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Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PITCO Foods Inc.

LOADER

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Loader is responsible for securing the merchandise for shipment and loading it safely, and in the proper sequence. DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES * Stacks, secures and shrinks wraps ...

Dollartree

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.

Sierra Pacific Industries

Equipment Operator

Quincy, CA · On-site

$35.43/hr

Operate frontend loader to load/unload log trucks * Sort logs by species and feed logs to the ... operating experience preferred * Proven ability to recognize and sort logs by species * All ...

World Oil

Loader

Compton, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Operates a forklift to unload and load product in a timely and safe manner. Assists in maintaining certain tank inventories. Samples and tests of loads ensuring compatibity and treatability of waste ...

Pitco Foods

LOADER

West Sacramento, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Loader is responsible for securing the merchandise for shipment and loading it safely, and in the proper sequence. DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES * Stacks, secures and shrinks wraps ...

World Oil

Loader

Compton, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Operates a forklift to unload and load product in a timely and safe manner. Assists in maintaining certain tank inventories. Samples and tests of loads ensuring compatibity and treatability of waste ...

World Oil

Loader

Compton, CA · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

Operates a forklift to unload and load product in a timely and safe manner. Assists in maintaining certain tank inventories. Samples and tests of loads ensuring compatibity and treatability of waste ...

Primo Brands

Loader

Fresno, CA · On-site

$21/hr

Load and unload route delivery trucks and trailers with products manually and/or with forklift. * Input product loads in and out of inventory system. * Participate in daily inventory activities ...

Tempur Sealy

Shipping Truck Loader

Richmond, CA · On-site

$23.45/hr

Reviews the shipping order to ensure all items have been loaded * Assist with operating or loading the palletizer for Costco products. * Must be able to perform each essential job function. * Cleans ...

PITCO Foods Inc.

Loader Overnight

San Jose, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

LOADER OVERNIGHT PITCO Foods is a large independent foodservice distributor in Northern California. Based in San Jose, CA, PITCO also has distribution centers in Brisbane, Oakland, and Sacramento.

Pitco Foods

Loader Overnight

San Jose, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

LOADER OVERNIGHT PITCO Foods is a large independent foodservice distributor in Northern California. Based in San Jose, CA, PITCO also has distribution centers in Brisbane, Oakland, and Sacramento.

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All JobsLoader Operator JobsLoader Operator Jobs in California

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 are popular job titles related to Loader Operator jobs in California? For Loader Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Loader Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Loader Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Loader Operator jobs near you

Loader II

Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery LLC

Farmington, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description


Job Summary

Loader II employees work under the direction of Yard Management and are responsible for loading plant material and trees onto company trucks for customer deliveries or transfers between nursery locations. This role helps ensure that orders are loaded safely, accurately, and efficiently while maintaining plant quality during transport.


Loader II employees apply their experience to support safe loading practices, maintain quality control standards, and assist with coordinating loading operations within the yard.


Essential Functions

  • Understand safe loading configurations and ensure proper weight distribution and maximum truck weight limits are followed.
  • Support the training and development of Level I employees within the department by demonstrating proper work techniques and assisting with task guidance as needed.
  • Ensure plant material is properly tied down, tarped, and secured for safe transportation.
  • Load trucks strategically to support multiple customer delivery stops when applicable.
  • Follow quality control standards and ensure plant material leaving the nursery is in acceptable condition.
  • Verify that the correct plant material and quantities are loaded for each order.
  • Hand load smaller plant material and assist with team lifts for larger material when equipment is not used.
  • Operate Kubota tractors and similar equipment to load plant material.
  • Perform daily equipment inspections before use and report equipment issues to the Yard Manager immediately.
  • Use basic hand tools such as hammers, banding tools, and hand pruners when securing loads.
  • Use truck equipment such as straps and tarps to secure and protect plant material during transport.
  • Determine appropriate trucks for loading based on order size and delivery location.
  • Ensure orders are properly completed and confirmed during loading.
  • Maintain nursery grounds by keeping work areas clean, organized, and safe for employees, customers, and vendors.
  • Handle nursery stock carefully and ensure plants are watered and placed in appropriate locations.


Additional Responsibilities

  • Assist other nursery departments as needed.
  • Support general yard operations and material handling activities.
  • Duties are subject to change at any time per management’s discretion.


Experience & Other Requirements

Required

  • Ability to understand safe loading practices and weight distribution requirements.
  • Ability to safely operate yard equipment such as tractors or similar loading equipment.
  • Ability to follow quality control standards for outgoing plant material.
  • Ability to work safely in an active nursery yard environment.


Preferred

  • Previous experience loading trucks or handling plant material in a nursery, landscape, or agricultural environment.
  • Experience operating tractors or yard loading equipment.
  • Familiarity with delivery logistics or multi-stop delivery planning.


Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This position is performed primarily outdoors in active nursery yard environments.


Work conditions include varying weather conditions, uneven ground surfaces, and exposure to dust, plant material, moisture, and typical nursery conditions. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as applicable.


Physical requirements include:

  • Extensive standing and walking throughout the nursery yard during the workday.
  • Frequent bending, twisting, turning, kneeling, crouching, and climbing ladders.
  • Working on uneven surfaces including dirt, gravel, plant material, and irrigated areas.
  • Use of hands and fingers for grasping and handling plant material and securing loads.
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs independently (approximately 75% of the time).
  • Participating in team lifts up to 100 lbs (approximately 25% of the time) when required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Employment EligibilityDevil Mountain Wholesale Nursery participates in E-Verify. All newly hired employees are required to complete Form I-9 and participate in the E-Verify employment eligibility verification process.Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.



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