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Telehandler Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Shambaugh & Son, L.P.

Warehouse Lead / Driver

Brea, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

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

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 · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

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 ...

Bilbro Construction Company Inc.

SSHO

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... 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.

20/20 Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Be Seen First

Safety Coordinator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

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

... 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.

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 Sep 9, 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, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,350 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Logistics and Inventory Specialist - Point Mugu Sea Range

Oxnard, CA • On-site

Fathom Robotics
See more jobs at Fathom Roboticsexternal

Full-time

Medical

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
About Fathom Robotics
Fathom Robotics provides operations, maintenance, training, and applied engineering services for uncrewed maritime systems supporting U.S. Government and commercial defense programs. We have multiple active projects across a variety of government and commercial clients and are actively fielding systems in operational environments.
Role Overview:
Fathom Robotics is hiring a Logistics and Inventory Specialist to own material and vessel movement, and inventory accountability at our Point Mugu Sea Range operations. You will be the person responsible for knowing where everything is, in what condition, and when it needs to move. This is a hands-on role: you will run the forklift and telehandler yourself, not just supervise the work.
This role carries real accountability. You will own the inventory system for a facility supporting active government programs, and your accuracy directly affects program readiness and field operations.
Location: Oxnard, CA (On-Site, Naval Base Ventura County / Point Mugu Sea Range)
Work Type: Full-Time
Clearance: US Person Required SECRET Eligible (Minimum)
A Day In The Life:
  • Morning: check the shop and yard for the day's incoming and outgoing shipments, run the forklift or telehandler to stage pallets and equipment, and confirm parts are pulled and ready for the maintenance team
  • Midday: call the trucking company to confirm a delivery window, then coordinate with a crane company to lock in a lift date for moving a vessel, working both against the shop's testing schedule
  • Afternoon: run a cycle count on a section of the tool crib or spare parts inventory, log discrepancies, and confirm receiving requirements with a government point of contact ahead of an equipment delivery
  • Across all of it: keep every incoming and outgoing shipment, by truck, crane, or vessel, moving on a plan that trucking companies, crane operators, government personnel, and the shop floor are all working from

Program Conditions:
Work is based full-time at Fathom's Point Mugu Sea Range facility in Oxnard, CA, supporting vessel and maintenance operations for active USV and AUV programs. Crunch periods around test milestones and program events will require additional availability, including early mornings or weekends when vessels or shipments need to move on a fixed schedule.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage movement of vessels and materials in and out of the facility, coordinating with engineering, program staff, trucking companies, crane companies, and government personnel on timing and priority, including vessel lifts
  • Operate forklift and telehandler for material and equipment handling, staging, and yard operations
  • Track and manage inventory of tools, equipment, and spare parts across the vessel and maintenance facility, including receiving, staging, and issue of parts and materials to support maintenance and program schedules
  • Maintain custody and accountability for sensitive payload components and government-furnished equipment (GFE), tracked separately from general shop inventory
  • Support payload staging and handling for integration work and field events
  • Maintain hazardous materials inventory, storage, and handling in compliance with applicable regulations, including lithium battery storage and handling
  • Maintain accurate inventory records through check-in/check-out procedures, cycle counts, and physical audits, and flag shortages, aging stock, and reorder needs before they become schedule risks
  • Support general yard, shop, and facility upkeep as needed

Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in logistics, inventory management, warehouse, or supply operations, ideally in a marine, industrial, or defense environment
  • Current, valid certification to operate a forklift
  • Current, valid certification to operate a telehandler
  • Experience managing tool cribs, spare parts inventory, or equipment accountability systems
  • Experience handling and storing hazardous materials in compliance with applicable regulations
  • Comfortable coordinating vessel movement around a working shop, yard, or pier
  • Working proficiency with inventory management or ERP software
  • Valid CDL required
  • Resourceful and proactive, able to keep an accurate system running with minimal oversight
  • US Person status required (defense program context)
  • Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance
  • Familiarity with export-controlled (ITAR) material handling and storage requirements

Preferred Qualifications::
  • Prior military logistics or supply background (e.g., Navy Supply Corps, Aviation/Ordnance logistics)
  • Experience with government property accountability (GFE/GFP) under FAR/DFARS property management requirements
  • Experience handling sensitive sensor, comms, or ISR payload equipment
  • HAZWOPER certification
  • Experience in a boatyard, shipyard, or marina environment, or a forklift/telehandler trainer or certifier credential

Benefits
We offer a flexible ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) plan, giving employees the freedom to choose their own health coverage through an online shopping platform. This approach lets you tailor your coverage to fit your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all option.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.

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