ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Company

Pipe Trainee

Maize, KS

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Charlotte Pipe is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and has seven plant locations across the United States. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry , located in Maize, Kansas , is looking for Extrusion Operators ...

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Company

Pipe Trainee

Maize, KS

$21.50 - $27.50/hr

Charlotte Pipe is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and has seven plant locations across the United States. Charlotte Pipe and Foundry , located in Maize, Kansas , is looking for Extrusion Operators ...

All JobsPlant Operator JobsPlant Operator Trainee JobsPlant Operator Trainee Jobs in Kansas

Plant Operator Trainee information

See Kansas salary details

$27.2K

$47.2K

$76.3K

How much do plant operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operator trainee in Kansas is $47,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $53,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Plant Operator Trainees during their initial training period?

Plant Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to rotating shift schedules, learning to monitor complex machinery, and quickly troubleshooting minor operational issues. Trainees must also become familiar with strict safety protocols and environmental regulations, which can be overwhelming at first. However, with mentorship from experienced operators and structured hands-on training, most trainees are able to develop the necessary confidence and skills to handle these responsibilities effectively.

What is the difference between Plant Operator Trainee vs Plant Operator?

AspectPlant Operator TraineePlant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be preferredTypically requires relevant certifications or licenses, such as a state-issued operator license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning on the jobFull responsibility for operating equipment, more autonomous
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting and learning under supervisionOperating machinery, monitoring systems, troubleshooting

In summary, a Plant Operator Trainee is in a learning phase, gaining skills and certifications needed to become a fully qualified Plant Operator. The trainee role involves supervision and assistance, while the Plant Operator role involves independent operation and responsibility.

What are Plant Operator Trainees?

Plant Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn to operate, monitor, and maintain machinery and equipment at facilities such as power plants, water treatment plants, or manufacturing sites. They receive on-the-job training to understand safety procedures, equipment operation, and facility protocols under the supervision of experienced operators. Their goal is to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to eventually become fully qualified Plant Operators. This role typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plant Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, a high school diploma or equivalent, and a willingness to learn plant operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, safety protocols, and basic hand tools is often required, and some employers may prefer candidates with relevant certifications like OSHA or confined space entry. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help trainees adapt quickly and contribute to safe, efficient plant operations. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, minimizing downtime, and supporting the smooth functioning of the facility.
What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Operator jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Plant Operator jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas? For Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Operator Trainee jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Plant Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Plant Operator Trainee job openings:
Plant Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operator Trainee job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,234 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Laboratory Technician Trainee

Laboratory Technician Trainee

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

Holcomb, KS • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description


Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, a generation and transmission utility serving central and western Kansas, is seeking a Laboratory Technician Trainee at Holcomb Station, our 349-megawatt coal-fired power plant just south of Holcomb, KS! Kick-start your career with an extensive on-the-job training program designed to build your skills in laboratory operations, water treatment, and power plant systems. This role begins in a Trainee position with a day shift schedule, then can progress to higher level positions and eventually a rotating shift schedule. If you're eager to learn, enjoy solving technical challenges, and want to grow in a dynamic industrial environment, we'd love to have you on our team!
Opportunities
  • Work at our technically advanced and environmentally safe coal-fired power plant.
  • Gain valuable experience maintaining water treatment processes, monitoring plant systems, and keeping accurate laboratory and operational records.
  • Work alongside experienced professionals as you learn to perform chemical and physical analyses, operate critical plant equipment, and support environmental compliance efforts.
  • Enjoy our outstanding benefits, including low heath insurance premiums and a company- funded pension!

Qualifications
  • 1-year of post high school education in a science field and 2-years practical water treatment equipment and analytical testing methods experience in an industrial environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Knowledge of laboratory testing and analytical processes and procedures.
  • Successful completion of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) Test.

Please see the Responsibility Outline for a complete list of qualifications as well as Mental and Physical Requirements: Laboratory Technician Trainee
EEI Testing:
We administer selection tests for a variety of positions. The required tests have been developed by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a trade association of investor-owned electric utility companies. We strongly encourage candidates to review all the information, including the sample test brochures, and to use the available practice tests before taking the actual tests, available here:
EEI Practice Tests
Practice tests provide sample questions and detailed discussions of the correct answers. It's important to take the practice test as you would the actual one, with similar intensity and concentration. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
Note: EEI does not allow access to the actual tests. Testing sessions are held at various locations.
Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disabled persons.

Apply