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Loader Operator Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Infinity Staffing

Be Seen First

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 ...

Valley Milk LLC

Warehouse Operator

Turlock, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

To load trailers/trucks with finished products in safe and efficient manner. Will receive inbound ... Must attain a Forklift Operator License within 30 days of hire.

FullSteam

Forklift Operator

Firebaugh, CA · On-site

$17.50/hr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for safely operating a propane forklift to manage inventory, stack bins, and load trucks efficiently. A strong attention to detail and basic math skills are ...

The Neil Jones Food Company

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 ...

Teichert

Hot Plant/Crusher Operator

Winton, CA · On-site

$31.65 - $37.98/hr

Rock plant operator - Includes operating various controls within the rock plant to control the ... Wheel Loader, Excavator, Utility Truck, Tractor, Skid Steer, Dozer, Telescopic Handler Forklift ...

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All JobsLoader Operator JobsLoader Operator Jobs in Merced, CA

Loader Operator information

See Merced, CA salary details

$11

$20

$29

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 are popular job titles related to Loader Operator jobs in Merced, CA?

For Loader Operator jobs in Merced, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Loader Operator jobs in Merced, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Loader Operator jobs in Merced, CA are:

What cities near Merced, CA are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

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

Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,495 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Barn Loader Operator) - 1st Shift

American Wood Fibers, Inc

Jamestown, CA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

American Wood Fibers rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

American Wood Fibers (AWF) is a manufacturer of both consumer and industrial products that are sold to multiple manufacturers as well as pet, agricultural, and home-heating markets. AWF is comprised of 450+ employees and holds operations at 11 locations, generating over $100M in annual sales revenue. We are currently seeking a candidate for the 1st Shift Heavy Equipment (Barn Loader Operator)  role at our Jamestown, CA plant.

JOB SUMMARY

The Heavy Equipment ( Barn Loader Operator) is responsible for working in a safe, efficient manner to maximize the shipping and receiving of finished goods and materials.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • SHIPPING/RECEIVING
  • Operate the mobile equipment (loader, Skid Steer, or yard truck) in a safe and efficient manner while loading trucks with packaged and bulk material
  • Load AWF and customer trailers
  • Complete shipping and receiving paperwork
  • QUALITY
  • Maintain and verify that all current quality assurance measures are being followed and communicated to supervisors, production employees, truck drivers, office personnel, and customers
  • Assist in the design and implementation of new procedures as needed
  • PRODUCTION
  • Operate machinery that produces and packages products
  • Operate stretch wrapper by setting palletized bales on machine: starting, stopping, and cutting stretch wrap, then removing wrapped pallet to transfer to storage
  • OTHER
  • Attend and participate in a monthly safety meeting
  • Establish personal growth and working relationship with fellow employees to further improvement and teamwork
  • Maintain cleanliness of work station and related areas

QUALIFICATIONS

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Physical capability to bend, squat, or stoop
  • Valid Drivers License REQUIRED

EXPERIENCE LEVEL

  • Manufacturing: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Industrial Equipment: 1 year (Preferred)
  • Packaging: 1 year (Preferred)

BENEFITS

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance


COMPENSATION

$20.00 - $24.00 an hour 


Due to the nature of our business, American Wood Fibers requires a tobacco and smoke-free environment. We offer a competitive package to include health, dental, vision and life insurance, plus profit bonus, paid time off and matching 401(k).

For more company information, please visit our web site www.awf.com. AWF is an EEO employer.

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