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Tug Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Utility Technician

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Utility Technician

Riverside, CA · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Utility Technician

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Utility Technician

Carson, CA · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

... tug objects * Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided ... Possess a valid driver's license from state of residence * Available to work Monday-Friday and ...

Showing results 41-48

Tug Driver information

See California salary details

$5

$15

$19

How much do tug driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tug driver in California is $15.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a tug driver?

Tug drivers, also known as ground support equipment (GSE) operators, are responsible for operating tugs or tractors that move aircraft, baggage carts, cargo, and other equipment around airports. They play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of aircraft and materials on the ground. Tug drivers must be skilled in maneuvering large vehicles in busy airport environments and adhere to strict safety protocols. Their work helps maintain timely flight schedules and supports overall airport operations.

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

To thrive as a Tug Driver, you need a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and experience or certification in operating heavy vehicles or airport ground support equipment. Familiarity with airport communications systems, ground handling procedures, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong communication skills help ensure safe and efficient operations on busy airfields. These skills and qualifications are crucial to prevent accidents, maintain flight schedules, and uphold safety standards in airport environments.

What are some common challenges faced by tug drivers, and how can they be managed on the job?

Tug drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating busy or congested airport ramps, adhering to tight schedules, and working in varying weather conditions. To manage these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with ground crews and follow all safety protocols diligently. Staying alert, keeping up with ongoing training, and being adaptable to sudden operational changes can help tug drivers perform efficiently and safely. Collaboration with dispatchers and other team members is also essential to ensure smooth ground handling operations.

What is the difference between Tug Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectTug DriverForklift Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often requiredForklift certification/license required
Work EnvironmentPorts, docks, shipping yardsWarehouses, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, logisticsWarehousing, manufacturing, retail
Job FocusMoving large ships, tugging cargo shipsMoving pallets, containers within facilities

While both roles involve vehicle operation in logistics settings, Tug Drivers primarily operate specialized vehicles to move ships and large cargo in ports, requiring a CDL. Forklift Operators focus on internal material handling within warehouses, needing forklift certification. Both roles are essential in logistics but differ in environment, equipment, and specific skills.

What are the duties of a tug driver?

A tug driver operates tugboats to move ships, barges, or other large vessels within ports, harbors, or docks. Their duties include maneuvering vessels safely, following safety protocols, and maintaining the vessel and equipment. Certification in marine operations and good navigation skills are often required.

What are popular job titles related to Tug Driver jobs in California?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Tug Driver jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Tug 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 $31,970 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Exclusion Technician - $5000 Sign on Bonus

Rentokil

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Perform pest control inspections, services, and install and maintain termite control systems.

  • Install Thermal Acoustical Pest (TAP) insulation and manage job-site preparations and clean-up.

  • Assist with light construction projects, including minor repairs and replacements related to pest damage.


Rentokil rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 35 rated pest control companies


Job description

Benefits Start Day 1 for Full-Time Colleagues - No Waiting Period!

For more information about our benefits, see below!

We are proud to be a member of the Rentokil family of companies, the global leader in Pest Control and other services across more than 90 countries. We pride ourselves on being a trusted partner to many of the world's leading brands and serve consumer and business customers across multiple industries. We are extremely proud of our legacy of excellence and constantly work to fulfill our mission to "protect people, enhance lives, and preserve the planet."

What do our Innovation/Utility specialists do?

The primary purpose of this role is to perform the dynamic combined aspects of pest control, exclusion services, minor construction, and TAP (Thermal Acoustical Pest) insulation installation allowing you to make a significant impact in the communities we serve.
 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Pest Control: Conduct inspections to identify pest activity, perform pest control services for residential and commercial clients, and install and maintain termite control systems

  • TAP Insulation Installation: Efficiently install Thermal Acoustical Pest Control (TAP) insulation, ensuring quality service and customer satisfaction while managing job-site preparations and clean-up

  • Construction and Repair: Assist with light construction projects, including minor repairs and replacements related to pest damage

  • Customer Interaction: Communicate effectively with customers to explain services, ensure satisfaction, and provide guidance on pest control measures

  • Service Delivery: Perform exclusion services and wildlife removal, setting up and building exclusion traps, and ensuring safety protocols are followed

  • Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends, technologies, and regulations. Participate in training to enhance your skills in pest control and related services

Essential Job Functions:

  • Working around animals, insects and termites

  • Working in tight, confined spaces such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, narrow aisles, or passageways

