Yard Jockey job description.
A yard jockey, also called a spotter driver, moves trailers around a distribution center or industrial yard to stage them for loading, unloading, or storage. They operate a yard truck to keep freight flowing efficiently between the warehouse dock and trailer parking areas.
The Yard Jockey job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Yard Jockey Reports to: Yard Supervisor or Warehouse Manager
A yard jockey, also called a spotter driver, moves trailers around a distribution center or industrial yard to stage them for loading, unloading, or storage. They operate a yard truck to keep freight flowing efficiently between the warehouse dock and trailer parking areas.
- Move trailers between dock doors, parking spots, and staging areas
- Hook and unhook trailers safely using a yard truck
- Perform pre- and post-trip inspections on yard equipment
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
2 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Yard Supervisor or Warehouse Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Move trailers between dock doors, parking spots, and staging areas
- Hook and unhook trailers safely using a yard truck
- Perform pre- and post-trip inspections on yard equipment
- Coordinate with dock supervisors and dispatchers on trailer movement priorities
- Maintain accurate records of trailer locations and movements
- Follow yard traffic patterns and safety protocols at all times
- Report equipment issues or yard hazards promptly
- Assist with trailer seal checks and basic load verification
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license; CDL may be required depending on employer
- Prior experience operating a yard truck or similar equipment preferred
- Ability to work in varying weather conditions
- Commercial driver's license (CDL)
- Experience with yard management systems
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Yard Jockey job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Yard Jockey job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The entry band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Yard Supervisor or Warehouse Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Does a yard jockey need a CDL?
- It depends on the employer and the type of yard truck used; some facilities require a commercial driver's license while others do not.
- Is a yard jockey the same as a truck driver?
- No. A yard jockey moves trailers within a single facility's yard, while a truck driver transports freight over public roads between locations.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Forklift Driver
A forklift driver operates forklifts and other material-handling equipment to move, load, and store goods within a warehouse or distribution facility.
Warehouse Associate
A Warehouse Associate performs the daily physical tasks that keep a distribution or storage facility running, including receiving, picking, packing, and shipping inventory.
CDL Driver
A CDL driver operates commercial vehicles requiring a commercial driver's license, transporting goods safely and on schedule across local, regional, or long-haul routes.
This Yard Jockey job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.