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Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

... CJWS Trainee program. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Critical: * Ability to wear personal ... to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs. * Required to have ...

... CJWS Trainee program. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Critical: * Ability to wear personal ... to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs. * Required to have ...

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$12.50 - $16.25/hr

... CJWS Trainee program. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Critical: Ability to wear personal ... but not limited to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs.

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program ... to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs. * Required to have ...

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program ... to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs. * Required to have ...

Machine Operator Trainee information

See Bakersfield, CA salary details

$12

$18

$24

How much do machine operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for machine operator trainee in Bakersfield, CA is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $20.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a machine operator trainee?

To thrive as a Machine Operator Trainee, you need basic mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and basic computer systems or programmable logic controllers (PLCs) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help trainees excel in fast-paced production environments. These abilities are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and maintaining workplace safety.

What are some common challenges machine operator trainees face during their initial months on the job?

Machine Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to operate complex machinery safely, adapting to fast-paced production environments, and mastering quality control procedures. Adjusting to shift work and understanding the importance of teamwork in a manufacturing setting can also take time. However, most employers provide hands-on training and mentorship to support new trainees as they build confidence and proficiency in their roles.

What is the difference between Machine Operator Trainee vs Machine Operator?

AspectMachine Operator TraineeMachine Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma or equivalent; training provided on the jobTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull operational environment, responsible for machine operation
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning machine operation tasksOperating machinery independently, ensuring safety and efficiency

The main difference is that a Machine Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, often supervised and still acquiring skills, while a Machine Operator is fully responsible for operating machinery independently. Trainees focus on gaining experience, whereas operators perform the job routinely with established skills.

How to become a machine operator trainee with no experience?

To become a machine operator trainee with no experience, focus on gaining basic technical skills through vocational training or community college courses, and highlight your willingness to learn and work in a manufacturing environment. Some employers offer on-the-job training for entry-level candidates, so applying to companies that provide training programs can also be effective.

How to get started as a machine operator trainee?

To start as a machine operator trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and basic technical skills. Employers often provide on-the-job training, but having familiarity with machinery, safety protocols, and the ability to follow instructions can be beneficial. Some positions may require certifications in equipment operation or safety standards.

What do machine operator trainees do?

Machine operator trainees learn to operate and monitor manufacturing equipment, such as presses, lathes, or conveyor systems. They gain skills in safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting under supervision to prepare for full-time roles as machine operators.

What are the most commonly searched types of Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA?

The most popular types of Machine Operator jobs in Bakersfield, CA are:

What cities near Bakersfield, CA are hiring for Machine Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Bakersfield, CA with the most Machine Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Machine Operator Trainee job openings in Bakersfield, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,120 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Floorhand

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Key Accountabilities

  • Operates/uses rod wrenches, rod/tubing tongs, rod/tubing elevators, hand tools, powered rig tools, and other related equipment.
  • Assists in the rigging up/down of the well service unit as directed, by lifting, positioning, fastening derrick guy-wires; operating hydraulic jacks, pads/boards; pipe or tubing racks, power tools, handrails, etc.; and installing/removing emergency equipment such as derrick egress devices, SCBAs, fire extinguishers, and H2S monitors.
  • Lifts, removes, installs, and operates wellhead, pumping units matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, JU stripper heads, and other production equipment as required to perform the contracted services.
  • Assists in the installation of blow-out preventers and equipment.
  • Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and safe work procedures.
  • Complies with all the Company's Safety and Environmental policies, practices, and programs. Takes corrective action within training limitations. Escalates as necessary.
  • Conducts route planning.
  • Maintains and organizes tools and equipment.
  • Conducts safety observations.
  • Develops and reviews Job Safety Plans (JSP).
  • Completes equipment inspections and audits.
  • Meets and greets all visitors and personnel on location to identify and communicate hazards.
  • May be required to drive a company, light or DOT-regulated commercial vehicle.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education, Certificates, Licenses

  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license (C, CDL A or B) with record that qualifies individual to be an approved company driver issued by the state of residence

Experience

  • One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or with/around heavy industrial machinery in the manufacturing, fabrication, transportation, construction, railroad, mining, shipyard, or agricultural equipment industries preferred OR completion of CJWS Trainee program.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Critical:

  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment and/or safety equipment including safety glasses, face shields, goggles, earmuffs/plugs, steel toe boots, hard hat, full body harness with applicable fall protection devices, SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), H2S detectors, slicker or TYVEK suits and gloves.
  • Ability to work at heights up to or greater than 50 feet.
  • Able to perform tasks consistent with the company’s Safe Operating Procedures, to provide the maximum protection for all workers at the work site, the environment, and the equipment; and complete the tasks efficiently.

Required:

  • Knowledge and ability to operate Rig Service Tools such as Power Tongs, BOP, and Wrenches.
  • Basic knowledge of Sand line procedure and process.
  • Basic knowledge of Rig Service Procedures and Processes e.g. RU/RD, POOH Rods/Tubing, RIH Rod/Tubing.
  • Demonstrated dependability i.e. reporting for work at the prescribed location and on time.
  • Ability to work beyond the traditional 8-hour work day; available to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, to meet operational needs.
  • Ability to participate in and contribute to the collaborative resolution of challenges and issues within a team setting.

Desired:

  • Motor Vehicle Record qualifies an individual to be an approved company driver. 

Work Environment

  • Heavy Work- Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
  • Exposed to outdoor elements such as extreme heat or cold, heavy winds, rain, or snow.
  • Exposed to loud noise level elements.
  • Required to drive to and access job sites, in light of day as well as in darkness, to perform work assignments. Some job site locations may be remote from the office requiring long drives to locations isolated from interaction with others and towns.
  • Required to balance, bend, squat, crouch, climb, reach, grasp, stoop, kneel, push/pull and lift objects, and use apparatus to push/pull and lift heavy objects weighing 50 lbs or more.
  • Subject to exposure to hazards such as but not limited to slippery or uneven surfaces; environmental/industry hazards such as chemicals, high-decibel noise from production equipment, fumes, or poor ventilation; proximity to moving objects and vehicles; potentially combustible components; hazardous off- road conditions such as dust, ice, and snow.
  • May be requested to work long hours to complete job assignments.
  • May work a rotating schedule, shift, and/or be on call.
  • Follow all company safety policies and protocols.
  • Required to perform active, physical tasks including but not limited to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs.
  • Required to have visual acuity to work with parts, equipment, apparatus, etc.

Required to possess audible acuity to hear alarms in the event of emergency. field locations.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties nor account for all abilities required to perform the job. It is a general description of the nature of the position.

The pay range for this position in California is between $27.00 per hour and $28.02 per hour.  Please note that the hourly rate information is a general guideline, and that the hourly rate will vary depending on your location. C&J Well Services, LLC (“CJWS”) will consider factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. excellent benefits including full health benefits, 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting, and generous paid time off.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

C&J Well Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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 and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

LINK to Equal Employment Opportunity Posters:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at 661-589-5220 or CJWSHR@cjws.com.

Pay Transparency Notice

C&J Well Services, LLC (“CJWS”)  will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against an applicant or employee because they have inquired about or discussed compensation.

Notice to Third Party Agencies

Please note that C&J Well Services, LLC (“CJWS”) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, CJWS will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, CJWS explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, will not be reviewed or considered in part of the application process.