1

Frontend Loader Driver Jobs in Griffith, IN (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

East Chicago, IN · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to front end loaders, manlift, yard ... Interacts with customers or drivers to direct or assist them * Performs other general laborer tasks ...

Journeyman Mechanic

Crete, IL · On-site

$26.25 - $34.75/hr

Isuzu NPR / NRR * Front-end loaders * Bobcat skid steers * Tractor trailers * Light-duty trucks and ... ASE certification preferred * CDL-A preferred (not required) * Ability to pass background and MVR ...

Yard Manager

Riverdale, IL · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Operating equipment as needed, such as forklifts, skid steers, front-end loaders, and yard trucks ... Leads, Drivers, Equipment Operators, Maintenance Mechanics, Sorters, and Operational Support ...

Operating equipment as needed, such as forklifts, skid steers, front-end loaders, and yard trucks ... Leads, Drivers, Equipment Operators, Maintenance Mechanics, Sorters, and Operational Support ...

Yard Manager

Riverdale, IL · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Operating equipment as needed, such as forklifts, skid steers, front-end loaders, and yard trucks ... Leads, Drivers, Equipment Operators, Maintenance Mechanics, Sorters, and Operational Support ...

... front-end loaders, backhoes, compactors, pavers, graders and excavators at a work site to dig ... , Class A or B, as issued by the State of Illinois • Positions operating a mobile crane must ...

... front end loaders, lopping shears, power saws, aerial towers (with bucket), log booms, brush ... Equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify for this position. CDL class B ...

... front end loaders, lopping shears, power saws, aerial towers (with bucket), log booms, brush ... Equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify for this position. CDL class B ...

Showing results 41-50

Frontend Loader Driver information

See Griffith, IN salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do frontend loader driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for frontend loader driver in Griffith, IN is $17.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Frontend Loader Driver vs Excavator Operator?

AspectFrontend Loader DriverExcavator Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL or specialized loader certificationOperator's license, excavator certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, warehouses, mining operationsConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Job DutiesLoading, moving materials, site cleanupDigging, trenching, lifting heavy materials

Both roles require similar certifications and are commonly found in construction and industrial settings. The main difference lies in their equipment and specific tasks: Frontend Loader Drivers operate loaders for loading and moving materials, while Excavator Operators handle digging and trenching with excavators. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What is a frontend loader driver?

Frontend Loader Drivers are skilled operators responsible for driving and maneuvering frontend loaders, which are heavy machinery equipped with a large bucket at the front for scooping, lifting, and transporting materials such as soil, gravel, or debris. They play a critical role in construction, mining, agriculture, and waste management industries. Their tasks include loading and unloading materials, maintaining the equipment, and ensuring safe operation in compliance with safety regulations. Frontend Loader Drivers must have strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and usually require appropriate licenses or certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by a frontend loader driver on a construction site?

Frontend Loader Drivers often face challenges such as navigating tight or uneven spaces, working in adverse weather conditions, and ensuring safety around other workers and machinery. They must remain vigilant to avoid accidents, especially when visibility is limited or when operating near pedestrians and sensitive equipment. Effective communication with site supervisors and other equipment operators is essential to coordinate movements and maintain workflow efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a frontend loader driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Frontend Loader Driver, you need solid operational skills, knowledge of safety regulations, and typically a valid heavy equipment operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with loader-specific controls, basic maintenance tools, and sometimes GPS or site management systems is common. Attention to detail, communication, and reliability are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operation, minimize workplace hazards, and support smooth construction or material handling operations.
What cities near Griffith, IN are hiring for Frontend Loader Driver jobs? Cities near Griffith, IN with the most Frontend Loader Driver job openings:
Infographic showing various Frontend Loader Driver job openings in Griffith, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,040 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

East Chicago, IN • On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Cleveland-Cliffs rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 115 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 41 rated mining


Job description

Location: Detroit, MI
Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of North America. FPT is a wholly-owned business of Cleveland-Cliffs has an immediate opportunity for an Operator at one of our Detroit MI locations . The Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment including front end loaders.
Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Ensure adherence to safety standards including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), remove hazards as identified, and maintain cleanliness of the site.
  • Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using mobile equipment or by hand.
  • Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals to separate out high-grade metals and removes any non-conforming metals.
  • Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to front end loaders, manlift, yard vehicle, car crusher, shear, and or yard switch tractor.
  • Operate & maintain baler and remove finished bales from the baler, weigh and properly place them in finished goods inventory.
  • Operate & maintain mobile equipment including but not limited to forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, street sweeper, and/or water trucks.
  • Perform tasks involving physical labor using tools, including but not limited to standard hand tools, torch, bander, saw zall, and wire snips.
  • Identify scrap including the grade and type of material and any undesirable elements within the material.
  • Responsible for positioning trailers and containers around the yard and emptying gaylord boxes as required.
  • Responsible for switching rail cars, locomotive operation.
  • Remove fluids from incoming materials or vehicles as required.
  • Perform cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping
  • Assists mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment
  • Interacts with customers or drivers to direct or assist them
  • Performs other general laborer tasks as required
  • Performs daily inspections of equipment

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma/GED or may consider 1+ years of equipment operator experience.
  • Ability to work independently
  • Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to maintain accurate records
  • Ability to follow oral and written communication
  • Ability to climb ladders or steps to reach objects
  • Ability to endure physical and outdoor work on a daily basis.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Work cooperatively with other employees and the public
  • Must be able to work in an environment where routinely exposed to dust, dirt, vibrations, extreme climate and changes in weather.
  • Pre-Employment background, physical, and hair drug screen required

Ferrous Processing and Trading is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. Cleveland-Cliffs is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunities, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

What Cleveland-Cliffs employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom