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Loader Operator Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta Materials

Loader Operator

Hughson, CA · On-site

$45.89/hr

As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First" culture by managing traffic flow, asserting leadership over visiting drivers, and performing essential ...

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 ...

Careers at 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 ...

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 ...

Dairiconcepts, L.P.

R.O. Operator Relief

Turlock, CA · On-site

$24.55 - $30.14/hr

Load out WPC * Load out Lactose * Perform a safe and sanitary operation * Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and ...

Guida's Dairy

R.O. Operator Relief

Turlock, CA · On-site

$24.55 - $30.14/hr

Load out WPC * Load out Lactose * Perform a safe and sanitary operation * Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all state and federal regulations regarding health and ...

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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 Jun 10, 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 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 a Loader Operator?

A Loader Operator is a skilled equipment operator who uses heavy machinery, such as front-end loaders or wheel loaders, to move materials like soil, gravel, sand, or debris on construction sites, mines, or other work environments. Their responsibilities include loading and unloading materials, maintaining the equipment, and following safety protocols to ensure efficient and safe operations. Loader Operators often work closely with other construction or site workers to keep projects running smoothly.
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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,495 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Loader Operator

Loader Operator

Martin Marietta Materials

Hughson, CA • On-site

$45.89/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

299th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

The Sales/Yard Loader is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a front-end loader (typically ranging from CAT 982 to CAT 988 sizes) within an aggregate sales yard or plant environment. The primary focus of this role is to load finished products into customer trucks and/or railcars while maintaining the integrity of product stockpiles. As a frontline representative of Martin Marietta, the Loader Operator ensures a "Safety First" culture by managing traffic flow, asserting leadership over visiting drivers, and performing essential preventative maintenance to keep equipment and yard operations running smoothly. 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES 
  • Safely operate heavy-duty front-end loaders to move raw materials from stockpiles to customer vehicles, ensuring accurate weight distribution and material types. 
  • Regulate the flow of materials to and from conveyors, surge piles, chutes, and storage bins to maximize plant production. 
  • Maintain the quality and separation of various product stockpiles to prevent contamination and ensure environmental compliance. 
  • May assist in operating other mobile equipment as needed, including haul trucks, excavators, or skid steers- dependent on-site requirements. 
  • Maintain safe working speeds and manage the flow of external truck drivers and equipment within the yard to prevent accidents. 
  • Strictly adhere to all MSHA compliance/regulations and Martin Marietta’s internal 24/7 Safe culture policies. 
  • Conduct daily pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections of the equipment and the working area, ensuring the presence of adequate berms and clear roadways. 
  • Ensure safe operations around high-risk areas such as conveyors, crushers, and steep surge piles. 
  • Perform routine preventative maintenance (PMs), including checking tire pressure, oil levels, and diesel fuel, and greasing all moving parts daily. 
  • Use standard operating procedures to identify and report equipment malfunctions, leaks, or mechanical issues to the maintenance team or supervisor. 
  • Keep the loading area, roadways, and plant floor clean by shoveling, sweeping, and removing debris to ensure a professional and safe environment. 
  • Maintain a professional and helpful attitude when interacting with external drivers and customers, adapting to various personalities and needs. 
  • Accurately complete daily pre-shift inspection reports, maintenance logs, and (if applicable) customer ticketing or weighing via the scale house. 
  • Communicate effectively via CB radio or hand signals with plant operators and co-workers to coordinate vehicle movements. 
  • Willing and able to use a shovel when required. 
  • Willing to work overtime and weekends as needed. 
QUALIFICATIONS 
Education 
High School diploma, GED, or relevant experience 
Work Experience 
No prior experience is required; 6 months to 1 year of experience in the operation and maintenance of a front-end loader is preferred. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
Road specifications and slopes 
Familiarity with heavy equipment components 
Mechanical aptitude 
Troubleshooting 
MSHA compliance and regulations  
Time management 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS 
Physical Requirements 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. 
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. 
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet. 
Working Conditions 
All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty.Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.  
Union 
We are excited to share the base hourly rate for this position is $45.89+. Membership with the International Union ofOperating Engineers Local Union No, E03is required upon hire. Condition and terms of employment and benefits are in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement. 
Employment Type: Full-Time

What Martin Marietta Materials employees say

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Hours and flexibility

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994

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