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Loader Operator Jobs in Cleveland, TN (NOW HIRING)

Loader Operator

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Loader Operator

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Forklift Operator I / Loader

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Forklift Operator I is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and stack products in preparation for shipping and receiving demands to meet customer needs. Functions

Forklift Operator I / Loader

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Forklift Operator I is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and stack products in preparation for shipping and receiving demands to meet customer needs. Functions

Forklift Operator I / Loader

Chattanooga, TN

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Forklift Operator I is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and stack products in preparation for shipping and receiving demands to meet customer needs. Functions

This position will require the employee to operate all equipment required to load bulk trucks and ... This position will require the operator to work outside in all weather conditions. Basic problem ...

Automotive Yard Worker

Chattanooga, TN

$13 - $16.50/hr

Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly * Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard * Dismantle tires * Maintain a safe and clean ...

Automotive Yard Worker

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$13 - $16.50/hr

Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly * Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard * Dismantle tires * Maintain a safe and clean ...

Forklift I (Loader)

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Kenco Logistics Forklift Operator At Kenco Logistics, you're more than just a team member--you're ... Load, unload, and store products and/or materials * Stack and/or transport materials and products ...

Forklift I (Loader)

Chattanooga, TN

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and stack products in preparation for shipping and receiving demands to meet customer needs. Functions

Forklift I (Loader)

Chattanooga, TN

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and stack products in preparation for shipping and receiving demands to meet customer needs. Functions

Forklift I (Loader)

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and stack products in preparation for shipping and receiving demands to meet customer needs. Functions

Forklift I (Loader)

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and stack products in preparation for shipping and receiving demands to meet customer needs. Functions

Ensures safety first, along with safe lifting of the load, proper set-up of crane, while maintaining Customer focus. Follows all State and Federal laws while operating motor vehicles. Follows all ...

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Loader Operator information

See Cleveland, TN salary details

$9

$16

$23

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Cleveland, TN is $16.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $18.70 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 are popular job titles related to Loader Operator jobs in Cleveland, TN?

For Loader Operator jobs in Cleveland, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Loader Operator jobs in Cleveland, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Loader Operator jobs in Cleveland, TN are:

What cities near Cleveland, TN are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Cleveland, TN with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Cleveland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,461 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Loader Operator

Pick Your Part

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Description:

Operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner to move salvage vehicles through all phases of the operation, maintain facility grounds. Help ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Support dismantle and yard operations. Use scan gun and tablet/phone to update inventory system on location of vehicles. Help ensure fulfillment of daily work orders. Communicate written and verbally with management and other team members. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Job Duties

  • Perform preoperational inspections to ensure equipment is safe for work.
  • Operate equipment in a safe and courteous manner in work area with pedestrians and other vehicle traffic. Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc...
  • Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any findings and equipment hours to management.
  • Prioritize and plan work load to prevent delays to operations.
  • Use long and short auto salvage forks on wheel loader to unload car haulers and stage upcoming cars for inventory, dismantle and cuts.
  • Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage, vehicle holding areas and salvage yard.
  • Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before unloading from bay and placing in the salvage yard.
  • Load Processing rack with unprocessed cars. Process and crush vehicles that have reached their useful life and load onto scrap haulers for final disposal.
  • Assist with safety and regulation compliance for facility in general. Maintain location accuracy and integrity of vehicles placed in the yard.
  • Perform tasks assigned by dispatch which may include: location checks, part checks, part pulls etc. Communicate delays and problems promptly with management and affected coworkers.
  • Assume other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

Education & Experience

  • 1+ years of experience.
  • Must have heavy equipment operations experience and some automotive background.
  • Must possess basic technology competence (scan gun, tablet/phone applications).
  • Must have good oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess the ability to stay calm, cool and collected in a high pressure fast paced work environment.
  • Must work well with others.

Preferred Requirements

  • High School Diploma/GED.
  • Previous heavy equipment operating, some computer skills, general maintenance and understanding of mechanical equipment.
  • Understanding of automotive components and disassembly.
  • Experience in rigging/lifting operations a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Basic computer skills
  • Basic messages communicated orally. May write brief messages and keep simple records.
  • Problems encountered are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures.
  • Decisions generally affect own job or assigned functional area.
  • Results are defined; sets personal own goals and determines how to achieve results with few or no guidelines to follow; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction.
  • Handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously with moderate complexity.

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods of time.
  • The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment. May regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE). May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels.
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.


Benefits:

Health/Dental/Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

• 401k with Generous Company Match

• Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability

• Short-Term Disability

• Employee Discounts


Why Apply:

• Steady, full-time work

• Competitive hourly pay

• Consistent schedule

• Opportunity for long-term growth

Fast hiring process