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Telehandler Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Smiley Lifting Solutions

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Telehandler Operator - 12,000 lb Capacity (North Phoenix)

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17 - $27/hr

Smiley Crane Service is hiring an experienced telehandler operator for project-based and ongoing work in the North Phoenix area. This is a skilled-operator position -- candidates must have hands-on ...

Florence Copper

Drilling Service Operator

Florence, AZ · On-site

Drilling Services Operator Department: Drilling Reports to: Drilling Superintendent Location ... Utilize mobile equipment including a water truck, vacuum truck, telehandler, and other commercial ...

Florence Copper

Drilling Service Operator

Florence, AZ · On-site

Drilling Services Operator Department: Drilling Reports to: Drilling Superintendent Location ... Utilize mobile equipment including a water truck, vacuum truck, telehandler, and other commercial ...

Florence Copper

Drilling Service Operator

Florence, AZ · On-site

Drilling Services Operator Department: Drilling Reports to: Drilling Superintendent Location ... Utilize mobile equipment including a water truck, vacuum truck, telehandler, and other commercial ...

Loenbro

Forklift Operator - Structural Steel

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Forklift Operator - Structural Steel Location: Chandler, AZ - Riggs Facility We are looking for an ... Operate sit-down and telehandler forklifts to move, stage, and load structural steel materials ...

Mortenson

Operator II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Operator II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator II

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Operator I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator I

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Operator I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator I

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Mortenson

Operator I

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and load charts * Ability to operate ...

Copper World Inc

Mine Operator I

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

Mine Operator I Direct Reports: No Job Type: Full-time, Regular Location: Helvetia, AZ About Hudbay ... Operate Heavy equipment such as track dozer, water trucks, haul trucks, backhoe, telehandler, skid ...

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All JobsTelehandler Operator JobsTelehandler Operator Jobs in Arizona

Telehandler Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$13

$22

$31

How much do telehandler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for telehandler operator in Arizona is $22.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $25.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What industries employ telehandler operators?

Telehandler operators are employed across various industries such as construction, agriculture, warehousing, manufacturing, and logistics. They operate telescopic forklifts to move heavy materials, often requiring certification and safety training, in environments that involve building, farming, or material handling activities.

How much does a telehandler operator make?

A telehandler operator typically earns between $18 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $37,000 to $62,000. Wages depend on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated.

What is a telehandler operator?

A Telehandler Operator is responsible for operating a telehandler, a versatile lifting machine used in construction, agriculture, and warehousing. They transport heavy materials, stack loads, and maneuver in tight spaces using various attachments like forks, buckets, or lifting jibs. Operators must follow safety regulations, perform equipment inspections, and ensure smooth workflow on-site. This role requires skill, precision, and often certification or specialized training.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a telehandler operator?

As a Telehandler Operator, your daily responsibilities include operating the telehandler to move materials around construction or industrial sites, inspecting and maintaining the equipment, and following strict safety procedures. You will work closely with supervisors, site managers, and other crew members to ensure timely delivery of materials to various locations on the job site. Tasks often involve reading load charts, securing loads properly, and maneuvering in tight or crowded spaces. Keeping clear communications with your team is crucial for safety and workflow. Expect to adapt to changing site conditions and priorities as projects progress.

How much does a telehandler operator make an hour?

A telehandler operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized training may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or construction environments requiring certification and safety knowledge.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the telehandler operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Telehandler Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, precision in handling heavy machinery, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with an operator’s certification. Familiarity with telehandler equipment, load charts, safety protocols, and radio communication systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with team members make operators stand out. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, efficiency, and effective collaboration on busy work sites.

What are popular job titles related to Telehandler Operator jobs in Arizona? For Telehandler Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Telehandler Operator jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Telehandler Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Telehandler Operator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Telehandler Operator job openings:
Telehandler Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telehandler Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 88% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,970 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Telehandler Operator - 12,000 lb Capacity (North Phoenix)

Smiley Lifting Solutions

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$17 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

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Job description

Smiley Crane Service is hiring an experienced telehandler operator for project-based and ongoing work in the North Phoenix area. This is a skilled-operator position — candidates must have hands-on, extensive experience specifically with 12,000 lb capacity telehandlers (such as JLG, Gradall, Manitou, or equivalent). This is not an entry-level role.
-What You Will Be Doing-
Operating a 12K telehandler to lift, place, and move materials on active job sites. You will be expected to read and work from load charts, position loads in tight or elevated spaces, and work safely alongside ground crews, riggers, and other trades. Site conditions vary — you need to be adaptable and professional.
-What We Require-
Extensive, verifiable experience operating 12,000 lb capacity telehandlers — you must be able to demonstrate this and provide references from previous employers or job sites
Solid understanding of load charts, rated capacities, and safe working load limits at various boom angles and extensions
Familiarity with pre-operation inspection procedures and daily maintenance checks
Ability to work in a safety-first environment with zero tolerance for shortcuts
Valid driver's license; ability to travel to job sites in the North Phoenix area
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
-Additional Skills-
Experience on industrial, commercial, or construction sites
Familiarity with crane or rigging operations
-About Us-
Smiley Crane Service has been providing crane, rigging, and lifting solutions in Arizona for over two decades. We operate to the highest safety standards in the industry. Our team is small, skilled, and takes pride in doing the job right.
-Compensation-
Competitive, based on experience. Discuss in interview.
-To Apply-
Go to https://www.smileycrane.com/employment to fill out our application or reply to this ad with your resume and a brief description of your telehandler experience- specifically the make and model of equipment you have run and the types of projects you have worked on. Candidates who do not address their 12K telehandler experience directly will not be considered.

Company Description

Smiley Crane Service has been providing crane, rigging, and lifting solutions in Arizona for over two decades. We operate to the highest safety standards in the industry. Our team is small, skilled, and takes pride in doing the job right.