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Driver Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Firefighter/Paramedic

Calimesa, CA · On-site

Fire Control 3 * Driver Operator 1A (within 6 Months) * Licenses * Valid California Class C Driver's License * Valid State of California Paramedic License, Riverside County Endorsement * Valid CPR ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Corona, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Corona, CA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.25/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Corona, CA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Riverside, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona

Temescal Valley, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona

Temescal Valley, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona

Temescal Valley, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver - Corona

Corona, CA

$16.50 - $20.75/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Colton, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Colton, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

Applus IDIADA

Vehicle Test Driver

Colton, CA

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Driver Operator Applus IDIADA is seeking Driver Operators to join our team. The ideal candidate is technically adept and possesses general knowledge of the automotive industry and its products. The ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsDriver Operator JobsDriver Operator Jobs in California

Driver Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$23

$36

How much do driver operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for driver operator in California is $23.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.18 and $24.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges faced by driver operators, and how can they prepare for them?

Driver Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating large emergency vehicles through congested areas, operating complex pumping or ladder systems under pressure, and maintaining clear communication with team members during high-stress situations. Preparing for these challenges involves regular hands-on training, staying updated on local protocols, and developing strong situational awareness. Building collaborative relationships with fellow firefighters and practicing coordinated drills can also help Driver Operators perform effectively and safely during emergencies.

What is a driver operator?

A Driver Operator is a professional responsible for operating and driving specialized vehicles, such as fire trucks or heavy equipment, often within fire departments or emergency services. Their duties include safely transporting personnel and equipment to emergency scenes, operating pumps or other vehicle-mounted machinery, and performing routine maintenance on their vehicles. Driver Operators play a crucial role in ensuring that emergency response operations run smoothly and efficiently, often requiring specialized training and certifications. They must also adhere to strict safety protocols and be prepared to respond quickly in high-pressure situations.

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

To thrive as a Driver Operator, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), in-depth knowledge of vehicle operation, and a strong safety record. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, vehicle maintenance tools, and, in some cases, specialized certifications such as hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement are commonly required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and stress management skills help drivers handle challenging routes and interact effectively with customers and team members. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient transport and uphold service reliability and safety standards.

What is the difference between Driver Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectDriver OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), specialized equipment trainingEquipment-specific certifications, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentOn-road, vehicle operation, often in construction or industrial sitesOn-site, operating heavy machinery like bulldozers or excavators
Employer & IndustryConstruction, transportation, utilitiesConstruction, mining, forestry

Driver Operators primarily focus on operating vehicles such as trucks and specialized transport equipment, often requiring a CDL and driving in various environments. Equipment Operators handle heavy machinery on-site, requiring equipment-specific certifications. Both roles are essential in construction and industrial sectors, but their work environments and certifications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Driver Operator jobs in California? For Driver Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Driver Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Driver Operator jobs in California are:
Driver Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Driver Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,860 per year, or $23 per hour.

LEAD FIREFIGHTER (BLS/HAZMAT OPS)

US Department of the Navy

Lemoore, CA • On-site

$56K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a LEAD FIREFIGHTER (BLS/HAZMAT OPS) in the FEDERAL FIRE DEPARTMENT/N23 of NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of Specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-07 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1) Utilizing firefighting techniques for fire hazards peculiar to airfields such as aircraft, special weapons and hazardous materials; 2) Working with firefighting equipment (e.g., fire alarm systems, foam generators, boom and ground sweep nozzles) using the correct techniques and procedures. 3) Driving and operating a variety of firefighting vehicles, apparatuses, or equipment; and 4) Performing noninvasive emergency and medical procedures.
This position requires the incumbent to possess the following certifications for the GS-8: Firefighter II, Fire Officer I, Fire Inspector I, Fire Instructor I, Airport Firefighter, HAZMAT Operations, Driver/Operator Pumper and Driver Operator ARFF (Airport Rescue Fire Fighting), Aerial vehicles, and National Registry Emergency Medical Technician-Basic Life Support (NREMT-B) certification will be a requirement. These certifications must have been awarded by National Registry, DoD, IFSAC or ProBoard to meet the requirement. If you do not possess all of the above certifications, you will be rated ineligible.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/fire-protection-and-prevention-series-0081/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (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.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

What United States Navy employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About US Navy

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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