  • Setting up and building exclusion traps, cuts flashing and forms hardware cloth to specifications

  • Removing animals trapped in exclusion devices

  • Working in a safety harness from roof tops as needed in the performance of exclusion services and wildlife removal

  • Completing production forms documenting services provided

  • You’ll sometimes be working around mechanical parts, vehicles, electrical current, heights and scaffolding, fumes, dust, and chemicals, and we’ll train you how to handle all of these conditions safely

  • Move up to 50 pounds by lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise repositioning objects

  • Maintain  balance when walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces

  • Push objects forward, downward, or outward with sustained force using the upper extremities to press with steady force and drag, draw, haul, or tug objects

  • Able to work both inside and outside in your local climate in company-provided weather

  • Lots of moving around — regularly sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, up and down stairs, ladders, scaffolding, ramps, and poles

  • Ability  to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), like an OSHA-compliant respirator 

  • Safely operate a motor vehicle and make sure it and all other equipment is kept clean

What do you need?

  • Clean shaven face- for safety reasons (rebreathers have to be able to seal your face)

  • High school diploma or GED;  related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

  • Possess a valid driver’s license from state of residence

  • Available to work Monday-Friday and Saturdays as needed

  • Solid reading, writing, and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information in both internal and external settings.

  • Basic math skills — add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. You’ll need to be able to follow instructions for mixing on product labels.

  • Licenses/certificates as required by federal, state, and/or local regulations (covered by us)

  • Customer-facing experience preferred

Pay Range

Hourly: $18.00 - $25.00

Why Choose Us?
A career with the Rentokil family of companies can be a professional trajectory filled with opportunity. We pride ourselves on being a world-class team that rewards high performance, and we love to promote from within. We offer competitive pay and many of our roles offer performance incentives.
Below you'll find information about some of what we have to offer. All Full-Time Colleagues qualify for the following and Part-Time Colleagues qualify for most benefits after they meet certain criteria.
Click here to read more about our Total Rewards Program which includes: 
Professional and Personal Growth

  • Multiple avenues to grow your career 

  • Training and development programs available

  • Tuition Reimbursement benefits (for FT Colleagues)


Health and Wellness

  • Full-time colleagues are eligible to begin enrollment immediately upon hire with benefits starting on day 1

  • Health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance plus much more


Savings and Retirement

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching contributions 

Work-Life Balance

  • Vacation days & sick days

  • Company-paid holidays & floating holidays

  • A company mindset that prioritizes health, safety, and flexibility


We are looking for individuals who want to make a difference where our customers live and work.  Is that you?
 

This company is a Drug Free workplace.

Rentokil is committed to complying with all Federal, State, and local laws related to the employment of qualified individuals with disabilities.

California residents click here to review your privacy rights.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

By applying to this job, you agree to receive initial texts from systems used on behalf of Rentokil North America, Inc., possibly including Workday, Loop, and HireVue. These systems utilize text messages to communicate with you throughout the application, interview, and pre-hire processes. You can set your communication preferences or opt out of text messages from each system at any time following the initial message. Message and data rates may apply.

The following applies where applicable by law: Qualified Applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Employees in this position perform work within customer's residences, property, and places of business often unsupervised and with access to vulnerable populations. They may have access to company and customer's records including personal identifiable information, financial records, make financial quotes and commitments on behalf of the company, use, handle, and have access to regulated chemicals that could cause harm to humans or the environment if used inappropriately. They work closely with other colleagues, vendors and/or customers and must be able to resolve conflicts and disputes in a non-violent and non-disruptive manner. They may drive a company vehicle as a primary duty and must safely operate a vehicle on the public streets, and receive company equipment to perform work.


What Rentokil employees say

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About Rentokil

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rentokil is the most recognised commercial pest control brand in the world, offering a greater global reach than any other. We provide innovative services and solutions in over 80 countries across 1,800 local branches, employing over 19,000 qualified pest control specialists Our mission is to protect people and enhance lives by providing pest control services that ensure public health and protect the environment through energy efficient and sustainable solutions. We offer a complete range of services for commercial and residential properties, including common pests such as rodents, flies, stored product insects, biting insects and birds to other kinds of wildlife. Driven by customer-centric innovation, our pest control solutions incorporate both preventative and responsive strategies to enhance protection for your business sector through a consistent, continuous pest management programme.

Industry

Environmental quality programs administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reading, PA, US

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