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Telehandler Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Warehouse Lead / Driver

Brea, CA

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Forklift / Telehandler / truck driving experience preferred. * Proper material handling skills and ... Must possess a valid driver's license with limited violations. * Flexible to be available as needed ...

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Warehouse Lead / Driver

Brea, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Forklift / Telehandler / truck driving experience preferred. * Proper material handling skills and ... Must possess a valid driver's license with limited violations. * Flexible to be available as needed ...

Crux Subsurface, Inc.

Micropile Driller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.25/hr

Operate ancillary equipment such as telehandler, Morooka carrier, mini excavator, grout batch plant ... Class A CDL with tanker endorsement preferred. * OSHA-10 certification. * First Aid/CPR ...

EMCOR Group Inc

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Brea, CA

$26 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Shambaugh is looking for a Warehouse Lead / Driver. In this role you would be responsible for ... Forklift / Telehandler / truck driving experience preferred. * Proper material handling skills and ...

20/20 Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

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Bilingual Safety Coordinator

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prefer mobile equipment trainer on Telehandler, Scissor-lift, Forklift and Ariel-Lift * California Class C Driver License with good DMV record is required. * Required to obtain OSHA 30 hour and CPR ...

20/20 Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Be Seen First

Safety Coordinator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prefer mobile equipment trainer on Telehandler, Scissor-lift, Forklift and Ariel-Lift * California Class C Driver License with good DMV record is required. * Required to obtain OSHA 30 hour and CPR ...

Bilbro Construction Company Inc.

SSHO

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and telehandler operations, Crane and rigging activities. * Enforce proper housekeeping, PPE ... Valid driver's license. * Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in active construction environments.

Bilbro Construction Company Inc.

SSHO

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... and telehandler operations, Crane and rigging activities. * Enforce proper housekeeping, PPE ... Valid driver's license. * Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in active construction environments.

Bilbro Construction

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Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) - Federal Construction

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fall protection systems, Scaffold operations, Roofing operations, Heavy equipment and telehandler ... and drug screening · Valid driver's license · Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in active ...

Bilbro Construction

Be Seen First

Site Safety and Health Officer (SSHO) - Federal Construction

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fall protection systems, Scaffold operations, Roofing operations, Heavy equipment and telehandler ... and drug screening · Valid driver's license · Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in active ...

All JobsTelehandler Driver JobsTelehandler Driver Jobs in California

Telehandler Driver information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$48

How much do telehandler driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for telehandler driver in California is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a telehandler driver?

Telehandler Drivers are skilled operators responsible for driving and maneuvering telescopic handlers, also known as telehandlers, on construction sites, warehouses, and agricultural settings. Their main duties include lifting, moving, and placing heavy materials at various heights and distances using the extendable boom of the telehandler. They must follow safety protocols, perform daily equipment checks, and sometimes assist with other site tasks. Telehandler Drivers play a crucial role in ensuring efficient material handling and site productivity.

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

To thrive as a Telehandler Driver, you need a valid telehandler or forklift license, strong spatial awareness, and a good understanding of safety regulations. Familiarity with telehandler controls, load charts, and site-specific safety systems is crucial, as is experience with common construction equipment. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and reliability are vital soft skills for coordinating with site teams and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are essential for preventing accidents, maximizing efficiency, and maintaining a safe work environment.

What are some common challenges telehandler drivers face on construction sites, and how can they be managed?

Telehandler Drivers often encounter challenges such as maneuvering large machinery in tight or congested areas, working in varying weather conditions, and ensuring loads are lifted safely and efficiently. Effective communication with site supervisors and ground personnel is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operations. Regular equipment checks and adherence to safety protocols help mitigate risks, while ongoing training can improve both skill and confidence in handling complex site demands.

What is the difference between Telehandler Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectTelehandler DriverForklift Operator
CertificationsTelehandler certification, OSHA complianceForklift certification, OSHA compliance
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor, rough terrainWarehouses, indoor, flat surfaces
Job TasksMoving heavy loads vertically and horizontally, lifting at heightsLoading/unloading, stacking, transporting materials
Industry UsageConstruction, industrial sitesWarehousing, manufacturing

While both roles involve operating lifting equipment, a Telehandler Driver typically works outdoors on construction sites, handling heavy loads at heights, whereas a Forklift Operator mainly works indoors in warehouses, focusing on stacking and transporting goods. Certifications for both are similar, but the work environments and tasks differ significantly.

Telehandler Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telehandler Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,350 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Ironworker / Steel Erector / Field Position / PCIW STEEL CORP

PCIW STEEL CORP

Spring Valley, CA • On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development

Main Activities: 
  • Layout - field layout. 
  • Rigging.
  • Experience working with design and erection drawings. 
  • Erector. Including (but not limited to): handrails, guardrails, window grills, etc.
  • Structural steel columns and beams erection.
  • Knowledge related to structural steel profiles and processes.  
  • Scissor lift and telehandler experience. 
  • Ability to oversee other ironworkers & delegate responsibilities. 
  • Bilingual (Spanish and English ideally). 
  • Welding Certificates (D1.1, D1.8). 
  • Flux Core Welding Experience on Structural/Ornamental Steel (Dual Shield , MIG, NR-232).
  • Clean Driving Record. 
  • Oxy Cutting Torch
Responsibilities: 
  1. Install Safety Line and Posts. 
  2. Erecting Steel Columns, Beams, Girders, Trusses, Joists, Etc. 
  3. Installing Stairs, Landings, Rails, & Guardrails. Welding all rails and rail returns. 
  4. Able to read, understand, and evaluate shop drawings (blueprints) preferred. 
  5. Cut, position, and bold down steel bars to reinforce concrete. 
Experience: 
  • Welding (Ornamental - Steel Detail - Erector) - 5+ year welding structural NR-232 (Required)
  • Heavy equipment operation (Preferred). 
  • General Construction (Preferred). 
  • 5+ years of field experience installing structural and ornamental steel (required)
  • OSHA, Rigger, Fire Watch Experience - OSHA 10 (minimum). 
  • Valid CA Driver's License with clean record.
Compensation: $25 - $40 hourly (depending on experience).