1

Loader Operator Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, LEAD

Columbia, SC · On-site

$39K - $48K/yr

Loads / unloads materials onto vehicles; * Organizes daily pours for load size and locations; assists with other driving duties and groundwork when not operating the concrete truck; * Uses hand and ...

Last date to apply: We are continuously accepting applications As a Blade Utility Operator at ... Load and machine segments for radius grinding. * Prep and clean cores via washing, sandblasting ...

Last date to apply: We are continuously accepting applications As a Blade Utility Operator at ... Load and machine segments for radius grinding. * Prep and clean cores via washing, sandblasting ...

Loads, unloads, and, with the use of approved tools (including power-operated reel lift), moves reels to appropriate locations in accordance with operations workflows. * Sets up the jacketing process ...

Logistics Operator

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Load and unload trucks and manufacturing equipment safely and efficiently. * Ensure all materials ... Receive direction from machine operators to supply raw materials as needed. * Ensure uninterrupted ...

Loads, unloads, and, with the use of approved tools (including power-operated reel lift), moves reels to appropriate locations in accordance with operations workflows. * Sets up the jacketing process ...

Forklift Operator I

Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and ... Load, unload, and store products and/or materials * Stack and/or transport materials and products ...

Forklift Operator I

Columbia, SC · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

The Forklift Operator is responsible for utilizing the lift equipment to move, load, unload, and ... Load, unload, and store products and/or materials * Stack and/or transport materials and products ...

Loads, unloads, and, with the use of approved tools (including power-operated reel lift), moves reels to appropriate locations in accordance with operations workflows. * Sets up the jacketing process ...

Equipment Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

These machines may include: scrapers, bulldozers, motor graders, front-end loaders, backhoes ... Operators may assist in loading and unloading of trucks and using hand tools as related to the ...

Slitting Operator

West Columbia, SC · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Load raw materials and unload finished goods according to bill of materials and product ... Participate in operator-led preventive maintenance to ensure consistent machine performance.

Be Seen First

Press Brake Operator

Columbia, SC · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

As a Press Brake Operator you will be responsible for operating and maintaining a press brake ... Loads sheet material onto press machine. * Compares job router to customer supplied print to verify ...

Showing results 41-60

Loader Operator information

See Lexington, SC salary details

$9

$16

$24

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Lexington, SC is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.62 and $19.13 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 Lexington, SC are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Lexington, SC with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Lexington, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,255 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OPERATOR

City of Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC • On-site

$39K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Salary: $39,024.00 - $48,780.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, SC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400030
Department: UTILITIES
Division: WATER DISTRIBUTION & MAINT
Opening Date: 03/20/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Pay Grade: 107
Description
This position installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system; operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system; and performs related duties as required. The incumbent works within a general outline of work to be performed, and develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.
The work is considered medium-to-heavy in nature and involves walking, standing, stooping, lifting, digging, pushing or raising objects and involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis and 50 to 100 pounds of force on an occasional basis. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
Work environment may involve exposure to bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, extreme noise levels, vibration, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical shock, heights, animals/wildlife, toxic/caustic chemicals, confined spaces, disease/pathogens, dangerous gases. Work involves light to heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others. Safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands. Work is dynamic and requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
Essential Job Functions
  • Installs, tests, inspects, locates, troubleshoots, evaluates, maintains and repairs all components and assets associated with standard operational and maintenance practices of the water distribution system;
  • Operates, evaluates and maintains light and heavy equipment in operation and maintenance of the water distribution system;
  • Loads/unloads materials onto/from vehicles;
  • Operates light to heavy off-road equipment or trucks (e.g., dump trucks and other trucks, excavators, cranes, motor graders, bull dozers, bob cats, front-end loaders, skid steers, bush hogs, back hoes, compactors, trailers, tractors, low boys, or trenchers) to excavate or compact earth, load or unload materials, move or haul materials, install pipe, etc.
  • Maintains assigned trucks and equipment; performs cleaning, preventive and routine maintenance and simple repair work as required;
  • Uses hand and power tools in various manual tasks as required;
  • Performs general manual labor tasks as required;
  • Conducts analysis of water distribution system.
  • Inspects equipment to ensure proper and safe working condition; reports defects or required maintenance to the supervisor;
  • Maintains accurate and complete work records as required;
  • Prepares and submits detailed work records and reports;
  • Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility;
  • Provides leadership to or assists co-workers with various duties as required.
  • Attends meetings, training, etc., as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills;
  • Performs all duties in accordance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of quality and safety;
  • May be required to work additional hours, holidays, weekends, nights and on-call rotation as needed in order to accomplish assigned work; and
  • Required to work on call rotation; and
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications to Perform Work:
  • High school diploma or GED;
  • One (1) year relevant prior experience.
  • Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.
  • Must obtain DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) medical examiner's certificate within thirty (30) days from date of hire;
  • Must possess or obtain a South Carolina Class "A" CDL within timeframe required in the CDL Program;
  • Must possess a LLR Water Distribution System Operator Class "D" License.
  • Able to demonstrate competency and complete the minimum requirements for
  • Operator D as defined in the Water Distribution System Operator Training Program within two (2) years of date of hire;
  • Must possess or obtain Asbestos certification, A Frame certification, and Trench and
  • Shoring certification within one (1) year from date of hire.

Pay grade will be dependent upon certification and work experience for applicants who possess Class "A, B, C or D" level of certification:
LevelPay GradeSalary RangeTrainee107$39,024.00
Operator Level "D"108$40,975.00 - $52,243.00Operator Level "C"109$43,024.00 - $54,855.50Operator Level "B"110$46,251.00 - $58,970.00Operator Level "A"111$49,720.00 - $63,393.00
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to read routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar;
  • Knowledge of personal computer equipment with skill in doing data entry and in the use of Microsoft Office preferred 2000, utilizing Outlook, word processing and spreadsheet software programs preferred;
  • Ability to make decisions, requiring very few decisions affecting only the individual; works in a very stable environment with clear and uncomplicated written/oral instructions;
  • Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to capture accurate measurements and calculate ratios, rates and percentages;
  • Knowledge of basic algebra involving variables and formulas and/or basic geometry involving plane and solid figures, circumferences, areas and volumes, and/or computing discounts and interest rates;
  • Ability to perform semi-routine work following procedures with occasional problems;
  • Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring moderate instruction and experience, such as line locating devices, light off-road equipment; may repair power tools and light equipment;
  • Ability to perform routine work using common sense;
  • Ability to perform clerical, manual or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices but which may require computation, the use of several procedures, and the use of independent judgments with obvious choices; requires normal attention for accurate results;
  • Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard; and
  • Ability to follow instructions and orders of supervisor.

This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question