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Mining Plant Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Castle Mountain Mine

The Plant Operator safely operates and monitors the carbon adsorption circuits that recover gold ... Work is performed at an active mine site that may include open pit mining, processing facilities ...

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 ...

Sparrow Company

Mining Engineer

Victorville, CA · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

This role operates in a mining environment and works closely with the Mine Manager, operations ... plant and quality teams. * Support site safety programs and ensure mine designs and operating plans ...

Sparrow Company

Mining Engineer

Victorville, CA

This role operates in a mining environment and works closely with the Mine Manager, operations ... plant and quality teams. * Support site safety programs and ensure mine designs and operating plans ...

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

$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

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

$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 ...

Rio Tinto

Fixed Plant Manager

Boron, CA · On-site

$196K - $269K/yr

Great opportunity to work for a global company at the forefront of mining. * Role based near Boron ... operators and commercial teams * Provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure operational ...

SF Demo - Rio Tinto

Fixed Plant Manager

Boron, CA · On-site

$196K - $269K/yr

Great opportunity to work for a global company at the forefront of mining. * Role based near Boron ... operators and commercial teams * Provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure operational ...

Martin Marietta

Equipment Operator II

Corona, CA

$30 - $40/hr

Safely operate a variety of heavy equipment to transport raw materials from the pit to the plant at ... or Mining environment. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Mechanical aptitude Troubleshooting ...

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All JobsMining Plant Operator JobsMining Plant Operator Jobs in California

Mining Plant Operator information

See California salary details

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How much do mining plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,911 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Plant Operator

Castle Mountain Mine

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Come build your career at Castle Mountain Mine.

Castle Mountain is Equinox Gold's exciting 100%-owned gold expansion project in California and one of our most promising growth opportunities in a tier-one jurisdiction. Castle Mountain is poised to become a cornerstone asset in our portfolio as a long-life, low-cost mine producing around 200,000 ounces of gold annually over a 14-year life.  Join our team at this pivotal stage and help shape the future of a mine from the very beginning, with real opportunities to grow your career as the project comes to life.

Equinox Gold is a growth-focused gold producer headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, operating a diversified portfolio of high-quality, long-life mines across the Americas. Guided by our core values of integrity, excellence, accountability, and teamwork, we foster a safe, inclusive, and rewarding workplace where a talented, experienced team works together to deliver reliable operations, responsible mining, and long-term value to its shareholders and host communities.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Plant Operator safely operates and monitors the carbon adsorption circuits that recover gold from pregnant solution. This hands-on role manages solution flows, carbon transfers, sampling, and chemical handling while upholding strict safety standards around cyanide and other process chemicals. The ideal candidate is dependable and safety-focused, works effectively with minimal supervision, and collaborates with maintenance, lab, and operations teams to keep the plant running efficiently and reliably. 

This team-oriented position will be based at Castle Mountain mine site, approximately 80 miles south of Henderson, Nevada and approximately 45 minutes west of Searchlight, Nevada. Transportation assistance from surrounding areas to site and back.

KEY PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

  • At start of shift a walk around inspection shall be completed listing all defects found on daily inspection sheet, reporting all unsafe conditions to process supervisor immediately.
  • Maintain frequent radio communication with gold plant operator, leach crew, and/or security guard to ensure the safety of each other especially on nights, holidays and weekends.
  • Check all pumps, tanks with chemicals and ensure there are no leaks or malfunctions.
  • Inspect all Derrick carbon screens for proper functional operation and integrity and report any deficiencies.
  • Transfer carbon as needed based on Lab analysis and maintain carbon level in tanks.
  • Ensures proper flows and pressures are delivered to leach pad drippers and communicates frequently with Leach Operations.
  • Follows and understands MSHA rules and regulations, National Cyanide Code compliance, Environmental rules and regulations, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), work area instructions, participates in safety and environmental activities, uses plant and equipment correctly at all times.
  • Operate all equipment (824 rubber tire /924 loader) in a safe and adequate manner.
  • Additional responsibilities and duties may be assigned according to business needs.
     

MININUM EDUCATION OR SUBSTITUTED EXPERIENCE:

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
  • 1 year working around pumps or industrial plants

SKILLS:

  • Must be able to communicate and write in English. Ability to prioritize work. Proficient in MS Excel and MS Office software.

Working Conditions: 
Work is performed at an active mine site that may include open pit mining, processing facilities, leach pads, maintenance areas, and office environments. Employees may be exposed to extreme weather conditions associated with a desert climate, including high heat, cold temperatures, wind, dust, and occasional precipitation or flash flooding. Depending on the role, work areas may involve proximity to large mobile equipment, moving mechanical parts, blasting activities, noise, vibration, diesel exhaust fumes, chemicals, fuels, oils, airborne particles, or other industrial hazards typical of mining operations. Outdoor work on uneven or rough terrain is common for many roles. Employees may encounter desert wildlife and native plant life. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as determined by job duties, task hazards, and work location. PPE includes, but is not limited to, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other PPE as determined by job task and location. 

Physical Demands: 
Manual dexterity; handling and grasping; fingering and fine motor skills; speaking clearly; hearing in speech, radio, and environmental ranges; seeing, reading, and comprehension; near and distant vision; depth perception. While performing job responsibilities, employees must be able to communicate effectively and maintain situational awareness in an active mining environment. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, crouching, or working on uneven surfaces. Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, controls, or computer systems is required. Specific physical demand requirements will be provided during the interview process. Employees may be required to work while wearing the required PPE, including respiratory and hearing protection. These requirements are representative, but not all‑inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee. 

The annual pay range for this position: $70,926.00 - $81,411.00 based on experience. This team-oriented position will be based at Castle Mountain mine site, approximately 80 miles south of Henderson, Nevada with transportation assistance from Henderson, NV to site and back.

Key Benefits Provided:

  • Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock potential for growth and progression with a top mining company
  • Competitive Compensation: Attractive pay coupled with bonus incentives
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan: Benefit from a company-matched program designed to support your long-term financial security
  • Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Access extensive medical, dental, and vision plans for your health and well-being
  • Paid Time Off: Maintain a healthy work-life balance

We thank all candidates for their applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

EOE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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