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Loader Operator Jobs in Crookston, MN (NOW HIRING)

Machinist Operator

Grand Forks, ND · On-site

$19.80 - $29.71/hr

Operators will load materials into the machine tools for production. Must be able to safely use all machine shop equipment. They will inspect parts for quality and drawing conformity. Applies ...

Machinist Operator

Grand Forks, ND · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Operators will load materials into the machine tools for production. Must be able to safely use all machine shop equipment. They will inspect parts for quality and drawing conformity. Applies ...

Machinist Operator

Grand Forks, ND · On-site

$19.80 - $29.71/hr

Operators will load materials into the machine tools for production. Must be able to safely use all machine shop equipment. They will inspect parts for quality and drawing conformity. Applies ...

Description Service Truck Operator Schedule: Full-Time (Includes rotating on-call schedule) Join an ... Load, unload, and organize tires as needed * Submit fuel receipts and maintain accurate records

CDL Driver

East Grand Forks, MN · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Forklift certification or experience operating a forklift. * Experience with strapping and securing loads. * Familiarity with local roads and routes. Physical Requirements: * Ability to lift and ...

Truck Driver/Applicator

Beltrami, MN · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

This individual would be in charge of operating a floater in the spring and fall time and driving ... Lift and load products, 1-2 hours per day. * Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal ...

Truck Driver/Applicator

Beltrami, MN · On-site

$22.50 - $27/hr

This individual would be in charge of operating a floater in the spring and fall time and driving ... Lift and load products, 1-2 hours per day. * Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal ...

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Loader Operator information

See Crookston, MN salary details

$10

$18

$26

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Crookston, MN is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 certification or training to operate specific machinery. The role often involves working outdoors in construction, mining, or warehousing environments.

What cities near Crookston, MN are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Crookston, MN with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Crookston, MN 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 $38,454 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

$32 - $40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate regulator and other equipment to shape, distribute, shouldering, and sweep ballast supporting railroad track.

  • Install equipment or attachments on machinery, operate on-track and construction equipment, and perform material loading and unloading tasks.

  • Perform maintenance, troubleshoot machine issues, and ensure safety and compliance with regulations during operations.


Job description


Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc. 

Business Unit: Complete Track Works                 

Department: Construction 

Travel: 80%+ 

Schedule: 7:00am – 4:30pm with additional hours as required.                                                                           

Summary:

The Regulator Operator position is to perform the work that the machine is designed for, such as, shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping ballast which supports the ties of railroad track.  Operates a variety of equipment within the organization to move, load, or unload various ballast & railroad materials and install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

  • Operate regulator to perform the work that machine is designed for, such as, shaping, distributing, shouldering, and sweeping the track ballast that supports the railroad track ties. 
  • Installs equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures. 
  • Operate regulator with attachments to clear debris from tracks, remove snow, improve stormwater drainage, and brush cut.
  • Operates On-track equipment to rehabilitate, construct, or install railroad track.
  • Operates Construction equipment to move, load, or unload material. 
  • Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with governing regulations, policies, and procedures. 
  • Coordinates machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members. 
  • Manage the distribution of ballast, whether by roto dump, front end loader, or by using rail car.
  • Ability to run regulator or direct regulator operator to establish work requirements and meet precise job specifications.
  • Must be able to trouble shoot and/or diagnose machine problems to ensure steady production in the field. 
  • Perform maintenance and make repairs on machine and related equipment as necessary. 
  • Perform minor mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repairs in the field and/or the shop.
  • Order parts on their own and communicate with the mechanic. 
  • Must be able to work alone in remote locations independently and with minimum supervision.
  • Communicate any safety or mechanical issues to supervisor.
  • Inspect and recognize any deviation from FRA track safety standards part 213.
  • Responsible for the safe completion and inspection of assigned task.
  • Meet job production objectives safely, and within budget, with respect to detail and quality. 
  • Must fill out, maintain, and produce accurate and up-to-date production reports.
  • Assist in the restoration, renewal, maintenance, and new construction of track structures as needed.
  • Works with Truck drivers loads and offloads equipment as it arrives and exits project site.
  • Takes action to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utilities, other equipment, other workers, structural objects, and through traffic. 
  • Perform manual labor consisting of crouching, bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and lifting while working at ground level. 
  • Other Duties as assigned. 
  • Will perform work on Northern Plains Railroad as directed.

 Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Ability to operate and maintain various types of Ballast Regulators. 
  • Track record of successful project management.
  • Successful management of surfacing projects.
  • Experience using hand tools, power tools and hydraulic equipment.
  • Knowledge of and ability to adhere to safety requirements and procedures.
  • Ability to work on their own in remote locations independently.
  • Willingness to wear the proper and required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as hard hat, steel toed boots, eye and hearing protection and face shields and other PPE required for specific tasks.
  • Basic internet and computer or other handheld device skills needed for payroll reports, equipment reports, safety and equipment reports, and email correspondence. 
  • A valid Commercial Driver’s License and a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Driving Record.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands listed below:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform on uneven or slippery surfaces, platforms, ladders, equipment in all weather and temperature conditions. Most of the day could be spent on feet standing. Eye/hand coordination, hand/feet dexterity and grasping hand tools, materials & equipment is required. The employee is frequently required to perform manual labor & physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body, such as standing and lifting from various levels.
  • Additional physical demands are listed in the chart below.
  • May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services (80+%).

Environmental

  • Continuous: Exposed to noise.
  • Frequent: Exposure to smoke, dust, fumes, odors, grease, oil, works outdoors in hot and cold temperatures and in all extreme weather conditions, works outside, vibration, works with moving machinery and mechanical parts, works at heights.
  • Occasional: Exposure to electrical hazards, works in cramped quarters, works inside, chemicals, stand on concrete, shift work, walks on uneven or slippery surface, wet conditions, works with others & alone, paperwork.
  • Rare: Works with toxic materials.

 Education and Training:

  • GED or High School Diploma.
  • 3+ Years’ experience operating a Regulator or heavy construction equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Valid Drivers License required.
  • Must have or be able to obtain a valid DOT (Department of Transportation) Medical Certificate (Med Card).
  • CDL Preferred 
  • Must have and maintain an insurable driving status which includes but is not limited to NPRS driver provisions.

 Requirements of Joining Our Team: 

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to: 

       1.    Pass a mandatory drug test to maintain a drug-free workplace. Random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident testing may also be required throughout employment. 

    2.    Undergo a thorough physical examination to ensure the requirements of the position can be met.

    3.    Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

    4.    Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position. 

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

 

LIFT 2 - Physical Demands Checklist                                                                                                 

* Never (N) = Not at all * Rarely (R) = 1-5% * Occasionally (O) = 6-33% * Frequently (F) = 34-66% * Continuously (C) = 67-100%

TASKS

N 0%

R 1-5%

O

6-33%

F

34-66%

C 67-100%

Essential

Comments

Sitting

X

Standing

X

X

Walking Distance: 600 ft

X

X

Bending/Stooping: 2 min

X

X

Sitting while twisting & reaching above shoulder level