1

Operator Trainee Jobs in Carson, CA (NOW HIRING)

Furnace Operator

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$15.82 - $35.60/hr

... Operator "Trainee", and "B") JOB DIMENSIONS : Job Summary: Under general supervision, sets up and operates foundry furnace; operates forklift and overhead crane to move materials to and from furnace ...

Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week Location ... The 520 bed campus has a 270 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week Location ... The 520 bed campus has a 270 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week Location ... The 520 bed campus has a 270 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week Location ... The 520 bed campus has a 270 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week Location ... The 520 bed campus has a 270 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week Location ... The 520 bed campus has a 270 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week Location ... The 520 bed campus has a 270 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Advanced Trainee Remuneration: $117,745 - $147,664 per annum Hours Per Week: 38 hours per week ... The 520 bed campus has a 150 bed general hospital, with five operating suites and 60 specialised ...

Showing results 41-60

Operator Trainee information

See Carson, CA salary details

$26.7K

$45.5K

$66.4K

How much do operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for operator trainee in Carson, CA is $45,525.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $53,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Operator Trainee jobs in Carson, CA? For Operator Trainee jobs in Carson, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Carson, CA are hiring for Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Carson, CA with the most Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Operator Trainee job openings in Carson, 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 $45,525 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Furnace Operator

Cla-Val

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$15.82 - $35.60/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Applicants are considered for positions within the company without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, marital or parental status, medical condition unrelated to the person's ability to perform the job, pregnancy, genetic information, political affiliation, citizenship, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Any offer of employment is contingent upon your successful completion of a pre-employment substance abuse and physical screening, verification of documents pertaining to your right to work in the United States using E-VERIFY, and completion of required employment documents
GRISWOLD INDUSTRIES
SOUNDCAST
Job Description
Furnace Operator - SC
(Covers Furnace Operator "Trainee", and "B")
JOB DIMENSIONS:
Job Summary:
Under general supervision, sets up and operates foundry furnace; operates forklift and
overhead crane to move materials to and from furnace; cleans furnaces and performs
periodic maintenance work; and performs related duties as assigned.
Reports to:
Melting and Pouring Supervisor
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Receives oral and written instructions as to weights and alloys to be used;
  • Starts furnace;
  • Adds alloys to metal;
  • Uses probe to test metals to determine readiness and composition;
  • Controls furnace;
  • Drives forklift or overhead crane to move materials to furnace;
  • Pours metal from furnace to ladle, and from ladle to molds;
  • Leans furnace;
  • Charges furnace for next day's work;
  • May reline furnace to ensure proper operation of coils and chamber; and
  • Pour metals as needed.
  • Regular punctuality, attendance, and absence reporting in conformance with company policies is essential to the successful performance of this position; and
  • Fully comply with company rules, policies, procedures, and safety guidelines to ensure safe and effective operations.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES:
Any combination equivalent of, but not limited to, the following:
Experience/Training/Education:
Some experience in foundry operations including training in furnace operation; training
in metal testing and hazards risks and emergency response procedures.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Ability to work cooperatively with co-workers and related departments;
  • Knowledge of company safety practices and procedures;
  • Ability to read and follow instructions provided by lab;
  • Knowledge of temperature requirements of various metals;
  • Ability to adjust furnace to proper operational settings;
  • Ability to test material consistency using digital analyzer;
  • Ability to operate a forklift truck and overhead crane as required;
  • Ability to complete daily activity report of metals melted or poured; and
  • Ability to clean and maintain furnace as needed.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to reach, stretch, bend, and lift weights and materials weighing 50 pounds or less; and ability to move heavier materials with the assistance of co-workers or mechanical devices; and
  • Ability to walk/move about on uneven and/or sand-covered surfaces;
  • Ability to climb/utilize raised ramps and stairs, as needed;
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time;
  • Ability to understand and follow oral instructions; and
  • Ability to perform essential functions of the job as defined;
    • Reasonable accommodations provided upon request.

Special Requirements:
  • Appropriate company certification in the operation of a forklift truck; and
  • Ability to use safety gear including glasses, helmet, mask, ear plugs, shoes and leggings.

Griswold Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer - BY CHOICE
Griswold Industry's VEVRAA AAP is available to any employee or applicants for employment to inspect upon request. • The AAP is available for inspection in the Human Resources office, located at 860 W. 17th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, between the hours of 7:00am and 2:00pm, Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays and shutdown periods.
The pay range represents the low and high ends of the salary range we reasonably expect to pay for this position at the time of posting. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, education, skills, qualifications, performance, and business or organizational needs.