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Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Utility Specialist/Loader Operator

Napa, CA

$35 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Equipment operated will include a loader, skid steer, water truck, man lift, forklift, etc. Training received will also cover back-up batch activities and plant maintenance. The daily ...

Operate skid steer loader, forklift, and excavator as required. While operating a 988 sized front-end loader, supply the Batch Plant and Drum Plant with aggregates. Unload railcar shipments safely ...

Yard Loader

San Jose, CA

$20.65 - $23.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Yard Loader is responsible for safely and accurately loading and unloading all deliveries made and received by ADS. A Yard Loader must demonstrate safe and proper vehicle operation at all times.

Yard Loader

San Jose, CA · On-site

$20.65 - $23.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Yard Loader must demonstrate safe and proper vehicle operation at all times. This position also interacts with company and non-company drivers as well as will-call customers and should display ...

Yard Loader

Alviso, CA · On-site

$20.65 - $23.60/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Yard Loader must demonstrate safe and proper vehicle operation at all times. This position also interacts with company and non-company drivers as well as will-call customers and should display ...

Utility Operator

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$36.44 - $44.67/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fills in for the Plant Operator or Loader Operator when regular staff are out * Follows all company policies and procedures in accordance with guidelines established by Arcosa management * Ensure ...

Utility Operator

Bloomington, CA · On-site

$36.44 - $44.67/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fills in for the Plant Operator or Loader Operator when regular staff are out * Follows all company policies and procedures in accordance with guidelines established by Arcosa management * Ensure ...

Loader

Williams, CA

$22.18 - $24.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operators using standardized hand signals and guide ropes during lifting and movement * Properly load, tie down, and secure pool shells according to approved procedures * ​Prepare pools for nesting ...

Loader

Williams, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operators using standardized hand signals and guide ropes during lifting and movement * Properly load, tie down, and secure pool shells according to approved procedures * ​Prepare pools for nesting ...

Loader

Williams, CA · On-site

$22.18 - $24.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide crane operators using standardized hand signals and guide ropes during lifting and movement * Properly load, tie down, and secure pool shells according to approved procedures * Prepare pools ...

Plant Operator

Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$34 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Operator is expected to possess advanced troubleshooting skills, perform preventative and ... Oversee the loading of asphalt into haul trucks, ensuring correct weights, legal load limits, and ...

Plant Operator

Santa Margarita, CA

$34 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Operator is expected to possess advanced troubleshooting skills, perform preventative and ... Oversee the loading of asphalt into haul trucks, ensuring correct weights, legal load limits, and ...

New

Loader

Williams, CA · On-site

$22.18 - $24.15/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide crane operators using standardized hand signals and guide ropes during lifting and movement * Properly load, tie down, and secure pool shells according to approved procedures * Prepare pools ...

Plant Operator

Santa Margarita, CA

$34 - $39/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Operator is expected to possess advanced troubleshooting skills, perform preventative and ... Oversee the loading of asphalt into haul trucks, ensuring correct weights, legal load limits, and ...

New

Loader

Williams, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operators using standardized hand signals and guide ropes during lifting and movement * Properly load, tie down, and secure pool shells according to approved procedures * ​Prepare pools for nesting ...

Fuel Loader - Transload Operator

Fontana, CA

$23 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fuel Loader - Transload Operator Location: Fontana, CA Job Type: Full-time, non-exempt, hourly Shift(s): 12 hour shifts Schedule: Night shift: Saturday to Tuesday 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. Pay: $23-$25/hour ...

Loader

Brea, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Loader/Unloader Location: Brea, CA Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Pay: 17 p/h Job Summary: We are seeking reliable and hardworking Loaders/Unloaders to join our team in Brea, CA . The ...

Showing results 21-40

Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in California is $19.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectLoader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, equipment-specific certificationsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, equipment-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction sites, mining, excavation projects
Job DutiesLoading materials, moving debris, site cleanupDigging trenches, lifting heavy materials, excavation

Both Loader Operators and Excavator Operators require similar certifications and work in construction or mining environments. The main difference lies in their specific tasks: Loader Operators focus on loading and moving materials, while Excavator Operators handle digging and excavation work.

What is the role of a loader operator?

