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Process Operator Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... Operator Trainee within the County of Fresno. License: Possession of a valid Class "A" Driver ... SELECTION PROCESS: Pursuant to Fresno County Personnel Rule 4 - Selection Process, applicants may ...

ROAD EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

Fresno, CA · On-site

$52.49K - $67K/yr

... Operator Trainee within the County of Fresno. License: Possession of a valid Class "A" Driver ... SELECTION PROCESS: Pursuant to Fresno County Personnel Rule 4 - Selection Process, applicants may ...

NUT FORMER OPERATOR

Torrance, CA

$12.50 - $15.75/hr

Trainee assists with performing Statistical Process Control (SPC) checks per specification and acts ... operating procedures at all times. * Trainee is required to bring any known or suspected ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Operator Trainee information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$43K

$62.7K

How much do process operator trainee jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for process operator 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in a relevant field. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and equipment monitoring tools is important, often gained through on-the-job training or programs like OSHA certification. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help trainees excel and adapt to dynamic plant environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial facilities.

What are some common challenges Process Operator Trainees may encounter during their training period?

Process Operator Trainees often face challenges such as adapting to shift work schedules, learning complex control systems, and understanding safety protocols in industrial environments. The steep learning curve can be daunting, especially when troubleshooting equipment or responding to unexpected process deviations. However, trainees are typically supported by experienced mentors and structured training programs to help them build confidence and competence over time.

What are Process Operator Trainees?

Process Operator Trainees are entry-level employees who learn how to monitor, control, and maintain equipment and systems in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, or energy production. They work under the supervision of experienced operators to gain hands-on experience with safety protocols, machinery operation, and troubleshooting. The goal is to prepare them for full Process Operator roles, where they ensure the smooth and safe running of industrial processes.

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

AspectProcess Operator TraineeProcess Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, learning phaseFull-time, operational environment, responsible for daily processes
Employer UsageEntry-level position for training purposesFull-fledged role managing production processes

The Process Operator Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, while the Process Operator is a fully responsible role managing daily operations. Trainees typically undergo training before becoming Process Operators, making the roles sequential in career development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Process Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in California with the most Process Operator Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Process Operator Trainee job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 43% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 25% Physical, 25% Hybrid, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,960 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Mogul Machine Operator (Trainee) - 2nd Shift

Jelly Belly Candy Company

Fairfield, CA • On-site

$32.41 - $33.16/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox's Burton's, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we're loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring-and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.
Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.
In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach's®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry's. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.
Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-/
Want to Make an Impact?
The mogul operator, reporting to the Mogul Supervisor, will operate specialized equipment that molds and produces our confections, ensuring consistent quality, minimizing downtime, and supporting efficient, high-volume production.
Ways You Will Make a Difference
  • Food safety or quality responsibilities within job. All staff are responsible for reporting food safety and quality issues to those that can initiate action.
  • Make independent adjustments and corrections to the mogul or accessory equipment, insuring efficient operation of that particular piece of equipment.
  • Directs the candy makers and/or production workers assigned to that particular piece of equipment being utilized, to ensure efficient operation in completing the assigned tasks.
  • Inspects all production to ensure compliance with specifications for that particular product.
  • Checks board and stroke weights every hour.
  • Completes all paper work which is required, including start-up checklists and tracking sheets
  • Performs changeovers on the mogul and it's accessories as directed by the supervisor or production planner.
  • May be assigned to calculate, compile, and report production volumes as directed by the mogul supervisor.
  • Performs all duties assigned within the mogul section, including the loading and unloading of trucks into the mogul or dryroom, the loading of starch into the mogul, the manipulation of pump bars, and the catching and loading of candy trays. Duties may run concurrent when production runs are 4 hours or less, except when running candy corn and Dutch mints.
  • Performs the safe operation of a manual or powered pallet jack, also may be required to operate power lift equipment including specialized (narrow-aisle) equipment.
  • Responsible for sanitation throughout and at the end of the shift.
  • Will work in other departments of the Company as assigned.
  • Will perform other duties as assigned.
  • Responsible for the quality of work and implementation of the food safety/quality procedures applicable to the processes
  • Report all safety incidents.

Inherent in each position is a general duty to maintain each respective work area in a safe and sanitary condition. The employee may be required to perform other such duties within the scope of their employment as may be assigned. Regular, predictable, full-time attendance is required as an essential function of this position. Wages, hours, and working conditions are outlined in a Collective Bargaining Agreement between Jelly Belly Candy Company and Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grainmillers International Union, AFL-CIO, Local #125.
Overtime as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement is mandatory. An essential function of this job is a requirement to work all hours scheduled.
Skills That Will Make You Successful
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure
manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of organization.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ration, and percent.
REASONING ABILITIY Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Experiences That Will Support Your Success
EDUCATION/and or EXPERIENCE High school diploma or general education degree (GED); three (3) to five (5) years prior related work experience or nine (9) months structured on the job training. Education equivalency acceptable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to stand and walk; use hands - work with tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must seek assistance on all lifting of over 50 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
What We Offer
At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Candy-2025-OE-QR
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.