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Forklift Operator Material Handler Jobs in Riverside, CA

Forward Air

Forklift Operator

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$18/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Kinetic Personnel Group

Material Handler

Corona, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21/hr

... machine operators with loading and unloading materials as needed. Follow all company safety ... Forklift certification or ability to become certified. Basic computer and inventory tracking skills.

Lifetime Brands

Material Handler

Rialto, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Material Handler II A Material Handler II operates various Light Industrial vehicles and/or RF ... operating Light Industrial equipment, certification on Electric Jack, sitdown forklift, and/or ...

DPDHL

Material Handler

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

DPDHL

Material Handler

Redlands, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

DHL

Material Handler

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

DHL

Material Handler

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

DPDHL

Material Handler

Redlands, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

DHL

Material Handler

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

DHL

Material Handler

Redlands, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

Mactac

Material Handler

Guasti, CA · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

Material Handler Supporting the manufacturing departments by operating a sit-down and/or stand-up ... Follow all Forklift Safety Practices while operating lift * Read work orders to determine ...

DPDHL

Material Handler

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

DPDHL

Material Handler

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22.50/hr

... Forklift, Quality Control, Material Handler, Case Picking, Loader / Unloader, Equipment Operator, Reach truck, Dock Stocker. Be part of the world's largest logistics company! DHL Supply Chain has ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsForklift Operator Material Handler JobsForklift Operator Material Handler Jobs in Riverside, CA

Forklift Operator Material Handler information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do forklift operator material handler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for forklift operator material handler in Riverside, CA is $18.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forklift operator material handler?

Forklift Operator Material Handlers are professionals responsible for operating forklifts and other machinery to move, load, and unload materials within warehouses, factories, or construction sites. They ensure materials are stored safely and efficiently, often keeping track of inventory and following safety protocols. Their role is crucial for maintaining smooth workflow and supporting logistics operations in various industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forklift operator material handler?

To excel as a Forklift Operator Material Handler, you need a high school diploma or GED, strong spatial awareness, and experience in warehouse or logistics environments. Certification to operate forklifts and familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure safe, efficient handling of materials and smooth warehouse operations.

What are some common challenges faced by forklift operator material handlers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Forklift Operator Material Handlers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight warehouse spaces, managing heavy or awkward loads, and ensuring safety compliance at all times. Effective communication with team members is essential to coordinate material movement and prevent accidents. Staying vigilant, regularly inspecting equipment, and adhering to safety protocols can help address these challenges. Additionally, ongoing training and practice can improve efficiency and confidence in handling diverse material types.

What is the difference between Forklift Operator Material Handler vs Warehouse Associate?

AspectForklift Operator Material HandlerWarehouse Associate
CertificationsForklift certification often requiredGenerally no specific certification needed
Work EnvironmentOperate forklifts in warehouses or distribution centersAssist with general warehouse tasks, including inventory and packing
Job DutiesMove materials using forklifts, load/unload trucksPick, pack, organize inventory, and assist with shipping

While both roles work in warehouse settings, Forklift Operator Material Handlers focus on operating forklifts and moving heavy materials, often requiring certification. Warehouse Associates handle a broader range of tasks like inventory management and packing, usually without specialized certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Forklift Operator Material Handler jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Forklift Operator Material Handler jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forklift Operator Material Handler jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Forklift Operator Material Handler jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Forklift Operator Material Handler jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Forklift Operator Material Handler job openings:

Forklift Operator Material Handler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forklift Operator Material Handler job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,612 per year, or $18.6 per hour.

Freight Handler/Forklift Operator-2nd Shift

Forward Air Corporation

Bloomington, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description


The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As certified forklift operators within the operation, they provide safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, directly contributing to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As the most experienced team members without direct reports, they often assist with mentoring, guiding, and onboarding new Material Handlers and solving complex operational problems on the floor.
Compensation: $18:00 - $20:00 per hour
Available Schedule: Monday - Friday, 2 PM - 10 PM
Responsibilities
  • Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other appropriate Material Handling Equipment (MHE), such as pallet jacks, carts, and dollies, and approved physical lifting techniques.
  • Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas in accordance with operating procedures.
  • Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.
  • Assist drivers with loading and unloading activities following dock and safety procedures.
  • Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems to ensure accuracy and documentation integrity.
  • Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, or equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.
  • Abide by all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and MHE.
  • Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures (for developing roles).
  • Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and overall operational goals.
  • Work assigned schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.
  • Safely and accurately handle oversized, high-value, or complex freight.
  • Assist with dock coordination, workflow management, and problem resolution.
  • Prioritize freight and coordinate task assignments, sometimes acting in a lead capacity (without direct supervisory responsibility).
  • Serve as a subject-matter expert on dock operations, equipment, and procedures.
  • Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers.
  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications
  • Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required.
  • Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.
  • Experience: 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required.
  • Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.
  • Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately, and to perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
  • Basic arithmetic skills to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.
  • Technology: Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.
  • Equipment: Ability to safely operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training), and/or other specialized MHE as required by the site.
  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
  • Physical Demands: Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per/shift, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per/week.
  • Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.
  • Environment: Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.), regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise.

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