A loader operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery such as front-end loaders, skid steers, or backhoes to load materials like soil, gravel, or debris into trucks or containers. They inspect equipment, follow safety protocols, and may need certifications or training to operate specific machinery. Their work environment is typically construction sites, warehouses, or mining operations.

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

To thrive as a Loader Operator, you need expertise in operating heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a valid equipment operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as front-end loaders, forklifts, and basic maintenance tools is important, as is adherence to safety protocols. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are essential soft skills for preventing accidents and ensuring smooth operations. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safety, productivity, and minimizing downtime on construction or industrial sites.

What are some common challenges faced by loader operators on construction sites, and how can they be managed effectively?

Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing heavy loads, and maintaining safety while operating machinery around other workers and equipment. Effective communication with site supervisors and other team members is essential to coordinate movements and avoid accidents. Regular equipment inspections and adherence to safety protocols help prevent breakdowns and injuries, ensuring smooth daily operations. Building experience and staying up to date with industry best practices can also make handling these challenges more manageable.

What cities in California are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various 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, with an average salary of $40,648 per year, or $19.5 per hour.

Utility Specialist/Loader Operator

CalPortland

Napa, CA

$35 - $39/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


CalPortland rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary

The Utility Specialist Loader Operator is responsible for maintaining the ready-mix plant and performing other general duties as needed. This individual will operate equipment commonly found necessary for the proper maintenance of a ready-mix plant. Equipment operated will include a loader, skid steer, water truck, man lift, forklift, etc. Training received will also cover back-up batch activities and plant maintenance. The daily responsibilities may not be site-specific. All duties are to be performed while exhibiting and championing safe work and environmental compliance practices for the incumbent as well as co-workers.

Benefits

At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That's why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. All regular full-time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental, and vision plans. Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and a retirement program. The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.

Compensation

$25/hourly - Probationary pay; $35-$39/hourly - Post probationary period pay

Responsibilities
  • Responsible for the day-to-day plant clean-up and maintenance including manual labor, heavy lifting, shoveling, lubrication of plant components, and minor plant adjustments
  • Perform other tasks associated with the production of concrete products as assigned
  • Load, unload, and move material
  • Operate a range of loaders including skip loader, front loader, man lift, and forklift
  • Demonstrate safe and efficient operation of equipment
  • Work with team members to maximize productivity and efficiency
  • Perform daily plant and equipment inspections
  • Operate and/or assist workers engaged in operating machinery and equipment used in the production process
  • Work with plant management to identify potential and existing problems
  • Ensure a safe work environment; immediately report any unsafe conditions, accidents, or incidents to the supervisor
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, health, safety, and environmental legislation/regulations
  • Comply with company policies, procedures, and work rules
  • Perform pre-operational/post-operational checks of equipment to ensure equipment can be operated safely 
  • Perform plant maintenance activities and other duties as directed
Education

High school diploma/GED

Requirements/Qualifications
  • Ability to work safely and properly follow all company policies
  • Understand the knowledge of hazards associated with areas of responsibility
  • Ability to be self-directed, with minimal supervision
  • Must be able to use proper Personal Protective Equipment as required
  • Physical requirements:
    • Sit, stand, stoop, and bend for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours)
    • Climb on equipment, stairs, and ladder as high as 400 feet in elevation
    • Walk on all types of surfaces (uneven and/or slippery ground) and crawl under and into enclosed spaces
    • Ability to lift and or move up to 50-75 lbs. repeatedly and climb stairs and ladders up to 24 feet
    • Ability to see and hear safety indicators and warnings and will have exposure to all levels of noise, requiring hearing protection
  • Must work in all weather conditions: heat, cold, wet, dry, and/or dusty conditions and near hot kiln
  • Experience operating loaders, man lifts, and forklifts
  • Experience operating equipment outside in all weather conditions
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Reliable transportation
  • Trustworthy and excellent attendance record
  • Overtime is required as needed which may include some weekend work; night work will be required 
  • Please note: Exposure to cement, clay, limestone, and various chemicals

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with MSHA regulations
  • Preferred knowledge of all types of equipment used in the manufacturing of cement
  • Strong computer skills
  • Maintenance-related certifications
  • Commercial driver's license
Conditions of Employment

Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registration/clearance as well as ongoing alcohol and drug testing. In accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for work that will be performed in the San Francisco area, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.


What CalPortland employees say

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