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Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Waste Connections

Heavy Equipment Operator

Malvern, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Operating a variety of heavy equipment including bulldozers, wheel loaders, motor graders, scrapers, and compactors. * Conducting routine inspections and basic maintenance to ensure equipment safety ...

ForceSource

Heavy Haul Truck Driver - Class A CDL

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$1.2K - $1.7K/wk

... operating a variety of construction equipment. This role supports field crews and may require ... Wheel loaders * Forklifts * Other construction equipment Oversized & Overweight Loads * Measure ...

General Atomics

Vehicle Mechanic II

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$47K - $70K/yr

... wheel loaders, telehandlers, generators, sweepers and small engine equipment. This role ... operating procedures and practices. * Other job duties as assigned. We recognize and appreciate the ...

Mortenson

Operator Forklift

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills * Ability to work ...

Mortenson

Operator Forklift

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills * Ability to work ...

Mortenson

Operator Journeyman

Cedar Rapids, IA

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills * Ability to work ...

Mortenson

Operator Journeyman

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid ... wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills * Ability to work ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator information

How to become a wheel loader?

To become a wheel loader operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or a vocational program in heavy equipment operation. Many employers require certification from a recognized training program and a valid driver's license; experience with equipment controls and safety procedures is also important.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Entry level wheel loader operators typically do not earn $700 a day; such high daily pay is usually associated with experienced heavy equipment operators, specialized construction roles, or union positions that require certifications and extensive experience. These roles often involve working long hours, overtime, or in high-demand environments to reach that earning level.

How much do beginner operators make?

Entry-level wheel loader operators typically earn between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on location, company, and experience. Starting salaries may increase with certifications, such as OSHA or equipment-specific training, and familiarity with machinery and safety protocols.

Can you get a heavy equipment operator job with no experience?

Entry level wheel loader operator positions often do not require prior experience, but candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may need to complete on-the-job training or certification programs. Having knowledge of equipment operation, safety procedures, and physical fitness can improve job prospects for beginners.

What is the difference between Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator vs Equipment Operator?

AspectEntry Level Wheel Loader OperatorEquipment Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction, industrial, mining, and transportation settings
Job DutiesOperate wheel loaders for loading, moving materialsOperate various heavy machinery including loaders, excavators

Both roles require safety certifications and involve working in construction or industrial environments. The main difference is that an Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator specializes in operating wheel loaders specifically, while an Equipment Operator may handle a variety of heavy machinery. The choice depends on the specific equipment and tasks involved in the job.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Loader Operator - Portable Asphalt Plant (Seasonal, Statewide Travel)

Loader Operator - Portable Asphalt Plant (Seasonal, Statewide Travel)

Manatts

Newton, IA • On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Manatt's rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Summary
Operates rubber tired tractor type vehicle equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket or scoop to lift and transport bulk materials to and from storage or processing areas, to feed conveyors, hoppers, or chutes, and to load trucks.
Essential Responsibilities
The requirements represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to fulfill position expectations. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other duties as needed to meet the organization's ongoing needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Additional or other duties may be assigned.
FAMILY
  • Serves as a standard bearer for Manatt's mission to safely do everything we do better than anyone else and purpose of building legacies through standards of excellence.
  • Promotes, lives, and exemplifies Manatt's values: Family, Excellence and Human Potential.
EXCELLENCE
  • Inspects and maintains loader equipment such as tires, lights, back-up alarm, brakes, fuel (diesel), oil, water and all other fluids levels.
  • Charges plant with raw materials using wheel loader pursuant to plant output expectations.
  • Fastens seatbelt, starts engine, turns on lights, shifts gears, presses pedals, and turns steering wheel to operate loader.
  • Moves levers to lower and tilt bucket and drives front-end loader forward to force bucket into bulk material.
  • Moves levers to raise and tilt bucket when filled, drives vehicle to work site, and moves levers to dump material.
  • Cleans windows, mirrors, removes garbage, and maintains interior of loader in good working condition.
  • Performs preventative maintenance service and minor repairs on loader.
  • Assists in maintenance of clean and debris free plant site including but not limited to collection and removal of garbage and security in yard.
  • Assists with production of poured blocks including removal of forms and placing in assigned inventory location.
  • Reports to supervisor at end of each day to leave time card, fuel receipts/usage, mileage, and other information as well as receive instruction for next days work assignments.
  • Secondary functions of general laborer or other duties may be assigned.
  • Operates front-end loader in safe manner and abides with traffic laws, rules, and regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations and company rules and safety policies.
HUMAN POTENTIAL
  • Commits to continuous personal improvements on the path towards being best self.
  • Teach others to learn what you know to help them grow.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Previous loader operator experience required.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Must have a valid driver's license and a vehicle to get to the job site required, CDL preferred.
Other Qualifications
  • Acceptable driving record
  • Excellent work ethic.
  • Ability to work long hours, including weekends during peak season.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced outdoor and in industrial environments.
  • Ability to work seasonally.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to listen. The employee frequently is required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 100 pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
What We Offer
  • Competitive seasonal wages.
  • Daily per diem for travel.
  • Opportunities for overtime.
  • A supportive team culture and opportunities to grow within Manatts.

About Us
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Brooklyn, Iowa, Manatt's is a leader in Iowa's heavy highway construction and materials industry. We specialize in asphalt, concrete, and chipseal coating, with additional expertise in recycle crushing, stabilization, milling, grinding, subdrain installation, and more.
At Manatt's, we have the experts, equipment, resources, and top-quality materials needed to safely and efficiently complete any project. Our integrated approach and unwavering commitment to building exceptional relationships allow us to deliver uncompromising quality and construction services. Our mission is to continually set and reset the standard by which all other construction material companies are measured. We don't just build infrastructure; we build legacies through higher standards of work and a dedication to excellence in everything we do.
Accessibility: If you need help accessing this page, please contact:
Phone: 641-522-9206 Ext. 1228
Email: susane@manatts.com
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster, please choose your language: English - Spanish - Arabic - Chinese

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