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Yard Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Yard Operator (24741)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $19.25/hr

The Yard Operator Secures premises by patrolling property, closing/locking designated gates, monitoring equipment, inspecting buildings (including office, barns, shop, hospitals, and mill), equipment ...

HARRIS FEEDING CO

Yard Operator (24741)

Coalinga, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $19.25/hr

The Yard Operator Secures premises by patrolling property, closing/locking designated gates, monitoring equipment, inspecting buildings (including office, barns, shop, hospitals, and mill), equipment ...

Knife River

Yard Operator - Stockton, CA

Stockton, CA · On-site

YARD OPERATOR JOB SUMMARY A yard person/ Laborer maintains general outdoor and indoor housekeeping at the company's facilities all year around in all weather conditions. He/She assists other ...

Venturi Supply

Pipe Yard Machine Operator

Shafter, CA · On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Role Overview The Pipe Yard Machine Operator will be responsible for operating and maintaining various pipe machining equipment to produce high-quality precision components. Your expertise in ...

American Recycling Holdings

Yard Laborer

Escalon, CA

$17 - $18/hr

Operating various yard equipment, such as forklifts and skid steers * Assisting with inventory management and tracking * Performing basic maintenance and repairs on yard equipment * Assisting with ...

American Recycling Holdings

Yard Laborer

Stockton, CA · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Operating various yard equipment, such as forklifts and skid steers * Assisting with inventory management and tracking * Performing basic maintenance and repairs on yard equipment * Assisting with ...

American Recycling Holdings

Yard Laborer

Modesto, CA

$17 - $18/hr

Operating various yard equipment, such as forklifts and skid steers * Assisting with inventory management and tracking * Performing basic maintenance and repairs on yard equipment * Assisting with ...

SHR CORP USA

Be Seen First

Yard Goat/ Sit Down Forklift

City Of Industry, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

The Yard Goat / Sit-Down Forklift Operator is responsible for safely moving trailers within the yard, operating a sit-down forklift to load and unload freight, and supporting warehouse shipping and ...

Central Valley

Yard Manager

Woodland, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Central Valley is a leading family-owned and operated building ... The Yard Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and organized daily operation of the yard.

Pick Your Part

Yard Worker

San Bernardino, CA

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly * Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard * Dismantle tires * Maintain a safe and clean ...

CENTRAL VALLEY BUILDERS SUPPLY

Yard Manager

Woodland, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Description Central Valley is a leading family-owned and operated building supply company with ... The Yard Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and organized daily operation of the yard.

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All JobsYard Operator JobsYard Operator Jobs in California

Yard Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$20

$24

How much do yard operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for yard operator in California is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges yard operators face, and how can they be managed?

Yard Operators often work in fast-paced environments where managing multiple tasks—such as coordinating vehicle movements, ensuring safety protocols, and handling weather-related complications—can be challenging. Effective communication with dispatchers, drivers, and warehouse staff is essential for smooth operations. Staying organized, maintaining attention to detail, and adhering strictly to safety guidelines help manage these challenges and contribute to an efficient yard operation.

What is a yard operator?

A Yard Operator is responsible for managing the movement, storage, and organization of materials, vehicles, or equipment within a facility's yard or storage area. They typically operate heavy machinery such as forklifts, cranes, or yard trucks to load, unload, and relocate items safely and efficiently. Yard Operators also inspect equipment, maintain inventory records, and ensure compliance with safety protocols. This role is essential in industries like logistics, shipping, construction, and manufacturing, where efficient yard management directly impacts overall operations.

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

To thrive as a Yard Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, strong mechanical aptitude, and experience with material handling or heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with forklifts, cranes, inventory management systems, and safety certifications like OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure operational efficiency, workplace safety, and accurate material handling within busy yard environments.

What is the difference between Yard Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectYard OperatorEquipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and safety certificationsRequires similar certifications, often including specific equipment licenses
Work EnvironmentWorks mainly outdoors in yards, warehouses, or storage facilitiesOperates machinery outdoors or on construction sites
Industry UsageCommon in logistics, shipping, and warehousing industriesCommon in construction, mining, and heavy industry
Job FocusManaging yard activities, organizing shipments, and equipment movementOperating heavy machinery like forklifts, bulldozers, or cranes

While both Yard Operators and Equipment Operators work outdoors and require safety certifications, Yard Operators focus on managing yard activities and logistics, whereas Equipment Operators specialize in operating heavy machinery. The roles often overlap in industries like logistics and construction, but their primary responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Yard Operator jobs in CA? For Yard Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Yard Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Yard Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,118 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Yard Operator (24741)

Harris Ranch Beef Company

Coalinga, CA • On-site

$16.90 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
The Yard Operator Secures premises by patrolling property, closing/locking designated gates, monitoring equipment, inspecting buildings (including office, barns, shop, hospitals, and mill), equipment, and access points.
Reports to:
  • Yard Foreman.

Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Watches for and reports irregularities such as stray cattle, fire hazards, leaking water pipes, and doors left unlocked.
  • Sounds alarm or calls police, fire department, or yard management by telephone in case of fire or presence of unauthorized persons.
  • Records data such as property damage, unusual occurrences, and malfunctioning of machinery or equipment for use of supervisory staff.
  • Monitors water wells/tanks by observing gauges and interpreting readings.
  • Receives incoming cattle by weighing, unloading, counting and penning.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • General knowledge of cattle handling.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
  • Act by all applicable safety animal welfare regulations and company policies.

Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Frequently to occasionally, the employee is required to push/pull, reach, bend, run, sit, stand, jump, climb, squat, kneel, lift, carry, twist, grasp/squeeze.
  • The employee is regularly exposed to airborne particles and outdoor weather conditions.
  • Must be able to lift and push 50 pounds at a time.

Harris Feeding Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on an employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision-making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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