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Lock Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Extruder Operator

Lodi, CA

$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 ...

Extrusion Operator

Lodi, CA

$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 ...

Extruder 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 ...

Cell Operator

Davis, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $21.50/hr

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

Cell Operator

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

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

Cell Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$19.25 - $21.25/hr

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

Cell Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $21.75/hr

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

Cell Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $21.75/hr

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

Cell Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $21.75/hr

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

Cell Operator

Dixon, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $21/hr

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

Cell Operator

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $20.75/hr

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

Cell Operator

Dixon, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $21/hr

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

Cell Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

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

Cell Operator

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

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

Cell Operator

Woodland, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $20.25/hr

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

Cell Operator

Davis, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $21.50/hr

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

Cell Operator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $21.75/hr

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

Cell Operator

Perris, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $20.50/hr

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

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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 10, 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.
Extruder Operator

$23.87 - $30.62/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Westlake Chemical rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 89 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake company (NYSE:WLK), is the second-largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. Westlake Pipe & Fittings supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com

SUMMARY

The production operator is assigned to a specific work area on a production shift. He or she is responsible for the efficient operation of the production equipment and required to perform the following duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Must work safely and maintain a safe, clean work environment, and perform available work as required by the supervisor.

  • Responsible for startup, adjustment, and shut down of the extruder, haul off, saw, die, oil heater, steam tank, water tank, and auxiliary equipment.

  • Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description.

  • Must be able to read, operate and understand all controls and warning devices along with making die, motor RPM, temperature, and pipe wall adjustments for producing products according to manufacturing standards with minimum supervision.

  • Must perform detailed and accurate record-keeping in computer data system.

  • Must be familiar with product standards and specifications.

  • Must inspect pipe on-line as required and each finished pack or reel before adding it to finished inventory.

  • Comply with all Company policies and procedures.

  • Start up and shut down an extrusion line.

  • An A level operator perform all duties required of Production "C" and "B" operators.

  • Assist in the training of Production "C" and "B" operators.

  • A C or B Operator performs all duties and SOPs as listed in the Quality Manual.

  • Prepare production reports and maintain records of machine settings.

  • Monitor and make proper machine adjustments as required to ensure product quality, safe operation and optimal output of assigned production lines.

  • Demonstrated ability to make die changes.

  • Other duties as required

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

High School diploma or equivalent required. No prior experience or training.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US markets. The pay range is based on relevant market data in our lowest and highest geographic markets. Pay is based on several factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, experience, and skillset. Westlake is a total compensation company. Depending on the position offered, sign on payments, and other forms of compensation may be offered as part of a total compensation package (also to include a full range of medical and other benefits).

$23.87-$30.62 per hour

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here.You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.


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