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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in California

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$81K - $110K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE • 5+ years of related work ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE * 5+ years of related ...

BrightView

Operating Engineer, Journeyman

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$62.57/hr

No education required. * 6 months of operating engineer apprentice experience. Physical Demands/Requirements: * Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. * Be at least 18 years old (21 if operating ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Job Title Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance ... Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE * 5+ years of related ...

JLL

Lead Operating Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $158K/yr

What this job involves The Lead Operating Engineer supervises and directs maintenance personnel in ... Two years of trade or vocational schooling or apprenticeship in electrical, piping/plumbing ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Lead Operating Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$109K - $143K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary *LAB OR HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED* Responsible to ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE § 5+ years of related trade ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Lead Operating Engineer

San Jose, CA

$120K - $158K/yr

Job Title Lead Operating Engineer Summary Responsible to ensure the proper efficient operations and ... apprentice program or trade school preferred IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE § 5+ years of related trade ...

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All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in California

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice operating engineer?

Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice operating engineer?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by apprentice operating engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?

AspectApprentice Operating EngineerOperating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completionRequires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionIndependent operation and decision-making

The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.

Can you become an apprentice operating engineer with an apprenticeship?

Yes, becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically involves enrolling in an apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. These programs often require a high school diploma or equivalent and may include passing a skills assessment or physical exam. Completing an apprenticeship can lead to a journeyman operating engineer certification and better job opportunities in the field.

Is an apprentice operating engineer hard to get into?

Becoming an apprentice operating engineer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, passing an entrance exam, and completing a structured apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Competition can be moderate, and relevant skills such as mechanical aptitude and safety awareness are important for entry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:

Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you

Operating Engineer

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Non-Profits • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesexternal

$37/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Department: Academy Campus (Museum)
Reports to: Director, Academy Campus
Job Type: Full-time - Temp to Hire
Job Classification: Hourly (Non-exempt)
Workplace Location: Los Angeles - Academy Museum
Compensation: $37.00 per hour
Summary/Objective:
The Operating Engineer supports the operation and maintenance of critical building infrastructure, including mechanical, electrical, and fire/life-safety systems. This position is responsible for monitoring system performance, troubleshooting equipment issues, performing preventive maintenance, and responding to facility needs to help ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient environment for museum operations. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience working with complex building systems and a proactive approach to problem-solving and customer service.
This position is hiring for the following shift:
  • Full-time: Swing Shift, 3 PM - 11:30 PM

This is a six-month, temp-to-hire position.
Essential Functions of the Job:
  • Maintain the mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems within the museum facility.
  • Operate, maintain, and respond to abnormal conditions in mechanical, electrical, and life-safety systems.
  • Operate the BMS system, troubleshoot issues, and perform controls maintenance.
  • Track and complete preventive and predictive maintenance schedules on schedule and as required in coordination with the facilities team and vendors.
  • Ensure the museum's equipment operates efficiently, including analyzing existing operating conditions to improve overall efficiency and cost reduction.
  • Undertake plumbing and minor building repairs and assist other departments within the museum.
  • Assist the Lead Operating Engineer in technical writing of MOPs and SOPs for preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
  • Work with the workorder database maintenance to resolve issues based on agreed-upon priorities.
  • Be responsible for incident management and report writing.
  • Analyze and solve problems promptly and reduce any critical impact to the facility.
Required Competencies:
  • Associate degree, technical certification, apprenticeship training, or equivalent hands-on experience in HVAC, mechanical, or electrical maintenance.
  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in maintaining and troubleshooting commercial or industrial building systems, including experience working in complex or mission-critical environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and resolve issues involving mechanical, electrical, and fire/life-safety systems.
  • Expertise in industrial safety regulations and best practices (lockout/tagout, PPE, arc flash protection, Cal-OSHA, EPA).
  • Experience with CMMS systems (trouble ticket management, maintenance activities and infrastructure projects for work order completion processes).
  • Intermediate proficiency with MS Office suite.
  • Expertise with safe operation and maintenance of several hand, power, and machine tools (drills, saws, presses, meters).
  • Availability to work off-hours should emergencies arise.
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Journeyman-level experience preferred.
  • Experience in museums, cultural institutions, commercial office buildings, higher education, healthcare facilities, entertainment venues, hospitality environments, data centers, manufacturing facilities, or similar settings preferred.
  • Experience with BMS control logic (Alerton) is strongly preferred.
  • Experience writing MOPs, SOPs, and reports preferred.
Physical Demands:
  • Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to ascend and descend various types of ladders.
  • Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and work in confined spaces.
  • Ability to reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to move, transport, or position materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
Required Vaccination: Full vaccination against COVID-19 is required, including any booster vaccinations as applicable. Exception: Medical and religious accommodations approved by the Office of People & Culture.
@museumLI

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