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Lock Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Operator I

Modesto, CA

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy. * Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Operator I

Modesto, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy. * Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where ... Perform necessary Operator Checklists. * Perform data collection of quality measurements as ...

Production Operator

Long Beach, CA

$17.50 - $21.25/hr

Lock-out/Tag-out procedures must be adhered to when equipment is down for repair or cleaning ... Keep equipment in safe operating condition, report problems to Maintenance department.

Be Seen First

Performs hazard-based functions on machinery, including lock out/tag out and daily equipment ... Assists Operators II & III on packaging and end-of-line work, and as needed. * Other duties as ...

Lock-out/Tag-out procedures must be adhered to when equipment is down for repair or cleaning ... Keep equipment in safe operating condition, report problems to Maintenance department.

Lock-out/Tag-out procedures must be adhered to when equipment is down for repair or cleaning ... Keep equipment in safe operating condition, report problems to Maintenance department.

Forklift Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20.25/hr

As a Forklift Operator , you will be responsible to make sure that all units are banded properly ... Be proficient in using chocks, glad hand locks, and lock out when straight trucks are being used.

Position Description General Summary A Certified Crane Operator safely and effectively operates ... Lock Out/ Tag Out process • Knowledge of technology (iPads, cellphones etc.) • Knowledge of ...

Crane Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Position Description General Summary A Certified Crane Operator safely and effectively operates ... Lock Out/ Tag Out process • Knowledge of technology (iPads, cellphones etc.) • Knowledge of ...

Forklift Operator

Ontario, CA · On-site

$21.63 - $23.75/hr

As a Forklift Operator , you will be responsible to make sure that all units are banded properly ... Be proficient in using chocks, glad hand locks, and lock out when straight trucks are being used.

... operation & Lock out tagout Familiar with machines such as (Punch Press, Press Brake, Turret ... Machine Operator I Observes operation of machine and verifies conformance of formed or cut ...

Symbotic is seeking a Cell Operator , you will be responsible for system upkeep and operations of ... Must comply with all safety requirements and protocols, including without limitation Lock out tag ...

Job Summary The Utilities Operator is an essential part of the City Brewery team working in a ... Knowledge of safety policies and procedures (e.g. lock out/tag out, confined space) * Ability to ...

Label Operator - 1st Shift

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$20 - $20.25/hr

As a Machine Operator you will: * Properly set up machinery prior to start of manufacturing process ... Must have completed Lock out Tag out training provided by Stir Foods. * Operate equipment in a safe ...

As a Assembly Operator you will: * Set up and operate assembly machines for the assembly of ... Follow Lock Out/Tag Out procedures and use proper PPE at all times * Work closely with supervisors ...

Extrusion Operator

Lodi, CA · On-site

$23.87 - $30.62/hr

Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok ® spline-lock ... A C or B Operator performs all duties and SOPs as listed in the Quality Manual. * Prepare ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lock Operator information

See California salary details

$17

$23

$33

How much do lock operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lock operator in California is $23.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lock Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of waterway operations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with lock control systems, communication radios, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong situational awareness, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in responding to emergencies and coordinating with vessel crews. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and timely passage of vessels through locks, minimizing risks and maintaining smooth waterway operations.

How does a Lock Operator typically collaborate with other team members and vessel crews during daily operations?

Lock Operators work closely with a team, including other operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors, to ensure the safe and efficient passage of vessels through locks. They frequently communicate with vessel crews via radio or signal systems to coordinate entry, mooring, and exit procedures. Teamwork is essential, especially during high-traffic periods or when handling emergency situations, as operators must synchronize their actions and follow established protocols. Regular collaboration and clear communication help maintain safety, minimize delays, and ensure smooth operations along the waterway.

What are lock operators and what do they do?

Lock operators are responsible for operating and maintaining canal locks, which help boats and ships move between different water levels on rivers and canals. Their duties include opening and closing lock gates, controlling water levels, monitoring vessel traffic, and ensuring the safe and efficient passage of vessels through the lock system. Lock operators also handle routine maintenance, communicate with boat crews, and respond to emergencies or equipment malfunctions. This role is critical for supporting safe and efficient waterway transportation.

What is the difference between Lock Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectLock OperatorCrane Operator
Required CertificationsLock operation license, safety trainingCrane operation certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentLocks, waterways, transportation hubsConstruction sites, industrial settings
Industry UsageMaritime, transportation, infrastructureConstruction, shipping, manufacturing

While both Lock Operators and Crane Operators work in industrial environments requiring safety certifications, Lock Operators primarily manage waterway locks and transportation infrastructure, whereas Crane Operators handle heavy lifting on construction sites. Their roles differ in environment and specific skills, but both are essential for infrastructure and transportation industries.

