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Operator Trainee Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Plant Operator Trainee

Dodge City, KS · On-site

$28/hr

Your Job Koch Fertilizer Dodge City, LLC is looking for a Plant Operator Trainee to join our team. This is a great opportunity to learn about an industrial setting without any previous experience and ...

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Operator Trainee information

See Kansas salary details

$22.7K

$38.8K

$56.6K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Kansas is $38,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,400.00 and $45,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an operator trainee?

Operator trainees are entry-level employees who are undergoing training to learn how to operate machinery, equipment, or processes in various industries such as manufacturing, utilities, or transportation. They work under the supervision of experienced operators or trainers, gaining hands-on experience and developing the necessary skills for safe and efficient operation. The training period prepares them for more advanced roles and helps ensure they understand company procedures, safety protocols, and quality standards.

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

To thrive as an Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, control systems, and machinery operation—sometimes supported by OSHA certifications or technical training—is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help trainees adapt quickly and handle operational challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant or equipment operations while minimizing downtime and incidents.

What are some common challenges faced by operator trainees during their initial training period?

Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to shift work, mastering complex machinery, and quickly learning strict safety protocols. The fast-paced environment can be demanding, requiring attention to detail and the ability to follow precise instructions. Additionally, trainees must develop effective communication skills to collaborate with experienced operators and supervisors, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing errors. Overcoming these challenges is essential for building a strong foundation for future advancement within the organization.

What is the difference between Operator Trainee vs Equipment Operator?

AspectOperator TraineeEquipment Operator
CredentialsBasic certifications, on-the-job trainingValid driver’s license, specialized certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, construction sites, manufacturing plantsActive job sites, industrial facilities, construction zones
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, entry-level positions in construction, manufacturingOperational roles in construction, mining, manufacturing
Search & Comparison IntentLearning about entry-level roles, training programsSeeking job opportunities, skills required for operating equipment

In summary, an Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often requiring minimal certifications. An Equipment Operator is a fully qualified worker responsible for operating machinery in various industrial settings. The trainee role prepares individuals for the more skilled, operational position of Equipment Operator.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Kansas are:

What are popular job titles related to Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas?

For Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas are:

What cities in Kansas are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Kansas with the most Operator Trainee job openings:

Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,823 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Plant Operator Trainee

Koch Industries

Dodge City, KS • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers

Job description

Your Job
Koch Fertilizer Dodge City, LLC is looking for a Plant Operator Trainee to join our team. This is a great opportunity to learn about an industrial setting without any previous experience and grow a career! Whether you're coming from manufacturing, agriculture, construction, military service, transportation, or another hands-on industry, we'll provide the training needed to build a long-term career in fertilizer operations.
Our Benefits Package Includes:
  • Pay rates starting at $28/hr
  • Immediate Vacation Available - 120-hour annual allotment
  • Bonus eligibility - Including a $3,000 Sign-on bonus!
  • Automatic 401K company contribution along with competitive matching program
  • Excellent Health benefit options

Trainees will have hands on learning experience while working our 4 on/4 off, 12-hour shift, alternating days & nights.
What You Will Do
Performing tasks associated with safe production of fertilizer products, in an environmentally compliant and efficient manner following all plant policies and procedures Monitoring plant parameters (SOCL, Safe Operating Control Limits) and identify opportunities for correction and/or improvement Gathering samples and performing product tests to ensure quality Initiating daily inspections and walk down of critical equipment Performing minor maintenance on manufacturing equipment and support equipment Leveraging technology and systems to gather and interpret critical data points to the daily operation of the facility Proactively and deliberately advance the Principled Based Management (PBM®) culture within the team by demonstrating ownership, continuous learning, sound judgment, and a commitment to safe and efficient operations.
Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Work a rotating 12-hour shift including weekends, holidays, overtime, and callouts
  • Legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or visa sponsorship.

Physical Requirements:
  • Required to wear any or all of the following PPE: safety glasses, hearing protection, goggles, hard hats, FRC, acid suits, breathing air, gloves, safety boots, respirators, and encapsulated suits. PPE use is in accordance with the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) for a given task
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50lbs
  • Work in hot, cold, and inclement climate conditions and congested areas
  • Climb stairs, ladders, ladders on vessels and columns, ladders associated with scaffolds in excess of 160 feet

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Experience and application of safe work practices - Lock Out, Tag Out (LOTO); Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch Ag & Energy Solutions company, Koch Fertilizer delivers a full line of fertilizers designed to boost crop performance and help growers reach their yields. Our team also brings logistical expertise and a wide range of invaluable services, from delivered freight and logistics capabilities to online shipment tracking.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).

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