How to hire a journeyman operator assistant

How to hire a journeyman operator assistant, step by step

Here's a step-by-step journeyman operator assistant hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a journeyman operator assistant job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new journeyman operator assistant
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your journeyman operator assistant job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a journeyman operator assistant for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

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   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a journeyman operator assistant to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a journeyman operator assistant that fits the bill.

   This list presents journeyman operator assistant salaries for various positions.

   Type of Journeyman Operator Assistant	Description	Hourly rate
   Journeyman Operator Assistant		$14-30
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Journeyman	A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman... Show more	$18-39

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Regulations
   • HVAC
   • PVC
   • RAN
   • Troubleshoot
   • Light Fixtures
   • Stainless Steel
   • MIG
   • Water Lines
   • Electrical Systems

   Responsibilities:

   • Implement and manage training program for incoming and/or replacement facility managers enhancing overall knowledge of CE maintenance and repair operations.
   • Receive PVC's and complete manifest for truck suppliers/distributors.
   • Assist with installation and maintenance of office and warehouse HVAC systems.
   • Gain proficiency with power tools and welding as needed: arc, mig, and tig.
   • Direct inbound or outbound logistics operations, such as transportation or warehouse activities, safety performance, or logistics quality management.
   • Collaborate with engineer and environmental planning functions to prepare and execute CE programs and plans.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your journeyman operator assistant job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A journeyman operator assistant can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, journeyman operators assistant' average salary in south carolina is 33% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level journeyman operators assistant 51% less than senior-level journeyman operators assistant.
   • Certifications. A journeyman operator assistant with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a journeyman operator assistant's salary.

   Average journeyman operator assistant salary

   $44,894yearly

   $21.58 hourly rate

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   Entry-level journeyman operator assistant salary

   $31,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a journeyman operator assistant job description

   A job description for a journeyman operator assistant role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a journeyman operator assistant job description:

   Journeyman operator assistant job description example

   Your success is a train ride away.
   
   Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country and we move America's workforce toward the future. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority and the success of our railroad is the result of our employees.
   
   Are you ready to join our team?
   
   Our values of Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak.
   
   SUMMARY OF DUTIES
   
   Responsible for inspection, testing and maintenance of locomotives and rolling stock equipment in accordance with FRA and Amtrak standards and guidelines.
   
   ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
   
   * Performs inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with 49CFR regulations and Amtrak standards and guidelines.
   * Responsible for mechanical repairs to drive systems, wheels/wheel sets (trucks), suspension and other components of the propulsion system
   * Troubleshoots equipment to determine corrective actions and causes of equipment failures.
   * Calibrates pressure switches and valves in compliance with 49CFR and Amtrak established standards.
   * Maintains proper care and use of materials, test equipment, machines and hand tools normally associated with assigned job
   
   MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
   
   * High school diploma or GED
   * Experience in troubleshooting, repair, replacement or rebuilding mechanical equipment and systems
   * Knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
   * Ability to read mechanical drawings
   * Knowledge and skill in the use of electrical tools, equipment and the measurements necessary to meet established standards
   * Some computer skills
   
   PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
   
   * Completion of technical school or apprenticeship program
   * Experience in the maintenance of railroad equipment
   * Welding and cutting experience
   
   COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
   
   Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
   
   Sign-On - $3,000 to $12,500 (based on experience and subject to specific conditions and crafts)
   
   A possible sign-on bonus of up to $12,500 (for example $5,000 for two or more years of railroad experience or $3,000 for trade school graduates). Most sign-on bonuses will be paid out in the next pay cycle following the first 30 days of employment and should be paid out in one installment. Larger bonuses may be paid out in multiple installments and subject to specific conditions and crafts.
   
   Lump Sum Bonus to Cover Relocation Expenses
   
   A one-time lump sum payment, which will be increased to account for taxes, is provided to cover expenses associated with relocation for new employees with two or more years of relevant experience working for a Class I railroad. In addition, our vendor partner, Relo Direct, will assign a personal client service manager to help navigate the relocation process, including the client portal. Additionally, they will provide referrals to approved suppliers who can assist the employee with additional needs, like temporary housing, household goods move, and similar services.
   
   Note: The distance between the old residence and the new principal place of work must be at least 50 miles. Relocation must be generally completed within one year following the effective date of transfer/start of work in the new location. If the employee voluntarily terminates employment with Amtrak or is terminated for cause for reasons other than job elimination, reduction in force, or restructuring within the period from the effective date of transfer until 24 months, all relocation benefits will cease and the employee will be required to repay relocation benefits according to the following schedule: 12 months of service or less - 100% repayment, 13-24 months of service - 50% repayment. Both repayments would be inclusive of tax assistance.
   
   
   Posting Location(s):New York
   
   Job Family/Function:Mechanical
   
   Relocation Offered:No
   
   Travel Requirements:Up to 25%
   
   Amtrak employees power our progress through their performance.
   
   We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job - we want it to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging and rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, competitive pay, benefits that protect you and your family and a high performance culture that recognizes and values your contributions and helps you reach your career goals.
   
   All positions require pre-employment background check verification, a pre-employment drug screen and proof of full vaccination against COVID -19. Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. Marijuana, notwithstanding any statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Candidates who engage in the usage of marijuana will not be qualified for hire. Successful applicants for employment with Amtrak must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the date of hire as a condition of employment, subject to requests for accommodation. Fully vaccinated means 14 days have elapsed since receiving the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or 14 days since receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
   
   In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.
   
   Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
   
   Amtrak is an EOE/Affirmative Action Minority/Female employer, and we welcome all to apply. We consider candidates regardless of race/color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), national origin/ethnicity, age, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.
   
   POSTING NOTES: Mechanical || Engineering & Mechanical

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5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right journeyman operator assistant for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your journeyman operator assistant job on Zippia to find and recruit journeyman operator assistant candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with journeyman operator assistant candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new journeyman operator assistant

   Once you've selected the best journeyman operator assistant candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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