What cities in California are hiring for Lock Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Lock Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Lock Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 43% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,135 per year, or $23.1 per hour.
Operator I

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Ring Container Technologies rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 110 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Job Purpose

To operate production machinery safely and efficiently; maintain appropriate documentation and communicate ideas and problems to appropriate staff; perform scheduled preventative maintenance and other repairs to production equipment; participate in production equipment changeovers; responsible for producing best quality product.

Safety

  • Follow all employer safety and health regulations as required by company policies, procedures and practices.
  • Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all downstream equipment to meet or exceed company established safety culture.
  • Follow Lock out/Block Out/ Tag out policy.
  • Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where required.
  • Proactive in addressing unsafe conditions and confronting unsafe behaviors in the facility.
  • Address all unsafe acts or conditions immediately and report to Shift Production Supervisor.
  • Participate and/or conduct safety training as scheduled.

Daily Operations

  • Monitor and explain deviation from expected Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
  • Complete any machine and task specific training as documented on Operator Development Plan. Perform necessary Operator Checklists.
  • Perform data collection of quality measurements as directed. Correct any deviations from quality standards in order to produce product within specifications.
  • Monitor and respond accordingly to any deviations within SPC charting.
  • Communicate problems, progress reports and continuous improvement ideas to management staff, maintenance and production personnel.
  • Perform maintenance tasks as outlined by Maintenance Manager and in response to machine malfunctions. Troubleshoot machine and process issues.
  • Responsible for personal development by establishing SMART goals, requesting regular meetings with their managers, volunteering for plant improvement teams, requesting additional training, requesting involvement beyond their immediate job responsibilities, seeking higher education opportunities including continuing education classes and meeting or exceeding their self-development and performance goals. Provide suggestions for training topics.
  • Promote and participate in good housekeeping habits to ensure plant appearance exceeds management and customer expectations.
  • Ensure all daily, weekly and periodic cleaning tasks are performed as outlined in the Master Cleaning Schedule.
  • Maintain accurate production reporting documentation.
  • Responsible for active participation on plant teams and activities including safety, quality, sustainability, community involvement, OEE, maintenance, employee wellness, brainstorming and continuous improvement which are required to create and maintain a World Class environment.
  • Operate Powered Industrial Truck, Boom Lift and Scissor Lift per OSHA regulations rules and guidelines.

Quality/GMP/Food Safety

  • Responsible for producing and/or packing the best quality product at all times which meet or exceed company expectations and customer quality expectations.
  • Ensure all production is properly labeled and/or tagged.
  • Ensure all quality checks are properly completed and recorded in the Quality Monitor software or a plant specific form at the scheduled intervals.
  • Ensure all non-conforming products are placed on hold with proper hold protocol is completed.
  • Ensure all raw material lot numbers are properly obtained and recorded as required.
  • Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
  • Perform line sanitization tasks as outlined in the Master Sanitization Schedule and according to company procedures.
  • Responsible for reporting quality, food safety, GMP, and food defense issues to their supervisor or a member of management.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Perform scheduled production equipment changeovers as outlined by the plant production schedule. Perform changeovers with limited impact to OEE.
  • Perform scheduled Preventative Maintenance tasks as outlined by the plant PM program. Manage preventative maintenance tasks in Computerized Maintenance Management Software, as directed, including generating work orders.
  • Proactive in addressing machine inefficiencies during preventative maintenance.
  • Ensure equipment is clean and in 'showroom condition' after preventative maintenance is performed on production equipment.
  • Continually evaluate equipment for improvement areas. Tag components or parts that need repair, replacement or improvement.
  • Ensure production equipment is in safe and efficient operation after each changeover.
  • Record parts removed from inventory on appropriate documentation and Computerized Maintenance Management Software to maintain sufficient parts inventory.
  • Notify Maintenance Manager when parts inventory becomes low or reaches a reorder point.

Experience, Educational and Technical Qualifications

Our Operator should possess a sense of urgency, accountability, business ethics, professionalism, self-motivation and the desire and focus to improve the business.

Our Operator may be required to act as Person In Charge in the absence of a member of management.

Our Operator must possess a High School diploma or GED equivalent and successfully complete the entrance examinations and interviews.

Ring Container Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of Ring to apply recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation and professional development practices without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or certain classifications based on genetic information.

Pay Range Minimum:

$15.00 USD

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