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Telehandler Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Fabricator/Welder - 1st Shift

Hanford, CA

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

Operate a forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, telehandler and other industrial trucks. * Perform housekeeping of work area, including organizing and sweeping, maintaining of personal or company tools ...

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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 ...

Electrician

Oakland, CA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

Can operate excavators, power trenchers, vibrating plates and has the corresponding certificates including the forklift and telehandler certificates; Journeyman * Able to do all the above plus:

Electrician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

Can operate excavators, power trenchers, vibrating plates and has the corresponding certificates including the forklift and telehandler certificates; Journeyman * Able to do all the above plus:

Electrician

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20 - $45/hr

Can operate excavators, power trenchers, vibrating plates and has the corresponding certificates including the forklift and telehandler certificates; Journeyman * Able to do all the above plus:

Showing results 41-45

Telehandler information

See California salary details

$11

$19

$26

How much do telehandler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for telehandler in California is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.71 and $21.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a telehandler?

A Telehandler job involves operating a telescopic handler, a type of hydraulic lifting machine used in construction, agriculture, and warehousing. Telehandlers are used to lift, move, and place materials at height or in hard-to-reach areas. Operators must have skills in maneuvering heavy equipment safely and efficiently. Duties may include transporting loads, maintaining the equipment, and following safety regulations. Certification or training may be required depending on the job and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a telehandler?

To excel as a Telehandler, you should have experience operating heavy machinery, a solid understanding of safety procedures, and typically possess a valid telehandler operator certification or relevant heavy equipment license. Familiarity with telehandler controls, load charts, and basic maintenance tools is highly valued, as well as knowledge of site-specific safety systems. Reliability, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork make individuals stand out in this position. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient material handling and smooth collaboration on construction or industrial sites.

What are some common challenges faced by telehandlers on construction sites?

Telehandlers often work in busy, dynamic environments where they must navigate tight spaces, uneven terrain, and changing site conditions, which can be challenging. Operators need to remain vigilant about safety, adapting to weather, adjusting for load weight, and coordinating closely with other team members to avoid accidents or delays. Effective communication with site supervisors and other trades is essential to ensure materials are delivered to the right locations without disrupting workflow. With experience, telehandlers become adept at problem-solving and anticipating site needs, helping to keep projects running smoothly and efficiently.

How much do telehandler operators make?

Telehandler operators typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $55,000. Wages depend on experience, certifications, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Many operators also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

How much does a telehandler make?

The average salary for a telehandler operator ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled operators with specialized training and safety certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially in construction and industrial settings.

What industries employ telehandlers?

Telehandlers are used across various industries including construction, agriculture, warehousing, and manufacturing. They are essential for lifting and moving heavy materials in environments that require height and reach capabilities, often operated by trained personnel with proper certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Telehandler jobs in California?

The most popular types of Telehandler jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Telehandler jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Telehandler jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Telehandler job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,784 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Fabricator/Welder - 1st Shift

Nichols Farms

Hanford, CA

$20.50 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.

The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision supports a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Welder/Fabricator supports the Engineering Department Construction Projects by applying fabricator/welding skills and performing with a high degree of proficiency and effectiveness. Welder/Fabricator lays out, fits, assembles and welds fabricated components following company and safety procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Strong ability in installing and repairing/welding of equipment.
  • Plans layout, assembly and welding using knowledge of welding techniques.
  • Operates other shop equipment and tools needed to prepare components for welding.
  • Advanced in MIG, TIG, STICK, Stainless Steel, ARC Welding abilities.
  • Safety conscious uses such as fire prevention and knowledge of Fire blanket, Covers, and follows company SSOPs/SOPs.
  • Knowledge of Hot Work Permits
  • Knows and follows procedures and plant programs such as GMPs, LOTO, Confined Space, and Fall Protection safely.
  • Ability to maintain daily paper and complete orders in a timely efficient manner.
  • Reads and interprets equipment manuals to perform required maintenance service.
  • Report Immediately to Lead/Supervisor/Manager of any damage, irregular activity, or unsafe conditions concerning equipment.
  • Operate a forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, telehandler and other industrial trucks.
  • Perform housekeeping of work area, including organizing and sweeping, maintaining of personal or company tools and equipment.
  • Perform other job duties and tasks as assigned by management.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Preferably 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing or industrial environment
  • Basic Mathematical Aptitude
  • Strong Welding Skills in MIG, TIG, STICK or ARC and Sanitary Welding.
  • High School Diploma or GED required

JOB ATTRIBUTES:

  • Safety Awareness: Ability to identify and correct conditions that affect employee safety.
  • Time Management: Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
  • Adaptability: Ability to adapt to change in the workplace. Capable of functioning in a fast-paced entrepreneurial setting.
  • Resource Management (People & Equipment) - Ability to obtain and appropriate the proper usage of equipment, facilities, and materials.
  • Prioritization: Ability to quickly prioritize among numerous pressing tasks and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, as well as ability to make presentations.
  • Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build working relationships
  • Team Involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.
  • Detail-oriented: Attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT

Facility is a manufacturing environment, and this position may primarily be outdoors. The manufacturing environment and working outdoors may include high levels of noise. When working outdoors conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity; and sometimes can include work in dusty conditions. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on occasion. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EOE/M/F/D/V