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Entry Level Plant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sierra Pacific Industries

Entry-Level Labor

Martell, CA · On-site

$23.53/hr

Entry-Level positions earn $23.53 per hour We train and promote from within Excellent low-cost ... Learn to fill in on various machine stations at our bark plant facility * Shovel, rake, and sweep ...

alu

Entry Level Manufacturing/Production

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Employees are occasionally exposed to moving forklifts, working plant machinery and power tools ... entry level manufacturing roles. Compensation: $18.00 - $22.00 an hour. This is the lowest to ...

Arlon EMD

Intern

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Comfortable working in a plant environment. 3. Finance & Operations Specialist - College Graduate (Entry Level) Takeaway: A hybrid role supporting plant financial reporting, cost analysis, and ...

Sierra Pacific Industries

Entry-Level Labor

Burney, CA · On-site

$23.53/hr

Find yourself on a new career path in an entry-level production labor position with opportunity to learn and explore many jobs within the plant site including production, equipment maintenance, and ...

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All JobsPlant JobsEntry Level Plant JobsEntry Level Plant Jobs in California

Entry Level Plant information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do entry level plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level plant in California is $18.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level plant?

An entry level plant job typically refers to a position in a manufacturing, processing, or production facility where no prior experience is required. These roles often involve operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting materials, or assisting skilled workers. Entry level plant workers receive on-the-job training and are responsible for maintaining safety standards and supporting efficient plant operations. These positions can be a great starting point for a long-term career in manufacturing or industrial sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level plant worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Plant Worker, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, basic mechanical aptitude, and familiarity with safety protocols. Experience with production equipment, forklifts, or computerized control systems, as well as OSHA safety certification, is often valued. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient and safe plant operations, minimize downtime, and support overall productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level plant workers, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level plant workers often face challenges such as adapting to a fast-paced environment, learning to operate complex machinery, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Overcoming these challenges typically involves thorough on-the-job training, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and consistently following established safety procedures. Building strong communication skills and staying proactive about learning new processes can help new hires excel and advance within the plant.

What is the difference between Entry Level Plant vs Entry Level Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level PlantEntry Level Manufacturing Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing, energy, and processing plantsPrimarily in manufacturing and assembly facilities
Job FocusAssisting with plant operations, basic maintenance, safety proceduresOperating machinery, quality checks, basic troubleshooting

Both roles are entry-level positions in manufacturing environments, requiring similar credentials and working in industrial settings. The main difference lies in job focus: Entry Level Plant roles often involve supporting overall plant operations, while Entry Level Manufacturing Technicians focus more on operating equipment and performing quality checks.

How to get started in entry level plant jobs?

To start an entry-level plant job, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may be required to complete safety training or certifications such as OSHA. Applying through online job boards, company websites, or local staffing agencies is common, and having basic mechanical skills or familiarity with tools can improve chances of hiring. Physical stamina and the ability to work in a manufacturing or industrial environment are also important.

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

The most popular types of Plant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Plant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Plant job openings:

Entry Level Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Plant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,956 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Molecular PCR Laboratory Technician

California Seed and Plant Lab, Inc.

Pleasant Grove, CA • On-site

$22 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Are you looking to kick off your career in plant science and molecular biology? CSP Labs (California Seed and Plant Lab, Inc.) is seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join at the entry level our molecular biology laboratory at CSP Labs (California Seed and Plant Lab, Inc.). The incumbent will be responsible for running PCR assays on seed and plant material to detect plant pathogens.
Company Profile
CSP Labs is a growth-oriented, full-service plant pathology and genotyping laboratory located in Pleasant Grove, CA. We are known for our rapid, high quality seed and plant testing services, and have a global customer base. The laboratory employs over 50 people in its seed health, plant health, molecular biology, and genotyping laboratories. To learn more, visit csplabs.com, and learn more about working at CSP Labs here. We are conveniently located in the Greater Sacramento area, and are 20 minutes from Downtown Sacramento, 15 minutes from Sacramento International Airport, and 30 minutes from Davis, CA.
Responsibilities
- Sample intake, scheduling, and tracking according to established priorities and workflows
- Run PCR/RT-PCR/qPCR/RT-qPCR assays: prepare PCR plate maps, prepare master mixes, set up multi-target/multi-sample PCR reactions in 96/384-well format
- Run agarose gel electrophoresis assays
- Liquid handling with pipettes: single channel, multichannel, repeaters, serological, semi- automated high throughput liquid handling equipment, etc.
- Prepare primer and probe working stocks
- Preparation of buffers and reagents
- Prepare assay controls (including negative, positive, and process controls)
- Maintain kit and reagent logs, including lot number tracking and basic inventory coordination
- Maintain a clean and organized workspace
- Basic lab chores (putting supplies away, autoclave materials, taking out trash; recycling, etc.) and general lab housekeeping (washing general glassware, general cleaning etc.)
- Ensure proper documentation is kept per our SOPs including documenting and communicating test deviations or issues
- Collaborate with teammates to share spaces/equipment and meet turnaround times
- Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow relevant safety SOPs
- Actively participate in the lab's quality management system (QMS)
- Help troubleshoot equipment and assay issues
- Assist with other lab tasks or processes including sample collection and nucleic acid extractions as needed
Requirements
- Must be willing to perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time
- Able to pipette small volumes accurately and consistently in 384-well formats
- Strong attention to detail: labeling, plate mapping, documentation, and sample integrity
- Ability to multitask and prioritize work based on deadlines/queue
- Comfortable working in and with digital systems (LIMS, Google Sheets/Excel)
- Professional communication and reliability in a team environment
- Proactive listener/learner skills - asks questions to ensure clarity
- Can be trained to carry out basic steps of routine protocols with little to no supervision
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and lift to 40 lbs
- Bachelor of Science/Arts in a biology-related field
Equal Opportunity Employer
CSP Labs provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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