Equipment Operator - Trainee

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:1st Shift, 6AM-4PM Wednesday - Sunday

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. Take the first step toward an exciting future—apply today! If you do, then join us in Hennepin, IL!

What You’ll Do

The Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee program is designed to develop employees into skilled operators through structured training and hands-on experience. Trainees will:

• 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.

To be successful in this position, you must:

• 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.

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.

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

Interested? We want to hear from you! Visit washingtonmills.com/careers and tell us why you’re the candidate we’re looking for.

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.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BY SUBMITTING THIS APPLICATION YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THIS INFORMATION.

I certify that the information on this application and its supporting documents is accurate and complete. I understand and agree that failure to fully complete the form, or misrepresentation or omission of facts, represents grounds for elimination from consideration for employment, or termination after employment if discovered at a later date.

I authorize Washington Mills to investigate, without liability, all statements contained in this application and supporting materials.

I authorize references and former employers, without liability, to make full responses to any inquiries in connection with this application for employment.

If selected for a position, I agree to submit to a physical exam, background investigation, and/or screening for illegal substances upon conditional offer of employment, depending on the position requirements. Job-related concerns identified during any of the above screenings may disqualify you from the new position or your current role. Background results will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

I understand that this document is NOT an offer of employment, and that an offer of employment, if tendered, does NOT constitute a contract for continued guaranteed employment. I understand that employees of Washington Mills who work at union facilities and are obligated to join the union as a result of the position they are applying for, serve pursuant to the terms of the applicable contract and the employment relationship may be terminated at any time by you, for any or no reason, and the Company may terminate you pursuant to the applicable contract but in no event for a reason prohibited by law.

If employed, I will be required to furnish proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and any other information required to be provided to employer by law or for benefit eligibility, and to comply with Company and departmental policies, practices, rules, and regulations.

I understand that if employed on a temporary basis, I would be paid for hours worked only, and would be ineligible for benefits including paid time off. I understand that any benefits I receive outside any applicable contract may be subject to change or discontinuation at any time without prior notice.

I understand that if offered employment, I will be required to complete a Form I-9 and that the Company reserves the right to terminate my employment if said information is processed through E-Verify and I am unable to resolve any discrepancies in my information with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, or any other applicable government agency.