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Container Handler Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Materials Handler

Tacoma, WA

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

... handler in a small warehouse. * Receives, stores, and assembles for issue, shipment and ... containers to inspect and count contents. Moderate physical effort is required in operating ...

Attaches identifying tags, or labels to material or packaging containers. * Stacks and assembles ... Must be a trained and certified forklift operator, with a current/valid license. * Ability to use ...

Materials Handler

Bremerton, WA · On-site

$29.77/hr

... containers to inspect and count contents. Moderate physical effort is required in operating ... The material handler is frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts, scrapes, bruises and broken ...

Materials Handler

Bremerton, WA

$18 - $21.75/hr

... handler in a small warehouse. * Receives, stores, and assembles for issue, shipment and ... containers to inspect and count contents. Moderate physical effort is required in operating ...

Materials Handler

Bremerton, WA · On-site +1

$29.77 - $34.68/hr

... handler in a small warehouse. * Receives, stores, and assembles for issue, shipment and ... containers to inspect and count contents. Moderate physical effort is required in operating ...

Freight Handler

Sumner, WA · On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Freight Handler

Sumner, WA · On-site

$20/hr

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 ...

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Container Handler Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$11

$20

$27

How much do container handler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for container handler operator in Seattle, WA is $20.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Container Handler Operator jobs in Seattle, WA? For Container Handler Operator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Container Handler Operator jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Container Handler Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Infographic showing various Container Handler Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $42,532 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Materials Handler

$18.25 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Defense Logistics Agency rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Telework Eligible

No

Major Duties

  • Performs a full range of warehouse functions in either a major segment of a large warehouse or as the principal materials handler in a small warehouse.
  • Receives, stores, and assembles for issue, shipment and distribution, a variety of bin and bulk supplies, materials, equipment, and commodities.
  • Receives, unloads and processes incoming shipments. Checks accompanying documentation against container or packing labels. Follows established procedures in reporting over, short, or damaged items.
  • Assembles items for shipment in the loading area according to information provided on the shipping requests and checks the condition of shipping containers prior to loading. Ensures shipments are properly loaded onto the right conveyances.
  • Determines sequences for loading materials and organizes incoming shipments for maximum space utilization, safety considerations, and damage protection.
  • Lays out storage space, establishes item locations and determines organization and arrangement of stock.
  • Counts types and quantities of items during inventories, and maintains tally listings during the count Recounts or searches other storage locations to assist in determining the basis for over, short, or misplaced items.
  • Operates one or more types of material handling equipment such as standard type forklift with a lifting capacity of up to 15,000 pounds, warehouse tractor, stock selector, or general-purpose vehicle.
  • May pack and/ or repack a variety of items utilizing a wide variety of standard packing materials, methods and techniques.

Qualification Summary

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standard for Trades and Labor Occupations. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties at the level for which you are applying. Emphasis is placed on how you gained the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time, and the required ability or potential to perform the job. Applicants who do not meet the screen-out element (SOE) will be eliminated from further competition. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Effort: The operator performs work on dirt, wooden, asphalt and concrete floors and is required to walk, stand, stoop, bend and work in uncomfortable and tiring positions. Must be able to lift and carry supplies and material that weigh up to 40 pounds. Heavier items are moved with weight handling equipment or with assistance from other workers. Required to open and close boxes, cartons, bags and other containers to inspect and count contents. Moderate physical effort is required in operating forklift truck and rising, lowering, and tilting loads being moved. Working Conditions: Material handling work is done inside and outside (wood frame, Quonset, and concrete warehouses). The incumbent may work inside in areas that are hot, cold, damp, rainy weather, drafty or poorly lighted and may be dirty, dusty and greasy. Incumbent may work in bad weather in outside areas such as open docks and storage yards. The material handler is frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts, scrapes, bruises and broken bones; falls from ladders; or injury from forklift trucks overturning or other equipment. Incumbent may be required to handle hazardous and radioactive material. Work may require wearing protective clothing such as hardhats, steel toed shoes, rubber gloves, masks, and rubber aprons.


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