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Harvester Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WECO

Technical Support Engineer

Woodland, CA

WECO equipment serves several fruit and nut processing sectors: tomato sorting on the harvester ... Support other operating companies as needed based on business requirements Travel: * Up to 50 ...

Duravant

Technical Support Engineer

Woodland, CA · On-site

WECO equipment serves several fruit and nut processing sectors: tomato sorting on the harvester ... Support other operating companies as needed based on business requirements Travel: * Up to 50 ...

DURAVANT LLC

Technical Support Engineer

Woodland, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

WECO equipment serves several fruit and nut processing sectors: tomato sorting on the harvester ... Support other operating companies as needed based on business requirements Travel: * Up to 50 ...

Goflory

Assembly Technician - Night Shift

Salida, CA · On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Read and understand Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to assemble both small and large ... With deep roots in innovation, Flory built its first bean harvester in the 1930s and introduced ...

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Harvester Operator information

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How much do harvester operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for harvester operator in California is $18.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a harvester operator do?

A Harvester Operator is responsible for operating machinery designed to harvest crops such as grains, fruits, or timber. Their duties include controlling harvesting equipment, monitoring machinery for proper function, and ensuring crops are collected efficiently and safely. They may also perform basic maintenance on the equipment and assist with loading and transporting the harvested materials. Harvester Operators play a crucial role in the agricultural and forestry industries, helping to ensure a successful and timely harvest.

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

To thrive as a Harvester Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of agricultural practices, and experience operating heavy machinery—often supported by a high school diploma and relevant equipment certifications. Familiarity with GPS guidance systems, onboard computer controls, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong communication help operators work efficiently and safely with team members. These skills ensure optimal machine performance, crop yield, and safety during demanding harvesting seasons.

What are some common challenges faced by harvester operators during peak harvest season?

During peak harvest season, Harvester Operators often face long working hours and physically demanding conditions, sometimes in extreme weather. Equipment malfunctions and the need for quick troubleshooting are common challenges, requiring operators to have a solid understanding of machinery maintenance. Additionally, coordinating with other team members and adapting to changing field conditions can add complexity to the role. Good communication and time-management skills are essential to efficiently meet tight deadlines while ensuring safety and productivity.

What is the difference between Harvester Operator vs Combine Operator?

AspectHarvester OperatorCombine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, training on specific machineryHigh school diploma or equivalent, specialized training on combine harvesters
Work EnvironmentFarms, fields during harvest seasonFarms, fields during harvest season
Industry UsageCommonly used term in agriculture for operating harvest machineryOften used interchangeably with Harvester Operator, specifically referring to combine harvesters

Both roles involve operating harvesting machinery in agricultural settings, primarily during harvest season. While 'Harvester Operator' is a broader term, 'Combine Operator' specifically refers to operating combine harvesters. The skills, credentials, and work environment are very similar, with the main difference being the terminology used in different regions or job postings.

How much does a harvester operator get paid?

A harvester operator typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the type of crop being harvested. Seasonal work and the use of machinery or certifications can also influence pay rates.

What are popular job titles related to Harvester Operator jobs in California?

For Harvester Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Harvester Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Harvester Operator jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Harvester Operator jobs in CA?

For Harvester Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Harvester Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Harvester Operator job openings in California 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 $37,502 per year, or $18 per hour.

Celery Heavy Labor Harvester

Tanimura and Antle

Salinas, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Full Time Seasonal: Yes
Job Duties: The following is a job description for heavy labor harvesters working in celery. A member of a heavy labor harvest crew working in celery must be able to perform all the responsibilities and general job specifications outlined below: The employee must work as a member of a celery heavy labor harvest crew performing the following tasks in the harvesting of celery under the direction of a foreperson or supervisor. Employees shall work under close supervision of a crew leader and receive specific instructions on required tasks and results expected. Employees perform routine tasks that require a limited exercise of judgment to eventually build harvesting skills and efficiencies. Specifically, an employee:
 
  • Harvests produce by walking in assigned furrows, on top of growing beds behind or in front of a harvesting machine platform or harvesting cart, selecting size and quality of the produce to be harvested as specified by the supervisor; Bends and grasps selected produce and cuts it from its roots and or stalks using a harvesting knife; Trims the product according to specifications of supervisor; Discards produce that does not meet specified quality standards; and inserts trimmed produce meeting quality specifications into specified packaging or containers and/or places the freshly harvested produce on the table for taping/clipping by the clipper and packing by packer in the field.
  • Must not place produce on the table which does not meet the specifications set forth by the supervisor for the crop being harvested, nor leave un-harvested produce which meets such specifications. Packers will secure empty containers from designated racks, insert whatever lining might be required, proceed to fill the container with product as directed by a supervisor, and place the container on a conveyor belt or on the furrow, as required to be sealed and ready for palletizing, loading, and shipment to the cooler.
  • Can work as a Button Operator on any of the harvest machines; Responsible for establishing the speed of the harvest machine at the direction of the Foreperson, lifting or lowering the wings of the harvester, as required, and operating the control panel that allows the Button Operator to perform the above functions and in addition control the carousel speed, water supply and a kill switch to inactivate the harvest machine in an emergency. The Button Operator may also be used as a safety monitor to assist the Machine Operator to ensure safety when the machines are turning in the fields to begin a new pass and may assist the Machine Operator in opening and closing machines.
  • Moves cartons weighing from 32-66 pounds, as required.
  • Cleans-up fields, which may consist of picking up trash, discarding cartons, and any other weed or debris, etc., which will be removed from the field just before, during and after harvest. The worker will not use a short handled hoe and any weeding is in compliance with California law.
  • Stands on harvest machine platform, closes cartons, takes packed cartons off conveyor belt and seals the finished carton with tape or special locking lids. Moves sealed cartons (approximately 32-66 pounds) to the side for loading on pallets.
  • Does NOT touch conveyors or chains.
  • Lifts and carries carton box bundles (15 boxes/bundle, approximately 32 lbs.; export 20 boxes/bundle, approximately 66 lbs.) from side of harvest platform to box forming area; Removes strapping; Unfolds carton and forms into a box to be packed; Places stickers on cartons indicating quantity to be packed in cartons; Places made-up boxes on wings of harvest platform to be available for packers.
  • Lifts and carries pallets (approximately 42 lbs (T&A Pallet) - 56 lbs (Chep Pallet) from supply on side of harvesting machine and arranges the pallets on harvest platform; Takes closed cartons and arranges on pallets according to specifications of supervisor.
Location: Salinas Valley


Experience Required: No

Special Requirements: General Specifications: Employee must stand, sit, crouch, bend, reach, lift and carry items weighing up to 66 pounds in the course of performing required activities. Employees must listen to, understand, and follow instructions of Company row bosses, forepersons, supervisors and managers. Employees are expected to assist in maintaining work areas and Company property in a neat and clean condition by not littering or in any deliberate way defacing Company property. Rest and meal periods must be taken in the assigned area(s) for food safety reasons unless an off-site rest or meal period is elected by the employee. Work is performed in open fields and may involve exposure to mud, dust, wind, heat, cold, and other natural elements. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees Fahrenheit to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the period of employment. Employees should come prepared with appropriate clean clothing and footwear for the environmental and working conditions described.

Number of Hours Per Week: 40

Work Schedule (Start/End time): 6:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

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