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Loader Operator Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Loader/Lumper

Atwater, CA · On-site

$17.78/hr

Load boxes/cases onto trucks * Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds * Stack product * Count boxes ... Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and ...

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Forklift Operator

Gustine, CA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Forklift Operator safely operates industrial vehicles to load, unload, stack, and move materials, products, or freight within a warehouse, production facility, or shipping yard. Primary duties ...

Forklift Operator

Turlock, CA · On-site

$23.19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Forklift Operator will work in collaboration with other forklift operators, truck drivers, and ... This individual will work in a team to load and unload vehicles, while safely utilizing forklifts ...

Forklift Operator 2

Firebaugh, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Load, unload, and move product in a safe and efficient manner; load and unload trucks using the ... Forklift Operator Level II. * Experience thoroughly inspecting and driving a forklift in a safe ...

Load boxes/cases onto trucks * Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds * Stack product * Count boxes ... Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and ...

Loader/Lumper

Atwater, CA · On-site

$17.78/hr

Load boxes/cases onto trucks * Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds * Stack product * Count boxes ... Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and ...

Loader/Lumper

Atwater, CA · On-site

$17.78/hr

Load boxes/cases onto trucks * Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds * Stack product * Count boxes ... Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and ...

Loader/Lumper

Atwater, CA · On-site

$17.78/hr

Load boxes/cases onto trucks * Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds * Stack product * Count boxes ... Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and ...

Boxer Palletizer (load out)

Turlock, CA · On-site

$24.40 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Operating material handling equipment safely and efficiently to unload, stage, move, and organize ... Assisting with load recovery, trailer shortages, and product movement to support operational needs.

Boxer Palletizer (load out)

Turlock, CA · On-site

$24.40 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Operating material handling equipment safely and efficiently to unload, stage, move, and organize ... Assisting with load recovery, trailer shortages, and product movement to support operational needs.

Log Yard Operator - 1st Shift

Jamestown, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

LOADER/KNUCKLE BOOM/HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR * Safely operate industrial equipment including: articulated wheel loader, knuckle boom, and skid steer * Clean and maintain the machine with regular ...

Forklift Operator & Bin Maintenance Technician

Atwater, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Safely and efficiently stage, load, and unload finished product and raw materials through the use ... Operate within standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Job Safety Analysis (JSAs). * Operate sit ...

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Loader Operator information

See Merced, CA salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Merced, CA is $20.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.61 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 cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Merced, CA with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,495 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Loader/Lumper

Dole

Atwater, CA • On-site

$17.78/hr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Dole Packaged Foods Job Post

Dole Packaged Foods is a purpose led organization that is a champion of accessible fruit nutrition and builds a brighter future for people through the goodness of fruit. At Dole, our culture is uniquely driven by core values. Our commitment to these values transforms our work into a meaningful journey toward a brighter future together. Here, you'll be part of a respectful, inclusive culture that deeply values our colleagues, customers, and global communities. We strive for excellence, empowering each other to confidently overcome challenges, continuously learn, and achieve world-class results. Guided by unwavering integrity, our actions consistently reflect our commitment to always doing what's right, fostering lasting trust and strong relationships.

Through a spirit of collaboration, we cultivate positivity, generosity, and genuine teamwork, enabling collective success toward our One Dole Purpose. Our innovative spirit leads directly to meaningful outcomes and business success.

Prepare product for shipment, stack cases into racks, following correct pallet patterns.

Primary Accountabilities
  • Load boxes/cases onto trucks
  • Move boxes weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Stack product
  • Count boxes per pallet and follow pallet pattern instructions
  • Push/move pallets weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Clean up duties, as needed
  • Stretch wrap product by hand
  • Follow company policies
  • Follow safety procedures
  • Other duties that are reasonable associated with the above essential functions of the job
  • Forklift Certification preferred within 12 months of hire date
  • Forklift Evaluation/Certification Mandatory prior to forklift operation of any kind for any reason to include forklift training
  • Forklift Specialty pay will be received by those operating a forklift for more than two hours and in two hour increments up to their full day worked, with management approval
  • Must be able to stack boxes as high as 48" inches
Experience, Knowledge, & Skills You Bring
  • Previous experience in a warehouse/shipping environment preferred
  • Able to lift to 50 pounds in a continuous 8+ hour shift
  • Reliable attendance is an essential function of the job
  • Performance evaluation will be completed within 30 days from date of hire. Must meet satisfactory job performance standards to continue in position.
What You'll Need to Succeed
  • Passionate about a purpose driven career
  • Passionate about collaborating respectfully in diverse and inclusive team environments
  • Proactively seeks feedback and continuously improves work quality
  • Consistently adheres to ethical standards and maintains transparency
  • Actively contributes to achieving collective team goals
Education & Certification
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent Preferred
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to pass job specific Physical Ability Test (PAT)
  • Noise produced by manufacturing machinery up to 92 decibels
  • Lift and Carry Requirements: Worker's stack or re-stack boxes of strawberries onto pallets
  • 50 lbs. (box of strawberries) average weight is 25-50 lbs.
  • Highest lift point 48" or shoulder height whichever is greater
  • Carrying distance up to a maximum of 10 ft.
  • Push and Pull Requirements: Moving of pallets
  • Standing and Walking Requirements: All tasks require standing and walking on concrete floors
  • Climbing Requirements: Step stool used to place boxes of fruit on top level of boxes stacked on pallets, step stool height 29"
  • Reaching Requirements: Reaching forward up to 24" while stacking pallets
  • Posture requirements: Must be able to do repetitive movements of bending, reaching overhead and forward up to 24", squatting, kneeling, and bending.
  • Work Conditions Requirements: Temperatures range from -10° to 50°-degree Fahrenheit and may be exposed to fumes, tools and/or machinery with sharp edges.
  • Tools, Equipment, and Materials Requirements:
  • PPE: freezer gear where needed, gloves, bump cap, ear plugs, hair nets, safety glasses, smocks & sleeves
  • Tools: utility knives, shovels, brooms, ice picks
  • Flexibility to work different shifts and days when required
Work Environment
  • Industrial plant environment with related noise and temperatures.
Travel Requirements
  • None

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.

Employment is contingent upon drug screen, background verification and skills test required for some positions.

FOR JOBS BASED IN CALIFORNIA:

Hiring Pay Scale: $17.78

Dole Packaged Foods is committed to paying our Associates fairly and equitably. The pay rate offered will consider a wide range of factors, including but not limited to experience, education, accomplishments, and location. Pay scales are subject to review on a regular basis and will be updated as appropriate.