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Empty Container Handler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bakery Sanitation Assistant

Los Alamitos, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

California Food Handler Card required * Ability and willingness to work mornings, evenings ... Ability to lift and empty trash containers weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance. * Must be able ...

Bakery Sanitation Assistant

Los Alamitos, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

California Food Handler Card required * Ability and willingness to work mornings, evenings ... Ability to lift and empty trash containers weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance. * Must be able ...

Bakery Sanitation Assistant

Los Alamitos, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

California Food Handler Card required * Ability and willingness to work mornings, evenings ... Ability to lift and empty trash containers weighing up to 75 pounds with assistance. * Must be able ...

Showing results 21-40

Empty Container Handler information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do empty container handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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?

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 as an empty container handler?

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Empty Container Handler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $36,884 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Surveillance Inspector (Motor Vehicle Operator/Fork Lift Operato with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Concord, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


United States Army rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 494 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties * Inspect, monitor, review and evaluate ammunition and explosives operations and activities conducted in the ammunition area. * Provide technical guidance to operating personnel and prepare reports and recommend appropriate action for correction of conditions not in accordance with criteria. * Monitor all work performed by contract labor on explosive operations to ensure regulatory compliance. * Conduct physical inspections of inbound and outbound empty and loaded transportation assets/conveyances (ships, trucks and railcars) to ensure operational, explosive safety, and equipment compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. * Review documentation related to cargo content for accuracy and completeness. * Operate all equipment relative to the inspection of containers to include, container handlers, forklifts, yard tractors and carryall vans. * Review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for technical, operational, and explosive safety compliance. * Prepare risk assessments for operations conducted in accordance with (IAW) latest Army standards/requirements. * Inspect vessel rigging and cargo spaces to ensure all requirements for the stowage of explosives/hazardous materials are met. Requirements Conditions of employment * Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation. * TDY 10%; Incumbent is required to perform TDY for the purpose of schooling, training and/or supporting other SDDC subordinate units. * Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state's drivers license. * This position is covered by the 1998 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. 922) Persons convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not eligible for the position. * Must be able to obtain and maintain U.S. Department of Army Driver's license for equipment determined necessary to operate by supervisor. * US Military license for operating Container handling equipment (CHE), super-stacker and various forklifts) and other equipment used in the accomplishment of duties is also mandatory. * This position is designated as Key. In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent, or designated alternate, must continue to perform the Key duties until relieved by proper authority. * The incumbent, or the designated alternate, may be required to take part in readiness exercises. * This is a Key position. This position cannot be vacated during a national emergency or mobilization without seriously impairing the capability of the organization to function. * Incumbent must be able to successfully pass a physical examination. * May become essential to work in inclement weather. * Incumbent shall be subject to periodic and random urinalysis drug testing. * See "Additional Information" for remaining conditions of employment Qualifications Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. * 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
* Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
* Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
* Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
* Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
* Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
* Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
* Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
* Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
* Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
* Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
* Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of an Surveillance Inspector (Motor Vehicle Operator/Fork Lift Operator) without more than normal supervision. Perform physical inspections for incoming and outgoing cargo and conveyances to assure safety, technical and security compliance with regulations and laws. Ensure personnel, operations and activities comply with operating procedures and in accordance with hazardous safety directives. Inspect lifting/hoisting devices, ramps and/or material handling equipment to be utilized within the operational area. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. * Ability to Instruct
* Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
* Dexterity and Safety
* Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
* Knowledge of Materials
* Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
* Use of Measuring Instruments * Physical Effort: Duties involve frequent walking, bending, stooping and standing for long periods on various surfaces and in work areas in tiring uncomfortable positions. Frequent lifting up to 40 pounds is required, and lifting of over 40 pounds with assistance. * Working Conditions: Works under extremely hazardous conditions as regards to exposure to ammunition and explosives both in packaged and loose form. Work is done inside in areas that are hot, cold, damp, drafty, or poorly lighted or outside in prevailing weather conditions. Work will be performed on board ships/vessels docks or anchored off-shore or tied to shore side wharf. Work may be dirty, dusty and greasy. The worker is exposed to the possibility of cuts, scrapes, burses, falls or accidents with moving equipment. Employee is required to wear safety shoes, coveralls, face shields, goggles, masks, gloves, hard hat, hearing protection and/or other safety equipment and clothing while engaged in various surveillance operations and inspections. Additional information * Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. * You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. * One year probationary period may be required. * Direct deposit of pay is required. * This is a(n) CP 33 Ammunition Management Career Field position. * Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. * If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the information sheet. * Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. * Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. * Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest. * Additional Conditions of Employment: Successful completion of the following ammunition courses, when available either through formal classroom instruction or by correspondence course and other technical training as directed: (1) Designated ammunition Computer Based Training course, annually. (2) ISO/MILVAN Re-inspection AMMO-43, every four (4) years. (3) Technical Transportation Hazardous Material AMMO-62, every two (2) years. * IAW AR 190-11, requirements of Command Oriented Arms, Ammunition, and Explosives Security Screening and Evaluation apply.

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About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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