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Sorter Laborer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sorter: Inspect the tile on the dry side and is responsible for the sealer area including cleaning ... cost of labor across several US markets. The pay range is based on relevant market data in our ...

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Sorter Laborer information

What is a sorter laborer?

Sorter laborers are workers responsible for separating and organizing materials, products, or waste in various settings such as warehouses, recycling centers, or manufacturing plants. Their main duties typically include inspecting items, removing unwanted materials, and ensuring items are sorted according to specific guidelines. This role often requires attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments. Sorter laborers play a vital role in maintaining efficiency and safety in the workplace.

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

To thrive as a Sorter Laborer, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of safety procedures, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor systems, sorting machinery, and basic hand tools is usually required. Reliability, teamwork, and strong work ethic are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient processing, maintain safety standards, and contribute to smooth operations in warehouse or recycling environments.

What are some common challenges faced by sorter laborers and how can they be managed?

Sorter Laborers often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail and stamina are crucial. Common challenges include repetitive motions, standing for long periods, and maintaining focus to avoid errors in sorting materials. Effective time management, proper ergonomic practices, and regular short breaks can help manage physical strain. Additionally, clear communication with team members ensures smooth workflow and reduces the risk of mistakes or injuries.

What is the difference between Sorter Laborer vs Material Handler?

AspectSorter LaborerMaterial Handler
CredentialsNone typically required; OSHA safety trainingOften OSHA safety training; forklift certification may be needed
Work EnvironmentWarehouses, recycling centers, manufacturing plantsWarehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in logistics, recycling, manufacturingCommon in logistics, shipping, manufacturing

The main difference between a Sorter Laborer and a Material Handler lies in their specific roles. A Sorter Laborer primarily sorts and organizes items, often in recycling or manufacturing settings, while a Material Handler focuses on moving, loading, and unloading materials. Both roles require safety training, but Material Handlers may need forklift certifications. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position in the logistics and manufacturing industries.

Is a sorter laborer job a good fit for me?

A sorter laborer job involves physically sorting and handling materials, often in a warehouse or manufacturing environment. It requires good attention to detail, physical stamina, and the ability to work in a team, with some positions requiring safety training or certifications. Whether it is a good fit depends on your physical health, interest in manual work, and ability to work in a fast-paced setting.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Sorter Laborer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Sorter Laborer job openings:

Infographic showing various Sorter Laborer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Part-Time Donated Goods Sorter for Alum Rock Store

GOODWILL OF SILICON VALLEY

San Jose, CA • On-site

$18.45/hr

Part-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Summary 

Founded in Santa Clara County in 1928, Goodwill of Silicon is dedicated to improving employment opportunities, increasing standards of living, providing economic independence, and restoring our clients’ sense of self-worth. We achieve this through workforce creation, vocational training, and environmental stewardship. With 18 retail stores, an online store, an extensive reuse/recycling operation, and our Contract Services division, we help individuals overcome barriers to employment, build sustainable lives and communities. 

Job Responsibilities 

Major Responsibilities: 

  • Process donated goods for the retail sales floor by sorting and pricing utilizing standardized processes and pricing structures. Donated goods include but are not limited to: Clothing, Shoes, Purses, Housewares, Small Electrical, Home Decor, Linens, Toys, Glassware, Furniture 

  • Process products for the sales floor: Involves the following: 

  • Identifying items that are acceptable according to standards to sell in the store. 

  • Ensure Items are clean and/or determine if cleaning (such as glassware) is needed before putting it on the sales floor.   

  • Place all unsaleable products in designated bins for transportation back to the warehouse. 

  • Put all saleable clothing on appropriate hangers 

  • Ability to recognize products that are better suited for E-commerce.  

  • Works with clients who are assigned for vocational services as requested. 

  • Follows and enforces all company procedures. 

  • Accountable through training and hands-on experience with seasoned pricers for following established guidelines in sorting and pricing donated products for the sales floor.  

  • Reach established goals based on time in the job. This includes units produced by hour, correct pricing based on the item's quality, and reaching sales per labor hour goals.  

Responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally either orally or in writing. 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Knowledge of general arithmetic (adding/subtracting) is required. 

  • Basic ability to read and write in English. 

Equipment Used 

  • Racks, plastic pallets, barrels, watermelon boxes, pallet jack. tagging gun, canvas carts, and touch screen computer pricing station. 

Aptitudes/skills/temperament 

  • Ability to understand English. 

  • Ability to perform routine work, adapting to change related to workflow. 

  • Ability to maintain self-control and work in cooperation with co-workers. 

  • Ability to coordinate hand-eye-foot movement to quickly manipulate and handle items. 

  • Ability to examine items and visually differentiate between them based on quality standards. 

  • Ability to meet and maintain established standards. 

Working Conditions 

  • Work is performed in the backroom of a store with even concrete floor surfaces. The area is heated and has natural ventilation. The temperature will fluctuate depending on the location within the department.  

  • Dust and dirt are controlled by daily cleaning of the work area. Some items may be soiled/dirty or broken. These are either cleaned or disposed of following established procedures.  

  • A variety of household cleaning products are used. 

  • Work is completed independently but in cooperation with the whole department.  

  • There may be some contact with the public.  

  • The noise volume is moderate throughout the day depending on the amount of activity, equipment in operation, radio operation and television testing.  

  • Material handling equipment (forklift, hand truck, moveable containers) may be operated in or near work areas. 

Emotional Effort 

  • Moderate: Occasional short deadlines. The work environment is occasionally hectic with occasional high activity, with great emphasis on teamwork. 

Physical Requirements 

  • Work pace is steady, requiring lifting and/or carrying up to 25 lbs consistently.  

  • On a regular basis heavier item of up to 50 lbs will be lifted/carried either with assistance from another person or by using appropriate material handling equipment. 

  •  There will be consistent bending of the waist into watermelon boxes as well as standing for the entire shift.  

  • There will be consistent and repetitive overhead reaching  

  • Normal or corrected talking, hearing, and seeing abilities are sufficient to perform the required tasks. 

Goodwill of Silicon Valley is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law