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Empty Container Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of St. Peters

$16.50 - $19/hr

Occasionally use a forklift to move and empty collection containers. Minimum Requirements: * Must be a US citizen or lawfully authorized alien worker. * High School graduate or GED certificate.

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Empty Container Handler information

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$17

$23

How much do empty container handler jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for empty container handler 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 an Empty Container Handler job?

An Empty Container Handler operates specialized forklifts or container handlers to move, stack, and organize empty shipping containers in ports, warehouses, or storage yards. They ensure containers are properly positioned for transportation, repair, or reuse. The role requires strong attention to safety procedures and efficient handling techniques. Operators must be skilled in maneuvering heavy equipment in fast-paced environments.

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

To excel as an Empty Container Handler, you need experience with heavy equipment operation, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with terminal operating systems, safety certifications such as OSHA training, and proficiency in operating reach stackers or forklifts are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced team environment help set candidates apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient movement and tracking of containers, minimizing downtime and errors in busy shipping yards or ports.

What are some typical challenges faced by Empty Container Handlers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Empty Container Handlers often work in dynamic environments where quick decision-making and adaptability are essential, especially when dealing with tight schedules or changing weather conditions. Managing large, heavy containers safely requires full attention to safety protocols and coordination with other team members, such as crane operators and supervisors. Regular maintenance checks and ongoing safety training help address the risks associated with equipment operation. Teamwork and clear communication make overcoming these challenges more manageable and ensure a smooth workflow throughout the day.
More about Empty Container Handler jobs
What are popular job titles related to Empty Container Handler jobs in California? For Empty Container Handler jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Empty Container Handler jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Empty Container Handler jobs in California are:
Empty Container Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Empty Container Handler job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Material Handler I

Goodwill Industries of Southern California

Riverside, CA • On-site

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Details
Goodwill is one of the leading non-profit brands in the world and one of the largest non-profits in Southern California. We are a rapidly evolving organization and yet we have never been more focused on our Mission, on our people, and on our future.It's always a GOOD day in SoCal!
','jobDescription':'
Primary Responsibility / Summary
Assists drivers in loading and unloading of goods. Performs a variety of material handling tasks to support the efficient operation of the department.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Assists drivers with loading and unloading of bins.
  • Create soft and hard goods bins for drivers.
  • Load and unload trucks/trailers (Raw donations, trash, salvage, etc.).
  • Segregating soft goods, hard goods and trash.
  • Ensure all items are marked correctly (Donations, commodities, salvage, etc.).
  • Sort recyclables in proper containers (metal, plastic, cardboard, etc.).
  • Build and palletize empty gaylords for commodities; ensuring heavier commodities have adequate support.
  • Operate equipment (i.e. auger, compactor, tipper, down-stroke baler, auto-tie) by following established procedures and guidelines.
  • Must be able to use material handling equipment (i.e. pallet jack, hand truck, furniture dolly).
  • Clear post retail textile tables of trash and commodities.
  • Clean, organize and sweep the warehouse to ensure a safe environment.
  • Ability to lift and carry min. 25 lbs.

    • Education & Experience
    • Some warehouse experience
    • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
    • Ability to work with moderate supervision.
    • Spanish / English bilingual preferred.
    • Must be safety conscious.
    • Excellent people skills and maintains courteous disposition at all times.
    • Ability to following written and oral instruction consistently.
    • Shift flexibility and overtime when needed.

    What's in it for you:
    • Hourly Rate:
    • Discount at Goodwill Socal retail locations
    • Goodwill Perks: Discounts on dining, retail, theme parks and movies
    • Employee Assistance Program: Mental and physical wellness, financial and legal resources and career and education partners

    Values-Based Work Environment Notice
    Goodwill Southern California provides a values-based work environment for our employees. All individuals are expected to support and promote our values:
  • We treat everyone with respect, compassion and inclusion, recognizing their contributions and differences.
  • We conduct business with transparency, integrity and accountability.
  • We serve, empower and advocate for our clients, community, business partners and each other.
  • We pursue a vision of excellence and continuous improvement to better the lives of those we serve.

    • The above description is not intended to be an "all-inclusive" list of the duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor is it intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, it is intended only to describe the general nature of the job.
    Pre-Employment Testing
    • Drug Screen
    • Background Check
    • Integrity Test

    ','jobDescriptionFooter':'
    Goodwill Industries in Southern California is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here:
    http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
    Goodwill gives preferential consideration to persons with barriers to employment. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
    Equal Employment Opportunity
    Goodwill is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees.
    Employment decisions will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Immigration and Nationality Act, and any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.
    Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disabilities
    In furtherance of our commitment to end discrimination against qualified disabled individuals, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and all regulations properly issued thereunder to protect the rights of qualified disabled persons, it is Goodwill's policy that no program or activity administered by it shall exclude from participation, deny benefits to or subject to discrimination any individual solely by reason of his or her disability. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to qualified disabled persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall and termination. We further affirm that we will provide reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified disabled employee or applicant.
    It is the policy of Goodwill to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. If you need assistance for accommodations to interview because of a disability, please notify the Human Resources Department.
    Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a disability.
    '

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