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Yard Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

TEC Group

Yard Coordinator

Palmdale, CA · On-site

$20 - $23.75/hr

Minimum of one (1) year of experience operating a hostler/yard truck, spotter, or commercial vehicle in a warehouse, distribution, or logistics environment. * Ability to safely couple and uncouple ...

Cornerstone Wireless, LLC.

Yard Specialist

Compton, CA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

The OOG Yard Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing daily OOG yard operations ... This position works closely with drivers, equipment operators, dispatch, and the OOG Operations ...

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Ventura, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

builders

Yard Worker Yard/Warehouse

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

PURPOSE Under direct supervision performs a variety of yard activities including operating a forklift to move product and material throughout the yard. Provides customer service to customers.

Flowly Solutions

Yard Associate

Cameron Park, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Familiarity with operating outdoor lifting equipment (like heavy-duty forklifts); we provide on-the ... Sharp attention to detail when reviewing load manifests, yard maps, and product dimensions. * Clear ...

Flowly Solutions

Yard Associate

Cameron Park, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Familiarity with operating outdoor lifting equipment (like heavy-duty forklifts); we provide on-the ... Sharp attention to detail when reviewing load manifests, yard maps, and product dimensions. * Clear ...

Flowly Solutions

Yard Associate

Cameron Park, CA · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Familiarity with operating outdoor lifting equipment (like heavy-duty forklifts); we provide on-the ... Sharp attention to detail when reviewing load manifests, yard maps, and product dimensions. * Clear ...

TEC Group

Yard Hostler (2nd Shift)

Rancho Cordova, CA · On-site

$28/hr

Operating a yard hostler (spotter) truck, the Yard Hostler positions trailers at loading docks, staging areas, and designated parking spots to support timely loading and unloading. This role is ...

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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 Sep 6, 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 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 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 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 51% Full Time, 47% 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 Coordinator

TEC Group

Palmdale, CA • On-site

$20 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

** 1st Shift: 4:00AM-4:00PM Sunday-Tuesday and every other Wednesday**
Position Summary:
The Yard Coordinator is responsible for the safe, efficient movement and staging of trailers throughout the yard using a hostler (yard truck/spotter) to support inbound and outbound freight operations. Serving as a key link between the transportation, dock, and warehouse teams, this role spots trailers at dock doors and staging areas, maintains accurate trailer location records, coordinates yard traffic, and helps keep freight moving on schedule. The position exists to ensure the yard operates safely, orderly, and productively so that Blackrock Logistics can meet its service commitments.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Operate a hostler (yard truck/spotter) to move, spot, and stage trailers between dock doors, parking positions, and staging areas safely and on schedule.
  • Coordinate trailer movements with dock, warehouse, and transportation teams to support inbound and outbound freight flow.
  • Connect and disconnect trailers, including landing gear, air lines, and electrical/glad-hand connections.
  • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the yard truck and promptly report mechanical issues or safety concerns.
  • Track and record trailer numbers, locations, and status using a yard management system (YMS) or manual logs.
  • Conduct regular yard checks and audits to verify trailer locations and keep the yard organized.
  • Inspect trailers for damage, seal integrity, and proper documentation upon arrival and departure.
  • Communicate yard status, priorities, and delays to supervisors, dispatch, and dock personnel.
  • Assist with gate check-in and check-out of drivers and trailers as needed.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly yard, promptly reporting hazards, spills, or maintenance needs.
  • Follow all company safety policies, DOT regulations, and Cal/OSHA standards.

Requirements
Required Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED, or equivalent work experience.
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience operating a hostler/yard truck, spotter, or commercial vehicle in a warehouse, distribution, or logistics environment.
  • Ability to safely couple and uncouple trailers, including landing gear, air lines, and electrical connections.
  • Basic computer or handheld-device skills to operate a yard management system (YMS), scanner, or similar tools.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to meet the physical demands of the role.
  • Strong communication, coordination, and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work flexible shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.

Preferred Skills and Experience:
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  • Two (2) or more years of hostler/yard-jockey experience in a high-volume distribution or logistics operation.
  • Experience with yard management systems (YMS) and warehouse management systems (WMS).
  • Current forklift certification.
  • Working knowledge of DOT and Cal/OSHA safety regulations.
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.
  • Prior experience supporting a multi-shift or 24/7 operation.

Physical & Environmental Requirements:
Physical Demands:
  • Prolonged standing (warehouse/onsite support)
  • Walking for extended periods across facilities or yards
  • Lifting, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching
  • Reaching above/below shoulder level
  • Repetitive hand/wrist movements (typing, scanning, equipment use)
  • Operating equipment (forklift, pallet jack, etc.)
  • Driving as part of job duties (local or regional travel)
  • Climbing stairs or ladders

Work Environment:
  • Office environment
  • Outdoor work (yards, loading areas, client sites)
  • Exposure to varying temperatures (heat/cold)
  • Exposure to moderate/high noise levels
  • Fast-paced, high-volume operational environment

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to any status protected by applicable law. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. The statements should not be construed as an exhausted list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. There may be additional duties outside the normal responsibilities to be performed as needed.
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About TEC Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

TEC Group provides quality recruiting services, from increasing your supplemental work force to meeting all your direct placement needs. We provide industry-leading placement solution that help you fill any role and meet every workplace demand.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Troy, MI, US

Year founded

1980

Social media

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