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Container Handler Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Material Handler

Carpinteria, CA

$17 - $20.50/hr

Equipment with MHE, like reach truck operators and order pickers, is a plus. * Must be able to use ... Clearly label materials, containers, storage areas, etc. Support departmental initiatives related ...

Material Handler

Carpinteria, CA

$17 - $20.50/hr

Equipment with MHE, like reach truck operators and order pickers, is a plus. * Must be able to use ... Clearly label materials, containers, storage areas, etc. Support departmental initiatives related ...

Material Handler

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Opens bales, crates, and other containers. * Records number of materials or items received or ... Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Material Handler

El Monte, CA

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Load and unload containers or trailers. * Perform training on general warehouse duties and ... Minimum 1-year forklift operating experience * Company ERP system, SAP Preferred. * Basic PC skills ...

$29.94/hr

I have the ability to perform common duties such as operating Rough Terrain Container Handlers to move and stack loads safely and transporting wheeled cranes to support warehouse operations. I can ...

Material Handler

Visalia, CA · On-site

$21.83/hr

Able to read work order and follow oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be ... Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ... Able to read work order and follow oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be ...

Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ... Able to read work order and follow oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be ...

Material Handler

Visalia, CA · On-site

$21.83/hr

Able to read work order and follow oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be ... Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Material Handler

Visalia, CA · On-site

$21.83/hr

Able to read work order and follow oral instructions to ascertain materials or containers to be ... Ability to read, analyzes, and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

Material Handler III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

... containers (including large gaylords) in designated rack locations in strict adherence to FIFO, lot ... CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS • Current Forklift Operator certification or satisfactory ...

Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine materials or containers to be moved ... Cleans work area, machines and equipment to assist machine operators. * Operates industrial truck ...

Reads work order or follows oral instructions to determine materials or containers to be moved ... Cleans work area, machines and equipment to assist machine operators. * Operates industrial truck ...

Material Handler

Huntington Beach, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.25/hr

Duties may also involve working and operating equipment in the regrind area. They will directly ... Stage containers of regrind at loading stations using forklift and/or hand truck. * Perform ...

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Container Handler Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do container handler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for container handler operator in California is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.67 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Container Handler Operator job?

A Container Handler Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery, such as reach stackers, forklifts, or cranes, to load, unload, transport, and stack shipping containers in ports, warehouses, or freight yards. They ensure the safe and efficient movement of containers, following safety regulations and operational procedures. The role requires attention to detail, coordination, and knowledge of equipment handling to prevent damage and maintain workflow efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Container Handler Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Container Handler Operator, you need experience in operating heavy machinery such as forklifts or cranes, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a relevant equipment operator's license. Familiarity with computerized inventory systems and safety certifications, such as OSHA or HAZMAT training, are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help operators coordinate efficiently with colleagues and maintain safety standards. These abilities ensure smooth cargo handling operations, minimize risks, and support the timely movement of goods within ports or warehouse facilities.

What are the typical working conditions for a Container Handler Operator?

Container Handler Operators often work in port terminals, rail yards, or large warehouse environments, where they operate equipment both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions. Shifts may include early mornings, nights, or weekends, as cargo operations often run around the clock. The role involves staying alert, following strict safety protocols, and sometimes working at heights or in confined spaces. Teamwork is crucial, as operators must coordinate closely with logistics staff, supervisors, and other machine operators to ensure efficient and safe container movement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Container Handler Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Container Handler Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Container Handler Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Container Handler Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Container Handler Operator job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

$17 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity:Warehouse material handlers are responsible for accurately receiving, storing, picking, and shipping products to meet Avantor standards of productivity, quality, safety, and customer service. This position is based in an industrial warehouse setting and is flexible across a wide range of warehousing duties.

What we're looking for

Education: High School education or GED preferred.

Experience: Entry-level 1-2 years' experience - Open to those who are eager to start their career in the warehouse industry.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • OSHA Forklift and HAZMAT certification is a plus.

  • Warehouse/distributionexperience a plus.

  • Equipment with MHE, like reach truck operators and order pickers, is a plus.

  • Must be able to use proper techniques to lift 50 pounds. The ability to follow directions, with an emphasis on safety, is extremely important.

  • Must be able to use hands and feet simultaneously and for repetitive movements.

How you will thrive and create an impact

  • Ensure all safety requirements are adhered to and followed to provide a safe work environment for all employees.

  • Maintain areas neatly organized and clean. Clearly label materials, containers, storage areas, etc. Support departmental initiatives related to 6S, Kaizens, Safety Gemba's, and others.

  • Inbound: Unload trucks, trailers, containers of freight, counting products, compared to manifest to check all shipments for damage, infestation, or production code dates. Material handlers must report shortages, damages, and mis-shipments on appropriate forms. Also, be able to sign for inbound shipments when necessary. All inbound shipments are safely moved to storage locations and efficiently stacked as store merchandise.

  • Order Picking: Ensure that the correct product number, quantity, and product type (lot, batch, serial number) are picked. Transport orders to shipping locations or delivery platforms using material handling equipment, such as forklifts, cherry pickers, or pallet jacks. Materials handlers must be able to label, stencil, tag, mark orders, band, bundle, wrap, over-pack, and palletize as required.

  • Outbound: Compare quantity, labeling, and address with the order to ensure outgoing shipments are complete and correct. Assign signature for outbound, as necessary. Efficiently move products, cartons, and pallets into trailers, rail cars, or containers.

  • Equipment: Maintain equipment in a neat, clean, and orderly fashion. Operate equipment safely and efficiently. Comply with company standards and OSHA requirements.

  • Inventory: Keep accurate records and reports. Assist in physical inventory and cycle counts. Ensure proper stock rotation. May key inventory adjustments in the computer.

  • Other Duties: Repack or re-box cases with customer instructions. Repair and consolidate damaged goods as required. Operate a shrink-wrap machine. Charge forklift battery as needed; stack and/or separate good from bad pallets when necessary; clean railcars, trailers, and truck docks and bays as requested.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.