ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Telephone Operator Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsTelephone Operator JobsTelephone Operator Jobs in Novato, CA

Telephone Operator information

See Novato, CA salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do telephone operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for telephone operator in Novato, CA is $20.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.37 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a telephone operator do?

A Telephone Operator is responsible for answering, connecting, and transferring telephone calls in organizations such as businesses, hotels, or call centers. They provide information, route calls to the appropriate departments or individuals, and may also handle emergency calls or provide directory assistance. Telephone Operators often use computerized switchboards or telephony systems to manage multiple lines efficiently. Good communication skills, patience, and the ability to handle high call volumes are essential in this role.

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

To thrive as a Telephone Operator, you need excellent verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with multi-line phone systems, call routing software, and office communication tools is typically required. Strong customer service orientation, patience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient call management and delivering a positive experience to callers.

How does a telephone operator typically handle high call volumes during peak periods?

During peak periods, Telephone Operators often rely on established call-handling procedures and multitasking skills to manage high call volumes efficiently. They may use automated call distribution systems to queue and route calls, prioritize urgent requests, and maintain clear communication with team members to ensure prompt responses. Staying calm under pressure and adhering to scripts or guidelines helps operators provide consistent, courteous service even during busy times. Teamwork and communication with supervisors are also essential to address any technical or customer service challenges that may arise.

What is the difference between Telephone Operator vs Customer Service Representative?

AspectTelephone OperatorCustomer Service Representative
Primary RoleConnect calls, handle switchboard operations, direct calls within organizationsAssist customers, handle inquiries, resolve issues related to products or services
Work EnvironmentSwitchboards, front desks, office settingsCall centers, retail, online support, office environments
Required SkillsCommunication, multitasking, basic technical knowledgeCommunication, problem-solving, product knowledge
Common CertificationsNone typically required, some technical trainingCustomer service certifications often preferred

While both roles involve communication and customer interaction, Telephone Operators primarily manage call connections within organizations, whereas Customer Service Representatives focus on assisting customers with products or services. The roles often overlap in communication skills but differ in scope and environment.

How much did telephone operators make?

Telephone operators typically earned a median annual wage of around $35,000 to $45,000 in recent years. Wages varied based on experience, location, and the complexity of the calls handled, with some operators earning higher salaries in urban areas or with specialized skills.

How to become a telephone operator?

To become a telephone operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and strong communication skills. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with telephone systems and customer service is beneficial; some positions may require basic computer skills.

What is the role of a telephone operator?

A telephone operator is responsible for connecting calls, assisting callers, and managing communication systems in organizations or telephone exchanges. They often use switchboards or automated systems and require good communication and technical skills to handle inquiries efficiently.

What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Telephone Operator jobs?

Cities near Novato, CA with the most Telephone Operator job openings:

Telephone Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Telephone Operator job openings in Novato, CA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,614 per year, or $21 per hour.

Bilingual Receptionist (Cantonese, Vietnamese, Spanish)

Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach

Oakland, CA • On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

About Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach 
API Legal Outreach is the largest social justice legal organization focused on the Asian/Pacific Islander, Latinx, and immigrant communities of the Greater Bay Area and the Central Valley. A growing community-based organization founded in 1975, our mission is to provide culturally competent and linguistically appropriate direct services to the most marginalized segments of our community including low-income women, seniors, immigrants, and youth. With offices in Oakland and San Francisco, our work is focused in the areas of Gender-based Violence, Immigration and Immigrant Rights, Disability Rights, Senior Law and Elder Abuse, Anti-Human Trafficking, Youth Violence Prevention, Anti API Hate Violence, the preservation of affordable housing and small businesses, and other social justice issues.

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Administrative Manager, the Receptionist will assist in reception, office administration and legal support duties. The receptionist is often the first point of contact for clients, vendors, and guests to our office. This role is based in our East Bay office, with a work schedule of Monday-Friday during business hours in office and may have additional responsibilities linked to our San Francisco office. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to serving underserved Asian Pacific Islander communities and BIPOC communities in the Greater Bay Area.

Key Responsibilities:
Provide full range of legal clerical and support services to attorneys and other staff.
Provide telephone and client reception services (answering and screening calls, retrieving message and forwarding messages, answering questions to people who walk in, signing in clients and vendors, receiving packages).
Open and close the office.
Provide full range of legal clerical and support services to attorneys and other staff.
Maintain client files, casework, reporting, and database systems.
Provide written and oral translation.
Data entry and general office equipment maintenance.
Support with all facility management related functions including: waste management, office organization, and other projects as needed.
Support with IT related initiatives as needed.
Other office related duties.

Minimum Qualifications
At least 2 years of successful work experience with secretarial, office support, and/or receptionist duties in a legal office, human services agency, or equivalent setting
Ability to interpret and translate in any one of the following languages: Chinese, Vietnamese, or Spanish.
Demonstrated commitment to serve disadvantaged persons in communities of color; with clients who are low-income, immigrants, women, seniors and/or those with disabilities through face-to-face and telephone contact
Demonstrated ability to manage and respond appropriately to high level of telephone traffic
General knowledge of office administrative operations and equipment such as operating telephone system, postage machine, fax machine, copier and scanner
Ability to communicate well orally and in writing, effectively manage time, handle critical information, work independently, plan and implement office objectives, and to work well in a team oriented, multicultural work environment.
High degree of interpersonal skills in interacting with staff, clients and the public.

Compensation and Benefits:
Pre-tax 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching funds
14 paid holidays, including floating holiday
PTO, sick leave
100% employer-paid options for medical, dental, and vision plans
pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts

To Apply:
Please click on the links below to apply and send your cover letter and resume with three professional references. In the subject line, please write Receptionist. In your cover letter, please address the following questions: Why did you apply to APILO? How does the mission inspire you? How does your background and experience support APILO's work?
Equal Employment Opportunity:
API Legal Outreach is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.