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Afternoon Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Merced, CA

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA · On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the ... Wheel Loader, Excavator, Utility Truck, Tractor, Skid Steer, Dozer, Telescopic Handler Forklift ...

Afternoon Wheel Loader Operator information

See Merced, CA salary details

$11

$20

$27

How much do afternoon wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for afternoon wheel loader operator in Merced, CA is $20.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Afternoon Wheel Loader Operator vs Day Shift Wheel Loader Operator?

AspectAfternoon Wheel Loader OperatorDay Shift Wheel Loader Operator
Work HoursAfternoon shift, typically 2 PM - 10 PMDay shift, typically 6 AM - 2 PM
CertificationsSame as day shift, often requires CDL or OSHA certificationsSame as afternoon shift, often requires CDL or OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, or industrial settings during afternoon hoursConstruction sites, mining, or industrial settings during daytime hours
Employer UsageUsed in facilities with 24-hour operations or to cover different shiftsUsed in standard daytime operations

The main difference between an Afternoon Wheel Loader Operator and a Day Shift Wheel Loader Operator is the work hours. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but the shift timing varies to accommodate different operational needs. Both positions are essential for continuous workflow in industries like construction and mining.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Merced, CA?

The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Afternoon Wheel Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Afternoon Wheel Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Afternoon Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,685 per year, or $20 per hour.

Log Yard (Heavy Equipment) Operator- 1st Shift

American Wood Fibers, Inc

Jamestown, CA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


American Wood Fibers rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

American Wood Fibers (AWF) is a manufacturer of both consumer and industrial products that are sold to multiple manufacturers as well as pet, agricultural, and home-heating markets. AWF is comprised of 400+ employees and holds operations at 11 locations, generating over $100M in annual sales revenue. We are currently seeking a candidate for the 1st Shift Log Yard (Heavy Equipment) Operator role in our Jamestown, CA facility.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

  1. PRODUCTION
  • Work closely with other shavers to keep production of wood shavings on track to meet shift goals
  • Must keep shavers operational and at their best efficiency at all times – includes filling up the shaver boxes, monitoring equipment, and effectively moving logs around the log yard
  • Cut logs to specifications and maintain an orderly yard for inventory counts
  • Evaluate logs before unloading from freight shipments
  • Monitor the quality of the shavings being produced. 
  • Uphold and obey all warnings and safety precautions used in the plant
      
  1. LOADER/KNUCKLE BOOM/HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR
  • Safely operate industrial equipment including: articulated wheel loader, knuckle boom, and skid steer
  • Clean and maintain the machine with regular greasing and cleaning of all necessary systems
  • Coordinate with truck drivers in the yard to maintain a path in and out of the plant, while keeping everyone safe and out of harm’s way
  • Responsible for the movement of wood – logs throughout the log yard
  • Must be able to safely operate around people and other machinery
  • Must be able to work in all weather conditions
  1. SAFETY
  • Participates in monthly safety meetings. 
  • Uses required personal protective equipment (PPE). 
  • Participates in necessary training sessions and achieves satisfactory results on required tests. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • High School Diploma or GED

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Physical capability to bend, squat, or stoop
  • Previous mobile equipment, forklift, required

EXPERIENCE

Industrial Machine Operating: 1 Year (Preferred)

BENEFITS

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance

COMPENSATION

$20.00 - $24.00 per hour

LOCATION

  • On-site, one location – Jamestown, CA

Monday-Friday

What American Wood Fibers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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