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Front Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Branch Civil

LOADER OPERATOR

Bassett, VA

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Front-End Loader Operator operates straight or articulated rubber tired or crawler type machine equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket, scoop or other accessories used to grade ...

The Branch Group

LOADER OPERATOR

Bassett, VA

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Front-End Loader Operator operates straight or articulated rubber tired or crawler type machine equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket, scoop or other accessories used to grade ...

The Branch Group

LOADER OPERATOR

Bassett, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

The Front-End Loader Operator operates straight or articulated rubber tired or crawler type machine equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket, scoop or other accessories used to grade ...

The Branch Group

UTILITY LOADER OPERATOR

Hampton, VA · On-site

The Utility Loader Operator operates straight or articulated rubber tired or crawler type machine equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket, scoop or other accessories used to grade ...

The Branch Group

UTILITY LOADER OPERATOR

Hampton, VA

The Utility Loader Operator operates straight or articulated rubber tired or crawler type machine equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket, scoop or other accessories used to grade ...

Ritchie Bros.

Loader Operator I

Pulaski, VA

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

While Loader Operators always focus on safety first, they understand the importance of a quick and smooth operation. As the frontline of IAA, this critical role enjoys learning new ways to use ...

Bertelsmann

Baler Room Attendant

Berryville, VA · On-site

$14 - $17.50/hr

Proficient in operating forklifts and front loader trucks * Familiarity with manufacturing processes and sanitation practices * Ability to perform heavy lifting and maintain cleanliness in work areas

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All JobsFront Loader Operator JobsFront Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia

Front Loader Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do front loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for front loader operator in Virginia is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Front Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectFront Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often required, OSHA certificationOSHA certification, specialized excavator training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, loading docks, mining operationsConstruction sites, trenching, demolition
Industry UsageConstruction, agriculture, miningConstruction, demolition, utility work
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for equipment operation skills and certificationsCompared for digging, trenching, and material handling

While both Front Loader Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and mining environments, they operate different equipment suited for specific tasks. Front Loader Operators primarily handle loading and moving materials with wheel loaders, whereas Excavator Operators focus on digging and trenching with hydraulic excavators. Certifications and work environments overlap, but their roles are distinct based on the machinery used and the tasks performed.

What are some common safety challenges faced by Front Loader Operators, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Front Loader Operators often work in environments with heavy equipment, uneven terrain, and limited visibility, which can present significant safety challenges. To address these risks, operators are usually required to follow strict safety protocols, such as conducting pre-operation equipment inspections, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhering to site-specific traffic patterns. Regular safety training and clear communication with ground personnel are also crucial to prevent accidents and ensure a safe work environment. Employers typically provide ongoing training and emphasize a safety-first culture to support operators in minimizing workplace hazards.

What are Front Loader Operators?

Front Loader Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery known as front-end loaders. These machines are used to move materials such as soil, gravel, sand, and debris at construction sites, mines, quarries, and other similar locations. Operators are responsible for safely maneuvering the loader, performing routine equipment checks, and ensuring materials are loaded and transported efficiently. They must have good hand-eye coordination, attention to safety protocols, and often require specialized training or certification. Front Loader Operators play a critical role in supporting construction and earth-moving projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Front Loader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Front Loader Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, spatial awareness, and experience or certification in operating heavy machinery. Familiarity with equipment like front-end loaders, safety protocols, and sometimes OSHA certification or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are typically required. Attention to detail, communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills that help ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain worksite safety, optimize productivity, and prevent costly accidents or equipment damage.
What are popular job titles related to Front Loader Operator jobs in Virginia? For Front Loader Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Front Loader Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Front Loader Operator jobs in Virginia are:
Front Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Front Loader Operator job openings in Virginia as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, and 98% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,834 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
LOADER OPERATOR

LOADER OPERATOR

Branch Civil

Bassett, VA

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Position Summary

Branch's Civil Division is searching for an experienced and safety-oriented Front-End Loader Operator to join our well-established, growing company. The Front-End Loader Operator operates straight or articulated rubber tired or crawler type machine equipped with front mounted hydraulically powered bucket, scoop or other accessories used to grade, excavate, lift, transport or load materials.

Duties/Responsibilities
  • Operates loader by shifting gears, levers and controls to direct movement and force bucket into materials
  • May service and make normal operating adjustments to equipment
  • May complete minor repairs
  • Routine cleaning of equipment and work area
  • May perform other related duties
Duties/Responsibilities Cont.
Qualifications
  • Knowledge of construction techniques
  • 1 to 3 years of front-end loader operating experience
  • Working knowledge of OSHA regulations
  • DOT experience preferred, but not required
Competencies
Dependability
Productivity
Following Policies and Procedures
Communicating Effectively
Accepting Direction
Travel
Supervisory Responsibility
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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste and smell. The employee must frequently lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 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.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position which will typically involve 40+ hours a week. Due to the nature of the job, the employee must be available on-call early/late hours to deal with delays, bad weather and emergencies at the job site.

AAP/EEO Statement

It has been and will continue to be a fundamental policy of the Company not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a veteran, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, with respect to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other terms and condition of employment.

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 or without notice.

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