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Mining Plant Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Teichert

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA · On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Equipment operator - includes operating equipment for the purpose of mining, stockpiling, cleaning, repairing, dust control, and maintenance in the plant site. * Laborer - includes shoveling ...

Turner Mining Group

Plant Mechanic

Hinkley, CA · On-site

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Plant Mechanic to support a mining operation in Hinkley ... Communicate effectively with the maintenance team, operators, and supervisors * Maintain a clean ...

Turner Mining Group

Plant Mechanic

Hinkley, CA

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Plant Mechanic to support a mining operation in Hinkley ... Communicate effectively with the maintenance team, operators, and supervisors * Maintain a clean ...

Bedrock

Chemical Technician

Brawley, CA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

Chemical Lab Technician Certification, Plant Operator Technology Certificate, or related skills and ... Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 ...

Cargill

Seasonal Harvest Operator

Newark, CA · On-site

$27.36/hr

Assisting the Wash Plant Operator in maintaining efficient salt processing operations * Washing ... Experience working in industrial, mining, agricultural, construction, or manufacturing environments

Cargill

Seasonal Harvest Operator

Newark, CA · On-site

$27.36/hr

Assisting the Wash Plant Operator in maintaining efficient salt processing operations * Washing ... Experience working in industrial, mining, agricultural, construction, or manufacturing environments

Cargill

Seasonal Harvest Operator

Newark, CA · On-site

$27.36/hr

Assisting the Wash Plant Operator in maintaining efficient salt processing operations * Washing ... Experience working in industrial, mining, agricultural, construction, or manufacturing environments

Cargill

Seasonal Harvest Operator

Newark, CA · On-site

$27.36/hr

Assisting the Wash Plant Operator in maintaining efficient salt processing operations * Washing ... Experience working in industrial, mining, agricultural, construction, or manufacturing environments

Hi Grade Materials

Quarry Foreman

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mining professional who enjoys leading a crew, working on equipment, troubleshooting problems, and taking pride in keeping a plant operating safely ...

New

CalPortland

Aggregate Plant Manager

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Develops plans to work towards improved performance and lower operating costs * Various other ... Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical ...

CalPortland

Aggregate Plant Manager

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Develops plans to work towards improved performance and lower operating costs * Various other ... Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical ...

CalPortland

Aggregate Plant Manager

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Develops plans to work towards improved performance and lower operating costs * Various other ... Education Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, Civil Engineering, Mechanical ...

Granite

Plant Superintendent

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$105K - $158K/yr

Plan, direct and supervise workers associated with mining, processing, stockpiling, loading and ... Apply knowledge of production methods, processes, and equipment to ensure operating effectiveness ...

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All JobsMining Plant Operator JobsMining Plant Operator Jobs in California

Mining Plant Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do mining plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining plant operator in California is $22.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mining plant operator?

Mining Plant Operators are professionals who control, monitor, and maintain the machinery and equipment used in mining operations. They ensure the efficient and safe extraction, processing, and transportation of minerals and ores. Their responsibilities often include operating conveyor belts, crushers, and other plant machinery, as well as conducting routine inspections and minor repairs. Mining Plant Operators play a crucial role in maintaining production targets while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards.

What are some typical challenges mining plant operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Mining Plant Operators often work in environments where safety, equipment maintenance, and communication are critical. Common challenges include operating complex machinery in harsh conditions, managing unpredictable equipment breakdowns, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Effective operators stay proactive by regularly inspecting equipment, participating in ongoing safety training, and maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth operations. Embracing these practices not only helps manage daily obstacles but also contributes to personal growth and team success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mining plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mining Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining processes, equipment operation, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery, control systems, and computerized monitoring tools like SCADA is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations in a demanding industrial environment.

What is the difference between Mining Plant Operator vs Mining Equipment Operator?

AspectMining Plant OperatorMining Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, mineral processing facilitiesOpen-pit or underground mining sites, construction areas
Job FocusOperating processing machinery, controlling mineral processingOperating heavy mining machinery like excavators and loaders
Industry UsageCommonly used in mineral processing and refiningUsed in extraction and material movement in mining

While both roles require safety certifications and technical skills, Mining Plant Operators focus on processing minerals within processing plants, whereas Mining Equipment Operators handle heavy machinery at mining sites. Both roles are essential in the mining industry but differ in work environment and specific duties.

What are popular job titles related to Mining Plant Operator jobs in California?

For Mining Plant Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mining Plant Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Mining Plant Operator jobs in California are:

Mining Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mining Plant Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,911 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Careers at Teichert

Winton, CA

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Purpose
To operate, repair, and maintain everything pertaining to the daily operation of an aggregate and asphalt facility.  
Focus & Scope
Essential duties and responsibilities, i.e. those which are basic, necessary, and an integral part of the job, are indicated below:
Company/Entity
  1. Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the production of rock products.
  2. Asphalt plant operator - Includes operating various controls in the asphalt plant to create an asphalt mix, communicating with truck drivers, and loading trucks from the plant or silos.
  3. Repairman/Mechanic - Includes repairing and maintaining the workings of the rock plant, asphalt plant, belt line, equipment, and the scale house.
  4. Equipment operator - includes operating equipment for the purpose of mining, stockpiling, cleaning, repairing, dust control, and maintenance in the plant site.
  5. Laborer - includes shoveling, operating equipment, washing, and maintaining the cleanliness of the plant site.  
  6. Miscellaneous - includes other various tasks your supervisor may ask of you pertaining to the operation of the facility.

Role Qualifications and Requirements
 
  • Cutting, torching, grinding, welding, rigging, use of hand tools, operation of equipment, knowledge of aggregate materials and products, ability to safely and productively work in a team environment.

Equipment Used, Physical Demands, and Work Environment
Equipment Used:
 
  • Wheel Loader, Excavator, Utility Truck, Tractor, Skid Steer, Dozer, Telescopic Handler Forklift, Articulating Boom Lift, Haul Truck, Water Truck, Welder, Torch, Hand Tools, Computer and CB Radio.
     
Physical Demands & Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
  • Physical: Employees may experience the following physical demands for extended periods of time: shoveling, lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting or standing for various lengths of time, and climbing of stairs. 
  • WORK ENVIRONMENT
    Plant and belt line locations may contain dust, fumes, debris, low to loud levels of noise and extreme weather conditions including excessive heat or cold and rain prevalent at times.

HOURLY BASE SALARY RANGE:
$31.65 - $37.98
The range displayed reflects the range the company reasonable expects to pay for the position. The actual base salary is subject to variation due to the role, level, geographic location, relevant education, training, or experience, among other factors.
Employer Disclosure Statement        
The above statements and job description is intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed within this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and tasks.  Other similar or additional duties are performed as assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Teichert and its subsidiaries are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Individuals seeking employment at our company are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, race, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 
Notice to Staffing Agencies
Teichert, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Teichert) will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Teichert, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Teichert mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Teichert employees, or to Teichert's resume database will be considered Teichert property. Teichert will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Teichert will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Teichert's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Teichert will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Teichert's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Teichert employee is authorized to bind Teichert to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

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