Plant Operator Trainee Jobs Dodge City KS 2026

Koch Fertilizer Dodge City, LLC is looking for a Plant Operator Trainee to join their team — a great opportunity to learn an industrial setting with no previous experience required and grow a long-term career. Whether coming from manufacturing, agriculture, construction, military service, transportation, or another hands-on industry, Koch provides the training needed to build a career in fertilizer operations.

About Koch Fertilizer

Sector Focus: A Koch Ag & Energy Solutions company delivering fertilizers that boost crop performance

Full-Service Offering: Logistical expertise including delivered freight, logistics, and online shipment tracking

Culture: Empowers employees to do what they do best, guided by Principled Based Management (PBM®)

Hiring Philosophy: Military Ready and Second Chance employer, valuing diverse backgrounds and experience

Career Impact & Growth Opportunity

No Experience Necessary: Full hands-on training provided for candidates from any hands-on industry background

Strong Starting Pay: $28/hr starting rate plus a $3,000 sign-on bonus and additional bonus eligibility

Immediate Time Off: 120-hour annual vacation allotment available immediately

Long-Term Career Path: Structured hands-on learning experience building toward a lasting career in plant operations

Position Overview

As Plant Operator Trainee, you will perform tasks associated with the safe production of fertilizer products in an environmentally compliant and efficient manner, following all plant policies and procedures. You’ll monitor plant parameters (Safe Operating Control Limits), gather samples and perform product quality tests, complete daily inspections of critical equipment, perform minor maintenance, and use technology and systems to interpret data critical to daily facility operations — all while working a 4-on/4-off, 12-hour rotating shift schedule.

Why This Role Matters: As Plant Operator Trainee at Koch Fertilizer, you build a long-term industrial career with zero prior experience required, thanks to comprehensive hands-on training. You earn a strong starting wage of $28/hr plus a $3,000 sign-on bonus, gain immediate access to 120 hours of paid vacation, contribute to producing fertilizer that helps growers boost crop yields nationwide, and join a company built on Principled Based Management that rewards ownership, continuous learning, and safe, efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities

Safe Fertilizer Production

Perform tasks associated with safe production of fertilizer products in an environmentally compliant and efficient manner
Follow all plant policies and procedures during daily operations
Monitor plant parameters (SOCL – Safe Operating Control Limits) and identify correction/improvement opportunities
Gather samples and perform product tests to ensure quality

Equipment Inspection & Maintenance

Initiate daily inspections and walk-downs of critical equipment
Perform minor maintenance on manufacturing equipment and support equipment
Leverage technology and systems to gather and interpret critical operational data
Support safe and efficient day-to-day plant operations

Safety Culture & Continuous Improvement

Proactively advance the Principled Based Management (PBM®) culture within the team
Demonstrate ownership, continuous learning, and sound judgment
Commit to safe and efficient operations at all times
Work a rotating 12-hour shift, including weekends, holidays, overtime, and callouts

Qualifications & Requirements

Basic Qualifications

Ability to 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 visa transfer or sponsorship

Physical Requirements

Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, goggles, hard hats, FRC, acid suits, breathing air, gloves, safety boots, respirators, and encapsulated suits
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs
Ability to work in hot, cold, and inclement climate conditions and congested areas
Ability to climb stairs, ladders, ladders on vessels and columns, and scaffold ladders in excess of 160 feet

What Will Put You Ahead

Experience and application of safe work practices, including Lock Out, Tag Out (LOTO) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

About Koch Fertilizer

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. The 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, guided by a business philosophy that helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Career Excellence: Start a long-term industrial career with Koch Fertilizer — no prior experience needed, full training provided.

Who Should Apply?

Career Changers: From manufacturing, agriculture, construction, or transportation backgrounds
Military Veterans: Koch is a Military Ready employer welcoming transitioning service members
Second Chance Candidates: Koch is a Second Chance employer valuing diverse backgrounds
Entry-Level Industrial Workers: Seeking full paid training and a long-term manufacturing career
Shift-Ready Workers: Comfortable with a 4-on/4-off, 12-hour rotating day/night schedule