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Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

GLISS Hillsboro

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Forklift Operator/Load Builder

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$22/hr

A well-established lumberyard in Hillsboro is looking for an Experienced Forklift Operator / Load ... Monday - Friday | 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM This is NOT an entry-level forklift position. This job requires:

oakh

Fork Lift Operator - Part Time

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

Forklift Operators / Dock Workers / Part Time Join the Oak Harbor Freight Lines family, where ... truck, four-wheel dock cart, pallet jack, barrel truck, dock plates, load locks and/or rope is ...

Oakh

Fork Lift Operator - Part Time

Portland, OR · On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

Morning Shift Forklift Operators / Dock Workers / Part Time Join the Oak Harbor Freight Lines ... truck, four-wheel dock cart, pallet jack, barrel truck, dock plates, load locks and/or rope is ...

Arclin

Chemical Production Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$31.38/hr

Pay: $23.88/hr for Operator E (Entry Level) - $31.38/hr for Operator A (Fully Trained) Chemical ... Unloads and loads raw materials and finished products following established procedures (tanker ...

Arclin

Chemical Production Operator

Portland, OR · On-site

$23.88 - $31.38/hr

Pay: $23.88/hr for Operator E (Entry Level) - $31.38/hr for Operator A (Fully Trained) Chemical ... Unloads and loads raw materials and finished products following established procedures (tanker ...

Kerr Contractors

Heavy Equipment Operator

Woodburn, OR · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

... excavators, wheel & track loaders, dozers, compactors, articulated and ridged frame haul trucks ... Must have 3 years minimum experience operating machinery- * Demonstrated knowledge and competency ...

Pendleton Woolen Mills Inc

Yarn Operator

Washougal, WA · On-site

$22.22 - $24.07/hr

The Yarn Operator for Spinning in Washougal, WA, oversees various processes to ensure high-quality ... to lift any loads if doing so is unsafe or too high a risk. * Push and pull wheeled carts ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator JobsEntry Level Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$11

$20

$27

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

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level wheel loader operator in Portland, OR is $20.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.69 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Portland, OR? For Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator job openings:
Entry Level Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you

Heavy Equipment - Rolling Stock Operator

with Stimson Lumber

Gaston, OR • On-site

$32 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Operate the Machines That Keep the Mill Moving
Stimson Lumber Company's Forest Grove location is seeking experienced Heavy Equipment Rolling Stock Operators who have worked in a fast-paced industrial environment. This role is responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of large heavy equipment used in log yard and mill operations. Qualified operators must be able to move safely and efficiently throughout the worksite and operate equipment for 8-10 hours per day in an active production setting.
This position requires experienced operators capable of handling high-capacity industrial equipment while maintaining strict adherence to safety, operational, and environmental standards. This is not a forklift operator position and is specific to large heavy equipment. This is a significant opportunity for operators looking to expand their skillset and advance their careers in a demanding and safety-focused operation.
Starting Pay: Base pay for this skilled position will start at $32.00-$36.00 per hour. People with significant knowledge and experience may come in at a higher level.
Overtime: This position is eligible for Overtime at 1.5 times your base rate.
Healthcare: Stimson pays 80% of the premiums for healthcare coverage for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision.
401(k): Stimson provides a 100% match on the first 6% of your pay when you contribute to your 401(k)-retirement account.
Profit Sharing: Contributions are deposited annually into your 401(k) account for Profit Sharing, up to 3% of your pay.
Bonus: This position is bonus eligible and will receive a discretionary bonus in years when the company and location are profitable.
Paid Time-Off: Position offers 9 paid holidays and 2 weeks of paid vacation. Paid sick leave is available for up to 3 days per year.
Employee Referral program: Earn a $2500 minimum bonus for a successful referral
Other: Wellness Program with reward incentives; Tuition Reimbursement, Apprenticeships, Career Development; Access to company-owned land for recreation
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently to support mill and log yard operations
  • Load, unload, sort, stack, and transport logs and materials within designated work areas
  • Maintain constant awareness of surrounding personnel, equipment, and production flow
  • Communicate clearly with other operators, supervisors, and ground personnel
  • Perform routine inspections of equipment before, during, and after operation
  • Identify and report mechanical issues, damage, or safety concerns immediately
  • Maintain proper load control and stable stacking to prevent damage or safety hazards
  • Follow all company safety rules, job procedures, and lockout/tagout requirements
  • Keep work areas clean, organized, and free of hazards
  • Support continuous improvement efforts related to safety, productivity, and efficiency

Qualifications & Experience:
Qualified candidates must have demonstrated experience operating one or more of the following:
  • Volvo L200 Log Loader
  • CAT 988 Wheel Loader
  • CAT 950H Loader
  • CAT 558LL Log Shovel
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating heavy industrial equipment. Experience in a log yard, mill, quarry, or similar environment is preferred
  • Proven ability to safely operate large capacity loaders and log handling equipment
  • Strong understanding of equipment limitations, load control, and ground conditions
  • Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions
  • Commitment to safety, reliability, and teamwork
  • Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required

Forklift-only experience does not meet the requirements for this position.
Who is Stimson Lumber?
Stimson Lumber is a leader in the forest products and natural resources industry, with over 650 employees and locations across Idaho, Oregon and Washington. We have a progressive, forward thinking culture focusing on the development of our people. Our employees are given the tools and opportunities to maximize their talent to achieve professional and personal goals. We have been a recognized leader in our industry for decades because of our commitment to quality, customer service and continuous improvement mentality.
Why work at Stimson Lumber?
We hire people who are passionate about what they do every day, have a desire to make a difference and thrive in a team environment. We reward our employees through competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and advancement opportunities while being a great place to work. As an equal opportunity employment company, we value the diversity of individuals, ideas, perspectives, insights and values, and those influences upon the workplace. Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment assessments.
To learn more about Career Development/Paths at our mills, click the link below to find the right mill job for you!
Career Development myStimson
For details about employee benefits and Stimson values: www.mystimson.com

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