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Hand Sorter Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GreenWaste Recovery LLC

Sorter

San Jose, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Sorter FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Reports To : Supervisor Pay: $20.66-$22.35/hr. About the Company ... Stand for extended periods of time while performing repetitive hand and arm motions requiring good ...

48forty Solutions

Warehouse Associate - Pallet Sorter

Rialto, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview As a Pallet Sorter, you'll get to hand sort pallets within a distribution facility and ensure high levels of safety and cleanliness. This is the perfect role for someone looking to maintain ...

48forty Solutions

Warehouse Associate - Pallet Sorter

Fontana, CA · On-site

$19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview As a Pallet Sorter, you'll get to hand sort pallets within a distribution facility and ensure high levels of safety and cleanliness. This is the perfect role for someone looking to maintain ...

48forty Solutions

Warehouse Associate - Pallet Sorter

Rialto, CA · On-site

$19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Pallet Sorter, you'll get to hand sort pallets within a distribution facility and ensure high levels of safety and cleanliness. This is the perfect role for someone looking to maintain high ...

PLA Buyer LLC

Offsite Sort

Firebaugh, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Sorter | Reports to: Supervisor Employment Status: Full-time | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Pay Grade ... Sort pallets, by hand or using large equipment, based on specific criteria to determine its next ...

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All JobsHand Sorter JobsHand Sorter Jobs in California

Hand Sorter information

What skills do you need to be a hand sorter?

A hand sorter needs good manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to work quickly and accurately. Physical stamina and the ability to stand for long periods are also important, along with basic reading skills to identify items correctly.

What are some common challenges faced by hand sorters, and how can they be managed effectively?

Hand sorters often encounter repetitive tasks and the need to maintain high attention to detail, which can lead to physical fatigue and mental monotony. To manage these challenges, it’s important to take regular short breaks, use proper ergonomic techniques, and stay organized to minimize errors. Teamwork is also essential, as hand sorters frequently coordinate with quality control staff and supervisors to ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout the sorting process.

What does a hand sorter do?

A Hand Sorter is responsible for manually sorting and separating items, such as materials, products, or recyclables, based on specific criteria like size, type, or quality. This job often involves inspecting items for defects and removing unacceptable pieces. Hand Sorters work in various industries, including manufacturing, recycling, and agriculture. Attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently are key skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hand sorter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hand Sorter, you need strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, and the ability to follow specific instructions, with a high school diploma often preferred. Familiarity with conveyor belts, barcode scanners, and basic sorting or packaging equipment is typically required. Dependability, good time management, and the ability to work efficiently in a team are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure that items are accurately sorted, quality standards are maintained, and workplace productivity remains high.

What is the difference between Hand Sorter vs Material Handler?

AspectHand SorterMaterial Handler
Primary RoleSorting and inspecting items manuallyMoving, loading, and unloading materials
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plantsWarehouses, factories, shipping docks
CredentialsNo specific certifications usually requiredForklift certification may be needed
Industry UsageLogistics, manufacturing, retailLogistics, manufacturing, shipping

While both roles operate in similar environments, a Hand Sorter primarily focuses on manually inspecting and sorting items, whereas a Material Handler is responsible for moving and managing materials within a facility. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Hand Sorter jobs in California?

For Hand Sorter jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hand Sorter jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hand Sorter jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Hand Sorter jobs?

Cities in California with the most Hand Sorter job openings:

Hand Sorter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hand Sorter job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Sorter

GreenWaste Recovery LLC

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Title: Sorter

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports To: Supervisor

Pay: $20.66-$22.35/hr.

About the Company:

GreenWaste has been an industry leader in recycling and waste diversion for more than 40 years and is on a growth trajectory after private equity investment in 2021. Our business was founded on principles of environmental sustainability, and innovation is a cornerstone of our ongoing operations and growth strategy. GreenWaste specializes in all aspects of material collection, processing, and sales, tailoring our service offerings to the unique needs of our customers and communities, and helping to shape the evolution of the solid waste and recycling industry. We work directly with 20+ municipalities and 50+ jurisdictions, operate highly regulated facilities in 10+ locations, and have 1,000+ employees.

We are seeking dependable, safety‑focused, and engaged individual to join our team as a Sorter. This position is expected to work out of our office at 675 Los Esteros Road in San Jose and limited job-related travel may be required.

Position Summary:


GreenWaste is seeking a Sorter who will be responsible for manually separating recyclable and non-recyclable materials from a conveyor belt at an assigned facility. This role plays a key part in maintaining material quality, operational efficiency, and workplace safety.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities:


  • Properly follow company policies and OSHA safety procedures at all times.
  • Sort and extract materials from a conveyor belt in accordance with site‑specific standards to minimize contamination and maximize recycling potential.
  • Meet productivity expectations, which may include extracting approximately 25–48 items per minute, depending on operation type and material stream.
  • Follow directions, daily procedures, and established protocols.
  • Work safely and effectively in close proximity to others on either side of the conveyor belt to support operational efficiency.
  • Stand for extended periods of time while performing repetitive hand and arm motions requiring good manual dexterity and hand‑eye coordination.
  • Handle, move and transport materials and equipment as required.
  • Perform other duties as assigned and assist with onsite projects such as litter control, routine maintenance and housekeeping as needed.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to visually distinguish between different materials and commodities to sort items accurately.
  • Dependable and punctual, with reliable transportation to support consistent attendance.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Willingness to follow safety rules, procedures, and supervisor direction.


Qualifications:


  • Valid government-issued identification and authorization to work in the United States.


Language Skill:

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English and/or Spanish.


Physical Demands:

(Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

  • Continuous standing, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, and grasping throughout the shift.
  • Use of both hands for repetitive sorting motions.
  • Ability to climb stairs to access certain workstations, depending on site layout.
  • Lifting requirements vary by operation type:
    • C&D Sorter roles: Ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 75 lbs occasionally.
    • MRF and Compost Facility Sorter roles: Ability to lift and handle materials weighing up to 40 lbs occasionally.

Work Environment:


  • Fast‑paced industrial environment with exposure to loud noise, dust, heat, cold, odors, and sharp objects.
  • Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, work boots, safety vest, and gloves.
  • Work shifts and hours vary based on operational needs and daily tonnage; shifts may range from approximately 4 to 12 hours.
  • Overtime may be required.
  • Work location may be indoors or outdoors depending on site.


Compensation and Benefits:

Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience. GreenWaste offers a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, holiday pay, 401K benefits, FSA, and full employee coverage for medical, dental and vision insurance.



GreenWaste provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.