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Lead Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Lead Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Act as the working team lead while performing regular duties of the Equipment Operators/Material Handlers, provide leadership to the crew. * Prioritize and perform multiple tasks with the ability to ...

Savage Transload Network LLC

Lead Operator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Act as the working team lead while performing regular duties of the Equipment Operators/Material Handlers, provide leadership to the crew. * Prioritize and perform multiple tasks with the ability to ...

Chicken Ranch Casino

CUP Lead Operator

Jamestown, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $32/hr

Central Utility Plant Operator Lead * D epartment: Engineering | Reports To: Central Utility Plant Manager Status: Non-Exempt * Position Summary * As a Team Member of the Engineering team , the ...

Chicken Ranch

CUP Lead Operator

Jamestown, CA · On-site

$30.50 - $32/hr

Central Utility Plant Operator Lead * D epartment: Engineering Reports To: Central Utility Plant Manager Status: Non-Exempt * Position Summary * As a Team Member of the Engineering team , the Central ...

Novolex

Lead Operator II

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency, leadership ...

Novolex

Lead Operator II

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency, leadership ...

Novolex

Lead Operator II

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$24 - $34/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency, leadership ...

Novolex

Lead Operator II

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

$24 - $34/hr

The Lead Operator will be responsible for the operation of blown film machinery, ensuring the production of high-quality plastic film products. This role requires technical proficiency, leadership ...

DCOR, LLC - BW.

Offshore Operator 3

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Estimated annual pay based on an hourly schedule; $63K-$80,850K PURPOSE: Assist Lead Operators and Operator 2's to operate and maintain oil and gas production and processing equipment and facilities ...

Equiliem

Flatbed Die Cut Operator

Ontario, CA

$24 - $30/hr

As-Needed Responsibilities: · Fill in as lead operator during vacations, training days, or absences. · Attend mandatory safety and compliance training sessions. · Assist with process improvements ...

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All JobsLead Operator JobsLead Operator Jobs in California

Lead Operator information

See California salary details

$14

$24

$34

How much do lead operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead operator in California is $24.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lead Operator, you need strong technical expertise in machine operation, process control, and a solid understanding of safety protocols, often supported by relevant industry certifications or vocational training. Familiarity with manufacturing software systems, SCADA, and maintenance management tools is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you coordinate teams and manage production challenges efficiently. These skills are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and motivating teams to meet production targets.

What is the difference between Lead Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectLead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often some technical trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical training may be required
Work EnvironmentSupervises team, oversees operations, ensures safetyOperates machinery, follows operational procedures
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing plantsCommon in manufacturing, construction, and production facilities

The main difference between a Lead Operator and a Machine Operator is that the Lead Operator typically supervises and coordinates the work of Machine Operators, ensuring safety and efficiency, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Lead Operators often have additional responsibilities such as training team members and troubleshooting issues, making their role more supervisory within the same work environment.

What are Lead Operators?

Lead Operators are experienced professionals who oversee the daily operations of a team or process within a manufacturing plant, industrial site, or similar setting. They are responsible for ensuring production runs smoothly, maintaining safety standards, and providing guidance to other operators. In addition to monitoring equipment and processes, Lead Operators often train new employees, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with management about production goals and challenges. Their leadership helps ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in the workplace.

How does a Lead Operator typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth production processes?

Lead Operators play a crucial role in cross-departmental collaboration by coordinating with maintenance, quality assurance, and logistics teams to address production issues promptly and maintain workflow efficiency. They often facilitate communication between operators and management, relay production targets, and help resolve bottlenecks. Regular meetings and shift handovers are common practices to keep all stakeholders aligned, ensuring that production goals are met while maintaining safety and quality standards.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Operator jobs in California? For Lead Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Operator jobs in California are:
Lead Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,379 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Lead Operator

Lead Operator

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Stockton, CA • On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
Team Leads with Cando are responsible for performing the safe and efficient loading and unloading of products. If you enjoy working as part of a team, problem solving, and a company that promotes a strong safety culture, this opportunity is for you!
Cando Advantages
  • Work Life Balance
  • Cando's Technical and Leadership Training Programs
  • Award Winning Safety Culture
  • Group Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Long-Term Disability Insurances
  • Health & Dental Benefits include voluntary options.
  • Expanding in the US and we welcome you to come grow with us!

The hourly rate for this position will be $27.00 to $29.00 per hour, with the starting rate determined based on the successful candidate's skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.
Job Description
Team Leads with Cando are responsible for performing the safe and efficient loading and unloading of products and the flow of frames to proper storage areas of shipping locations. Working in a fast-paced, customer-oriented environment, the Operators must work well in teams to maximize efficiency while demonstrating a strong initiative and safety focus.
Roles & Responsibilities
  • Act as the working team lead while performing regular duties of the Equipment Operators/Material Handlers, provide leadership to the crew.
  • Prioritize and perform multiple tasks with the ability to meet daily demands and function in demanding situations.
  • Maintain inventory by identifying, labelling, and placing supplies in stock and recording locations of inventory.
  • Locate materials and supplies by pulling and verifying frames listed in production/shipping orders.
  • Document frames and supplies disposition by recording units delivered and the location of the units. (FIFO)
  • Prepare stock for shipment by identifying, pulling, placing, loading, scanning, and capping/securing product on truck and/or railcar.
  • Adhere to all Health and Safety Programs, conduct safety briefings, and job hazard analysis, and ensure unsafe working conditions reported and repaired/resolved.
  • Contribute team effort by assisting other team members in all functions of the job.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities
  • Prioritize and perform multiple tasks with the ability to meet daily demands and function in stressful situations.
  • General knowledge of computer systems, business equipment, and shipping documents.
  • Demonstrate initiative to work with others to foster a respectful workplace.
  • Physically fit; including the ability to climb up, and under rail cars.
  • Must know how and can tow and back a trailer up.
  • Able to accept new challenges and responsibilities as they arise.

Education & Experience
  • Experience working in a team lead and/or supervisor role.
  • 3+ years of transloading, terminal, rail, or bulk material handling experience.
  • Industry or terminal operations experience.
  • Experience loading/unloading railcars and trucks.

Note: This description is not intended to limit the assignment of work or be construed as a complete list of the many duties to be performed by the incumbent. The qualifications are provided so interested candidates understand the level of expertise required in this position.
#INDCRUS
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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