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Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Kinder Morgan

Operator - BP Whiting

Hammond, IN · On-site

Operate a WA-500 wheel loader to scrape clean, dig and load petroleum coke into a conveyor ... Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license and have willingness to use ...

Grit One

Production & Heavy Machinery Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $29.50/hr

Equipment Operated: * -Material Loader * -Heavy machinery * -Sennibogan * -Wheel Loader * -Pneumatic Hoppers * -Blending System * -Wheel Bobcat * -Other Hoppers * -Conveyors * -Field Unloader Who ...

Apolis

Be Seen First

Production Operator

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$21/hr

Wheeling, IL 60090 Duration: 6+ Months Shift: * Day: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM * Night: 6:00 PM ... Load/unload materials and finished goods * Monitor product quality and report issues * Follow ...

Job_Listing_459

Utility Operator

Lemont, IL

This is an entry-level position within the Operations Department. Utility Operators are responsible for operating tractor trailers and/or front-end loaders to support petcoke handling activities. The ...

Oxbow Corporation

Utility Operator

Lemont, IL · On-site

$32 - $37.43/hr

This is an entry-level position within the Operations Department. Utility Operators are responsible for operating tractor trailers and/or front-end loaders to support petcoke handling activities. The ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Power Operator

Itasca, IL · On-site

$17 - $22.50/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 ...

NTN Bearing Corp.

Machine Operator

Elgin, IL · On-site

$19/hr

Operate CNC Machines used in the production of automotive wheel bearings Start up and shut down ... information May load and unload parts on machine Starting Wage: $19.00 We offer a 2nd shift ...

Mortenson

Power Operator

Itasca, IL

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 ...

Superior Staffing

Reach Forklift

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Superior Staffing is seeking for a Reach Forklift Operator for a company located at Downers Grove ... Toyota Model # 8BDRU15 Load Capacity 3000lbs Toyota Model # 8FBE18U Sit Down 3 Wheel Electric Fork ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$19

$26

How much do entry level wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wheel loader operator in Chicago, IL is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Operator - BP Whiting

Operator - BP Whiting

Kinder Morgan

Hammond, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Kinder Morgan rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 52 rated energy and utility

Job description

What We Are Looking For
Operate, monitor, and tend conveyor system through the use of automation that moves petroleum coke by belt conveyors, transfer towers to loading tower, or storage barn to reclaim systems, to load rail cars and trucks by performing the following duties. Support the on-site customers' 24/7/365 operations by working rotating schedules, inclusive of days, nights and weekend shifts. Operate heavy mobile equipment to gouge out, level, and distribute petroleum coke from inbound conveyors, storage and to outbound conveyors in a safe and efficient manner by performing the following duties.
What You Will Do
  • Utilize Human Machine Interface (HMI) to provide system control, equipment status, alarm notifications in the movement, and loading of Petroleum Coke
  • Monitor and track details such as interlocks, temperature and material level alarms, permissive signals, start/stop sequences to assist operations and maintenance in troubleshooting and diagnosing problems
  • Operate Kanawha Loading Tower to precisely control railcar loading of petroleum coke and maintain close monitoring of surge bin levels
  • Notify shift personnel of any faults within the system
  • Observe the movement of coke on conveyor
  • Operate dust suppression and rain bird systems to help control dust emissions and regulate product temperature
  • Operate D-9 Dozer with concave coal blade attached across front to gouge out, level, and distribute petroleum coke from conveyor to storage and storage to re-claim conveyor
  • Operate bulldozer in successive passes over terrain to raise or lower terrain to specified level
  • Employ dozer day and night to push material to dozer trap in order to load out material while in an enclosed building
  • Operate a WA-500 wheel loader to scrape clean, dig and load petroleum coke into a conveyor; requires the ability to cut and grade material as necessary for miscellaneous projects on/and around terminal
  • As directed performs activities of co-workers
  • Operate forklift, skid steer, man-lift, and vacuum truck in addition to previously mentioned equipment
  • Maintain dozer, skid steer, man-lift, forklift, vacuum truck, wheel loader, and conveyor equipment by performing preventive maintenance, i.e.: lubricating, cleaning, adding gear lubricants, changing filters and documenting all activity performed on said piece of equipment
  • General cleanup of coke using bobcat, shovels or water hose, cleans and perform basic housekeeping duties
  • Maintain radio communication with crew/Supervisor to insure proper equipment operation.
  • Communicate/coordinate unit operations with customer and outside operations personnel.
  • Interact with customer counterparts and supervision on a daily basis to coordinate and resolve daily tasks and issues
  • Work with the customer service representative to coordinate and track inventory, as well as waybill and BoL generation
  • Prioritize and plan work activities using time efficiently
  • Notify supervisor of all breakdowns/malfunctions
  • Initiate sampler to take periodic coke samples, operate the Benetech freeze inhibitor system, and other auxiliary systems such as the coke barn tripper
  • Inspect metal detector and magnet to insure proper operation
  • Consolidate and run system reports as required
  • Maintain sign in/sign out log
  • Assist maintenance or other departments as required
  • Utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the assigned tasks and report damaged protective equipment and unsafe conditions to their supervisor
  • Attend daily and monthly safety meetings; participate in and show proficiency (through written exam) in general and site specific operations and maintenance training programs for KM environmental, health, and safety standards
  • CMMS Reporting

What You Need
Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent

Required Qualifications:
  • Train to Operate D-9 Dozer and other heavy mobile equipment, i.e.: front-end loader, skid steer, man-lift, forklift, DOT-approved vac truck
  • Proficient with computers to include Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, plus the ability to learn HMI quickly
  • Able to carry out supervisor's instructions
  • Self-motivated
  • Safety in performance of duties common to the position
  • Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license and have willingness to use personal and/or company vehicle in the course of employment
  • Must obtain and/or meet all requirements to enter foreign trade zones, such as background checks by both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, i.e. obtain and maintain a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)
  • Regular work attendance is required to appropriately perform the essential duties of this job
  • Must be able to work overtime and weekends as dictated by operations
  • If required must be able to perform shift work, rotating day/night
  • Maintain Storage Barn with mobile equipment (Dozer, Skid Steer, Front-End Loader)
  • Manual clean-up throughout entire system & facility (brooms, shovels, hoses, etc.)
  • Inspect belts, rollers, system, etc. throughout shift
  • 24/7 operation 365 days a year (including all holidays)
  • Currently working 12 hour rotating shifts (days: 5am to 5pm and nights: 5pm to 5am)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate's degree from a technical school
  • Prior control room experience
  • 3-5 years of experience operating heavy mobile equipment
  • Sinter/coal experience

Working Conditions:
  • Regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and also but not limited to heights in excess of five (5) feet, moving mechanical parts, moving on track rail equipment, fumes, airborne particles, vibration, uneven terrain and high noise level in the work environment
  • Required to sit, stand, walk and climb for extended periods of time
  • The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 50 pounds
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
  • Communicate with supervision, co-workers and contractors via radio and hand signals
  • Must wear FRC clothing
  • Primary work area will be within the refinery perimeter, including the yard, barn and control room/HMI terminal in site bunker
  • Long hours interfacing with computers and load out controls; will be required to assist with all field duties with exposure to physical demands listed above
  • While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, airborne particles, extreme outside weather conditions and vibration
  • The employee is frequently exposed to high, precarious places and risk of electrical shock and loud noise levels

Why Join Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.
Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.
For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.

What Kinder Morgan employees say

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About Kinder Morgan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kinder Morgan is moving the fuels of today for the energy of the future. From the natural gas that heats your home to the gasoline that fuels your vehicle, our pipeline and terminal assets provide the necessary infrastructure to meet today's growing global energy demand and play a key role in the low-carbon energy transition of the future.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1997

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