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Container Forklift Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Forklift Operator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24/hr

As a Forklift Operator , you will perform hands on operations. Truck To Truck Technician at our San ... Inspect containers, and maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

NextDeavor

Clamp Forklift Operator (#a634)

Compton, CA · On-site

$20 - $20.50/hr

Clamp Forklift Operator Full-time Rancho Dominguez, CA, US Exclusive confidential search -- details ... Move floor-stacked product to staging and maximize container space when loading * Set clamp ...

New

Syncreon

Forklift Operator

Perris, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Operate forklift to move parts and materials according to customer orders and standard work ... Move items from bulk containers or racks, shelves, or bins according to customer requirements; Scan ...

Veritiv

Forklift Operator

Ventura, CA · On-site

$22.25/hr

Our Forklift Operator will receive, store and distribute material and products within establishment ... opened containers (crates, bales, etc.) as necessary. • Process clear and accurate paperwork ...

Floor & Decor

Forklift Operator

Moreno Valley, CA

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Pay Range $19.50 - $26.50 PURPOSE The Forklift Operator is responsible for using a forklift or ... Load and unload shipments to and from trailers and/or containers safely * Efficiently stack and ...

New

Veritiv Corporation

Forklift Operator

Ventura, CA · On-site

$22.25/hr

Our Forklift Operator will receive, store and distribute material and products within establishment ... opened containers (crates, bales, etc.) as necessary. • Process clear and accurate paperwork ...

Floor & Décor

Forklift Operator

Moreno Valley, CA

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Pay Range $19.50 - $26.50 PURPOSE The Forklift Operator is responsible for using a forklift or ... Load and unload shipments to and from trailers and/or containers safely * Efficiently stack and ...

New

TradeJobsWorkforce

Forklift Driver

Riverside, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $21.75/hr

he Forklift Operator/Sorter will be responsible for all of the day to day functions, including but ... Prepare shipment loads and move recycle containers via pallet jack or forklift. Perform general ...

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Container Forklift Operator information

What is a container forklift operator?

Container forklift operators are skilled workers responsible for operating specialized forklifts designed to lift and move shipping containers. They play a critical role in ports, warehouses, and distribution centers by safely transporting large, heavy containers between trucks, ships, or storage areas. Operators must be knowledgeable about equipment safety protocols, load balancing, and efficient stacking techniques. Proper training and certification are typically required to ensure safe and effective operation of these powerful machines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a container forklift operator?

To thrive as a Container Forklift Operator, you need a valid forklift operator certification, strong spatial awareness, and experience handling heavy machinery safely. Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS), radio communication devices, and various forklift models is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for minimizing errors and ensuring smooth operations. These skills are vital to maintain safety standards, prevent damage, and support efficient cargo handling in busy logistics environments.

What are some of the common challenges faced by container forklift operators and how can they be addressed?

Container Forklift Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating tight spaces in busy shipping yards, handling oversized or unbalanced loads, and working in varying weather conditions. To address these, operators are trained extensively in equipment safety, load assessment, and site-specific protocols. Effective communication with ground staff and other operators is essential to ensure smooth coordination and prevent accidents. Regular maintenance checks on forklifts also help reduce the risk of mechanical failures, contributing to a safer and more efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Container Forklift Operator vs Reach Truck Operator?

AspectContainer Forklift OperatorReach Truck Operator
CertificationsForklift certification, OSHA complianceForklift certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentShipping yards, ports, warehouses handling containersWarehouses, distribution centers with high shelving
Industry UsageLogistics, shipping, freight handlingWarehousing, retail distribution

Container Forklift Operators primarily handle large containers in ports and shipping yards, focusing on loading and unloading containers. Reach Truck Operators work mainly inside warehouses, stacking and retrieving goods at high levels. Both roles require forklift certification and are essential in logistics and warehousing industries, but they differ in work environment and specific tasks.

How much do container forklift operators make?

Container forklift operators in Colorado typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific employer. The average annual salary ranges from approximately $31,000 to $52,000. Skilled operators with certifications such as OSHA forklift training may command higher wages.

What are popular job titles related to Container Forklift Operator jobs in California?

For Container Forklift Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Container Forklift Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Container Forklift Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Container Forklift Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Container Forklift Operator job openings:

Container Forklift Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Container Forklift Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Forklift Operator

Clean Harbors

San Jose, CA • On-site

$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Clean Harbors rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Description

Clean Harbors is currently looking for a Forklift Operator to join their team! As a Forklift Operator, you will perform hands on operations. Truck To Truck Technician at our San Jose, CA facility will be responsible for the movement and placement of waste from Clean Harbors' facilities and direct generators.
Why work for Clean Harbors?

2 Schedules available:  

  1. 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM (M-F)
  2. 10 AM to 9:30 PM (M-F)

Pay: $24/Hr.

  • Health and Safety is our #1 priority and we live it 3-6-5!
  • Competitive wages
  • Monday-Friday schedule
  • Comprehensive health benefits coverage after 30 days of full-time employment
  • Group 401K with company matching component 
  • Own Part of the Company with our Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Generous paid time off, company paid training and tuition reimbursement
  • Opportunities for growth and development for all the stages of your career

Qualifications

What does it take to work at Clean Harbors?

  • High School diploma or equivalent required;
  • Must be 18 years or older;
  • 1-3; Years of related experience;
  • Fork lift experience preferred (Not Required);
  • Ability to use computer;
  • Ability to lift 50 or more pounds;

Clean Harbors has a commitment to excellence deeply rooted in a strong sense of tradition. Our entire business model revolves around keeping North American businesses green. We generate more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue as a world-class environmental service organization and market leader in industrial hazardous waste management, parts-cleaning technology, and oil re-refining. We collect over 200 million gallons of used motor oil each year and we have the largest re-refinery capacity in North America allowing us to re-refine more than 150 million gallons each year.

Every day, we help our customers resolve their waste management needs and reduce their carbon footprint. PROTECTION. CHOICES. PEOPLE. MAKE GREEN WORK.

Clean Harbors is an equal opportunity employer.

Clean Harbors is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact ect@cleanharbors.com or 1-844-922-5547.

Clean Harbors and its subsidiaries are a Military & Veteran friendly company.

Clean Harbors is committed to complying with applicable pay transparency laws and ensuring fair and equitable compensation. The posted salary range reflects the minimum and maximum target for this role. Final compensation may vary based on factors such as location, experience, skills, and business needs. In addition to the base salary, some roles may be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

#SA

Responsibilities

  • Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner at all times;
  • Performs daily tasks of drum pumping, drum dumping, tank farm operations, and offloading trucks;
  • Completes and submits all associated paperwork as required for waste tracking movements, able to use scanning application.
  • Performs other duties and tasks as assigned from time to time by management.
  • Offload, palletize, and reload materials.
  • Inspect containers, and maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

What Clean Harbors employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Clean Harbors logo

About Clean Harbors

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Clean Harbors is North America’s leading provider of environmental and industrial services. The Company serves a diverse customer base, including a majority of Fortune 500 companies. Its customer base spans a number of industries, including chemical, and manufacturing, as well as numerous government agencies. These customers rely on Clean Harbors to deliver a broad range of services such as end-to-end hazardous waste management, emergency spill response, industrial cleaning and maintenance, and recycling services. Through its Safety-Kleen subsidiary, Clean Harbors also is North America’s largest re-refiner and recycler of used oil and a leading provider of parts washers and environmental services to commercial, industrial and automotive customers. Founded in 1980 and based in Massachusetts, Clean Harbors operates throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Norwell, MA, US

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