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Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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 ...

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 ...

JOB SUMMARY The Sales/Yard Loader is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a ... As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First ...

Equipment Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$24 - $50/hr

Description JOB SUMMARY The Sales/Yard Loader is responsible for the safe and efficient operation ... May assist in operating other mobile equipment as needed, including haul trucks, excavators, or ...

Equipment Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

$24 - $50/hr

Description JOB SUMMARY The Sales/Yard Loader is responsible for the safe and efficient operation ... May assist in operating other mobile equipment as needed, including haul trucks, excavators, or ...

Equipment Operator

Baldwin Park, CA · On-site

$24 - $50/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Sales/Yard Loader is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a ... As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First ...

Utility Operator

Sun Valley, CA · On-site

$32.91 - $46.02/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Batch Plant Operator

Sunol, CA · On-site

$54.70/hr

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 ...

Batch Plant Operator

Sunol, CA · On-site

$54.70/hr

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 ...

Scale Operator

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Scale Operator AMAT San Rafael, California, United States Job ID: 524845 Dutra Materials, A CRH ... Monitor load sizes of company trucks. * Service all customer pick-up business. * Cash procedures i ...

Loader

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Perform monthly rail and loading rack preventative maintenance work orders and the Loader's Daily Plant inspection checklist. * Assist mechanics and operators with facility maintenance, painting, and ...

Loader

Stockton, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.50/hr

Loads and unloads trailers, moves merchandise from area to area and uses conveyors or forklift equipment throughout Distribution Center. Essential job functions: * Load and unload merchandise.

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Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 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 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 is a Loader Operator?

A Loader Operator is a skilled equipment operator who uses heavy machinery, such as front-end loaders or wheel loaders, to move materials like soil, gravel, sand, or debris on construction sites, mines, or other work environments. Their responsibilities include loading and unloading materials, maintaining the equipment, and following safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe operations. Loader Operators often work closely with other construction or site workers to keep projects running smoothly.
What cities in California are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Plant Operator

Plant Operator

Graniterock

Redwood City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Place personal safety and the safety of others before all else. Provide the highest levels of service to our internal and external customers. Primary duties include asphalt plant operator, drum & batch plant maintenance, operational support, mobile equipment operations, and railcar conveyor operator. Inspect, lubricate, and repair as required. Maintain cleanliness of the plant area, service emulsion customers, load customer trucks as required. 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 and timely. Perform and record pre-and post-operation inspections on mobile equipment and perform plant preventive maintenance and lubrication to achieve 100% uptime. Assist in performing daily/monthly site and equipment safety inspections. Work towards constant improvement in product quality and plant performance. Able to work without fear of heights or being in tight places. Work in alignment with Graniterock Safe Work Practices, core Purpose, Values, and Objectives, and support "One Company" principles.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent.
SKILLS: Ability to work safely in a plant environment. Must have welding/mechanical/fabrication experience. Strong communication and organizational skills. Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work well with team members and customers. Good computer skills. Must have the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced, demanding environment while remaining flexible regarding tasks. Ability to frequently climb, bend, stoop and lift to 50lbs to inspect and maintain the plant.
EXPERIENCE: 4+ years welding, HDR, or fabrication. Some plant maintenance and Loader Operator experience.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: Some college level computer, organizational, and mechanical engineering courses.
SKILLS: Bilingual in Spanish. Experience in performing plant inspections and developing maintenance plans from plant inspections. Basic electrical knowledge. Asphalt mix design knowledge; aggregate and binder properties knowledge; ability to trouble shoot plant problems.
EXPERIENCE: 4+ years Asphalt plant maintenance and operations experience. Loader Operator experience a plus.
OTHER COMMENTS: Must be a team player and flexible; working hours will vary between day and night shifts, including weekends; must be available to report to work on short notice. Must have valid CA Driver's License, clean driving record and be safety conscious. Work is covered under a contract with the Operating Engineers Local 3.