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Loader Operator Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

Aggregate Loader Operator

Tucson, AZ

$16 - $20.75/hr

The Loader Operator is expected to perform other tasks required to safely and efficiently operate and maintain/repair fixed and mobile equipment. Benefits At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a ...

Aggregate Loader Operator

Tucson, AZ

$16.75 - $22/hr

The Loader Operator is expected to perform other tasks required to safely and efficiently operate and maintain/repair fixed and mobile equipment. Benefits At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a ...

Quarry Haul Truck Driver

Rillito, AZ · On-site

$32.87 - $34.87/hr

Follow direction from loader operator to properly spot truck a safe distance from loading face * Fill in for crusher oiler and laborer as necessary * Other duties as assigned Education High school ...

Quarry Haul Truck Driver

Rillito, AZ · On-site

$32.87 - $34.87/hr

Follow direction from loader operator to properly spot truck a safe distance from loading face * Fill in for crusher oiler and laborer as necessary * Other duties as assigned Education High school ...

Ensure that all lifts are within load limits of equipment and correctly rigged. * Ensure that the ... Support crew when not operating crane with general duties to complete work. * May operate other ...

Ensure that all lifts are within load limits of equipment and correctly rigged. * Ensure that the ... Support crew when not operating crane with general duties to complete work. * May operate other ...

One (1) to three (3) years previous crane operating experience, preferably on heavy civil ... Knowledge of rigging and load limits. Knowledge and understanding of various types of rigging ...

Forklift Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.50/hr

We are seeking a Forklift Operator to receive, store and load product using powered equipment per company guidelines. * Schedule: Monday - Thursday * Hours: 8:00 PM - 7:00 AM * Starting Pay: $18.50 ...

Forklift Operator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$18.50/hr

We are seeking a Forklift Operator to receive, store and load product using powered equipment per company guidelines. * Schedule: Monday - Thursday * Hours: 8:00 PM - 7:00 AM * Starting Pay: $18.50 ...

Forklift Operator - Sonoita

Sonoita, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Seeking experienced forklift operators! PRIMARY DUTIES * Loading and unloading materials from a ... Checking loads are secure * Performing equipment checks and basic maintenance * Following written ...

Forklift Operator - Sonoita

Sonoita, AZ · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

Seeking experienced forklift operators! PRIMARY DUTIES * Loading and unloading materials from a ... Checking loads are secure * Performing equipment checks and basic maintenance * Following written ...

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Loader Operator information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Tucson, AZ is $19.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $21.54 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 Tucson, AZ are hiring for Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Tucson, AZ 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 $39,724 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Aggregate Loader Operator

CalPortland

Tucson, AZ

$16 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 hours ago


CalPortland rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary

The Aggregate Loader Operator accurately loads customer trucks using a front-end loader, load ready-mix trucks and wash plant bins/hoppers. The Loader Operator is expected to perform other tasks required to safely and efficiently operate and maintain/repair fixed and mobile equipment.

Benefits

At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees.  Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That's why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from.  All regular full time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental and vision plans.  Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and retirement program.  The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.

Compensation
Responsibilities
  • Performs safety/quality/mechanical inspections of the plant and mobile equipment
  • Addresses any housekeeping issues within the work area
  • Operates loaders, excavators, haul trucks, skid steers and bull dozers
  • Performs plant maintenance
  • Understands the process flow of the plant and is diligent in producing a quality product
  • Accurately completes and maintains reports and compliance records (maintenance, environmental, safety & production)
  • Successfully completes and maintains Method 9 Emissions certification
Education

High school diploma/GED

Requirements/Qualifications
  • Physical requirements: stand, walk, climb, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, drive and lift up to 100 pounds
  • Able to work in wet and dry conditions as well as extreme heat or cold
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Able to work well with others in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience as a heavy equipment operator
  • Knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of crushers, wash plants, conveyors, material washers, and various other types of fixed and mobile equipment used in the aggregate industry
  • Knowledge of the equipment and methods used in the production process, and related aspects of materials storage, handling and distribution of aggregates
  • Understands MSHA rules and regulations
  • Current MSHA training certification preferred
  • Experience welding and cutting preferred
Conditions of Employment

Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require FMCSA regulated on-going drug and alcohol testing.


What CalPortland employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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