1

Mining Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for ...

New

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Crew Worker-Ventura, CA

Ventura, CA

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

... 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 ...

Crew Worker-Ventura, CA

Ventura, CA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

... 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 ...

Mining Trainee information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$43K

$62.7K

How much do mining trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for mining trainee in California is $42,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,600.00 and $50,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by mining trainees during their initial months on the job?

Mining Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning to operate heavy machinery safely, and understanding strict safety protocols. Adjusting to shift work and working in remote locations can also be an initial hurdle. However, structured training programs and mentorship from experienced miners help trainees build confidence and competence quickly. Open communication and a willingness to ask questions are key to overcoming these early challenges.

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

To thrive as a Mining Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mining operations, strong physical fitness, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with mining safety protocols, machinery operation, and sometimes certifications such as a White Card or First Aid are often required. Good communication, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are important soft skills in this environment. These skills and qualifications ensure safety, productivity, and the ability to learn and advance within the mining industry.

What is a mining trainee?

Mining trainees are entry-level workers who are learning the skills and knowledge required to work in the mining industry. They typically participate in training programs or apprenticeships that combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experience at mine sites. Mining trainees may learn about equipment operation, safety protocols, and the day-to-day tasks involved in extracting minerals or resources. This role is designed to prepare individuals for more specialized positions within the mining sector. Successful trainees often progress to roles such as machine operators, technicians, or supervisors.

What is the difference between Mining Trainee vs Mining Operator?

AspectMining TraineeMining Operator
Required CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingCertifications, licenses, experience
Work EnvironmentSupervised, training-focusedOperational, hands-on
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level, training programsSkilled, operational roles

Mining Trainee positions are entry-level roles designed for individuals starting their careers, focusing on training and skill development. Mining Operators are experienced workers responsible for operating mining equipment and executing extraction tasks. While trainees learn on the job, operators perform the core operational duties in the mining industry.

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

The most popular types of Mining jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mining Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mining Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Mining Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,960 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Operator Trainee - Shipping & Warehouse

MP Materials Corp.

Mountain Pass, CA • On-site

$28.21/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


MP Materials rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 41 rated mining


Job description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

The Operator Trainee in the shipping department is responsible for preparing and shipping out products to domestic and international customers. This includes the transferring and loading of all products onto sea containers, trucks, and other modes of transport.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Transfer packaged products from the operating areas of the plant to the product warehouses or alternate staging/loading areas.
  • Prepare, package, document and deliver outbound materials which may include palletization, banding, wrapping, blocking, and bracing procedures.
  • Review bills of lading and shipping checklists to execute outbound shipments.
  • Perform daily safety inspections of work areas and operating equipment.
  • Perform housekeeping in work areas as necessary.
  • Deliver supplies and reagents to different departments on site.

Basic Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.
  • Valid Driver’s License and good driving record required to drive company vehicles on property.
  • Three years’ experience operating a forklift in a warehouse or industrial type setting.
  • Experience loading packages/products onto various modes of transport (semi, sea container, rail).
  • Familiarity with shipping documentation to include bills of lading and packing lists.
  • Basic computer skills.

Desired Qualities:

  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to multitask.
  • Ability to communicate with management and staff professionally and effectively.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR;1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.

Safety Provision - Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions - Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands - Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing – all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing – distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.


What MP Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom