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Heavy Equipment Loader Operator Jobs in California

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Salinas, CA

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Salinas, CA

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

Motive Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Purpose of Role The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of heavy machinery-including excavators, dozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump trucks, and front‑end loaders-as ...

VSS International, Inc.

Loader/Operator

Monterey, CA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine ... Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Conduct pre-shift and post-shift inspections of equipment * Identify and report mechanical issues ... Proven experience operating a production loader in a mining, quarry, or heavy civil environment

County of Siskiyou

Heavy Equipment Operator

Yreka, CA · On-site

$51K - $65K/yr

The primary purpose is to safely and effectively transfer, load and compact solid waste. This ... The position requires advanced skill in operating heavy equipment and specialized machinery within ...

Motive Companies

Heavy Equipment Operator

Concord, CA · On-site

$54/hr

Knowledgeable of limitations of heavy equipment including load weights in order not to overload or ... Demonstrate experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

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Heavy Equipment Loader Operator information

What does a heavy equipment loader operator do?

A Heavy Equipment Loader Operator is responsible for operating large machinery—such as front-end loaders—to move materials like soil, gravel, sand, and debris on construction sites, quarries, and other work environments. They load materials into trucks, feed machinery, and help prepare and clean job sites. Operators must follow safety protocols, perform routine equipment inspections, and sometimes assist with minor maintenance. The role requires good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and knowledge of machinery operation and site safety regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment loader operator?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Loader Operator, you need proficiency in operating loaders, understanding safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often with on-the-job training or specialized certification. Familiarity with equipment controls, maintenance systems, and sometimes GPS or telematics tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work efficiently and safely on busy job sites. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining productivity, preventing accidents, and ensuring the smooth operation of construction or industrial projects.

What are some common safety challenges faced by heavy equipment loader operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Heavy Equipment Loader Operators often encounter safety challenges such as working in close proximity to other machinery, managing blind spots, and ensuring stable loads. To manage these risks, operators should consistently follow site-specific safety protocols, perform daily equipment inspections, and maintain clear communication with ground crews using hand signals or radios. Additionally, staying up-to-date with required certifications and participating in regular safety training sessions can greatly reduce the likelihood of workplace incidents.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) often preferred, equipment-specific certificationsOperator certifications for excavators, often OSHA-compliant
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction, demolition, excavation projects
Industry UsageHeavy equipment operation across construction, mining, agriculturePrimarily excavation and trenching in construction and infrastructure

While both roles involve operating heavy machinery, a Heavy Equipment Loader Operator primarily handles loaders for moving materials, whereas an Excavator Operator specializes in operating excavators for digging and trenching. Both require similar certifications and work in construction or mining environments, but their equipment and specific tasks differ.

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Loader Operator jobs in California?

For Heavy Equipment Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Loader Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Loader Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Heavy Equipment Loader Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Heavy Equipment Loader Operator job openings:

Heavy Equipment Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Loader Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Barn Loader Operator) - 1st Shift

American Wood Fibers, Inc

Jamestown, CA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

American Wood Fibers rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

American Wood Fibers (AWF) is a manufacturer of both consumer and industrial products that are sold to multiple manufacturers as well as pet, agricultural, and home-heating markets. AWF is comprised of 450+ employees and holds operations at 11 locations, generating over $100M in annual sales revenue. We are currently seeking a candidate for the 1st Shift Heavy Equipment (Barn Loader Operator)  role at our Jamestown, CA plant.

JOB SUMMARY

The Heavy Equipment ( Barn Loader Operator) is responsible for working in a safe, efficient manner to maximize the shipping and receiving of finished goods and materials.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • SHIPPING/RECEIVING
  • Operate the mobile equipment (loader, Skid Steer, or yard truck) in a safe and efficient manner while loading trucks with packaged and bulk material
  • Load AWF and customer trailers
  • Complete shipping and receiving paperwork
  • QUALITY
  • Maintain and verify that all current quality assurance measures are being followed and communicated to supervisors, production employees, truck drivers, office personnel, and customers
  • Assist in the design and implementation of new procedures as needed
  • PRODUCTION
  • Operate machinery that produces and packages products
  • Operate stretch wrapper by setting palletized bales on machine: starting, stopping, and cutting stretch wrap, then removing wrapped pallet to transfer to storage
  • OTHER
  • Attend and participate in a monthly safety meeting
  • Establish personal growth and working relationship with fellow employees to further improvement and teamwork
  • Maintain cleanliness of work station and related areas

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Physical capability to bend, squat, or stoop
  • Valid Drivers License REQUIRED

EXPERIENCE LEVEL

  • Manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Industrial Equipment: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Packaging: 1 year (Preferred)

BENEFITS

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance


COMPENSATION

$20.00 - $24.00 an hour 


Due to the nature of our business, American Wood Fibers requires a tobacco and smoke-free environment. We offer a competitive package to include health, dental, vision and life insurance, plus profit bonus, paid time off and matching 401(k).

For more company information, please visit our web site www.awf.com. AWF is an EEO employer.

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