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Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Fort Smith, AR

Phoenix Global

Hot Pit Truck Driver

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

Knowledge and experience operating front-end wheel loaders, excavators, screening, crushing, and material conveying systems, street sweepers, skid steers, and other similar equipment. * Knowledge of ...

Take Ten Tire & Service

Tire Technician

Arkoma, OK · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

This is an entry-level role that allows the Tire Tech to train in additional skills to eventually ... in efficient operating condition, keeping it clean inside and out. Unload, load, and stock ...

EquipmentShare

Yard Technician

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... load and unload equipment * Maintain equipment inventory systems according to standard operating ... Whether you're behind the wheel, under the hood, leading a branch, or closing deals - tech supports ...

EquipmentShare

Yard Technician

Fort Smith, AR · On-site

$15.75 - $18.75/hr

... load and unload equipment * Maintain equipment inventory systems according to standard operating ... Whether you're behind the wheel, under the hood, leading a branch, or closing deals - tech supports ...

All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Fort Smith, AR

Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator information

See Fort Smith, AR salary details

$10

$18

$25

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

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wheel loader operator in Fort Smith, AR is $18.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $20.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Fort Smith, AR?

For Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Fort Smith, AR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Fort Smith, AR look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Fort Smith, AR are:

What cities near Fort Smith, AR are hiring for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Fort Smith, AR 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 Fort Smith, AR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 29% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,095 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Hot Pit Truck Driver

Fort Smith, AR • On-site

Phoenix Global
See more jobs at Phoenix Globalexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Hot Pit Loader       

Reports To: Mill Services Manager              

Location:                           

Overview of Position: 

The Hot Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities. This role requires strict adherence to all safety protocols, including performing pre-shift equipment inspections and conducting a 360-degree walk-around visual inspection before operation. Duties include coordinating with pot carriers to control dumping, overseeing the de-skulling process, managing quenching pits, and following correct digging techniques to prevent hazards. This job takes place in an extremely hot environment. The Hot Pit Loader plays a critical role in supporting production while upholding the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and teamwork.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Safely operate loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities
  • Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and conduct a 360 degree walk-around visual inspection of the hot pit loader
  • Knowledge and experience operating front-end wheel loaders, excavators, screening, crushing, and material conveying systems, street sweepers, skid steers, and other similar equipment. 
  • Knowledge of preventative maintenance and cleaning standards.
  • Inspect pits for proper grading, dryness, and berms, and maintain safety equipment in working order
  • Coordinate with pot carriers, control dumping, oversee de-skulling, manage quenching pits, and follow proper digging techniques to prevent hazards
  •  Pad pots with correct amount of slag depending on type
  • Load haul trucks safely without overloading or spilling
  • Monitor for water intrusion, stop work if steam or moisture is detected, and implement water abatement measures
  • Climb in and out of the loader, maintaining 3 points of contact during ingress and egress (2 hands, 1 foot or 2 feet, 1 hand) in contact with grab rails or stair treads
  • Must be able to activate fire suppression system in case of fire on or in loader
  • Maintain all required certifications required by OSHA and the company safety programs
  • Perform any other tasks assigned to support and improve the overall team operations
  • Ability to work independently in a safe and efficient manner and to follow safety policies and procedures.
  • Solid communication, problem-solving and leadership skills

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:

  • Teamwork 
  • Communication
  • Time management
  • Problem solving

 

Work Environment:

This job takes place in a Steel Mill setting, requiring a sense of high-level safety reverence using the required PPE for the environment. 

Physical Demand:

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. While performing the 

duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen in potentially noisy indoor and outdoor environments. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on both flat and uneven surfaces, sit, climb stairs, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. This job requires the employee to lift at least 50 pounds on a regular basis. 

Required Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED 
  • Valid Driver’s License  
  • Willingness to work in a Steel Mill 
  • Experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting preferred but not required

 

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with notice.

AAP/EEO Statement: 

Phoenix Global provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.





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