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Loader Operator Jobs in Wheat Ridge, CO (NOW HIRING)

Yard Loader

Idaho Springs, CO · On-site

$26 - $39/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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Operating Front end loader andForklift, mixers, air driven pumps, moisture balance and dust collector system. ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKENVIRONMENT The employee should possess the ability ...

Rooftop Loader

Englewood, CO · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Load and unload roofing materials from delivery trucks using manual and mechanical methods ... Should be physically fit and capable of lifting heavy items and operating machinery. Must have good ...

Rooftop Loader

Englewood, CO · On-site

$17.50 - $23/hr

Load and unload roofing materials from delivery trucks using manual and mechanical methods ... Should be physically fit and capable of lifting heavy items and operating machinery. Must have good ...

Yard Worker

Denver, CO · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly * Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard * Dismantle tires * Maintain a safe and clean ...

Transload Operator

Henderson, CO

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

The person in this position loads and unloads railcars with bulk materials, uses moving equipment, records operating data, observes the position of railcars when moving in relation to the ...

Yard Worker

Denver, CO

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly * Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard * Dismantle tires * Maintain a safe and clean ...

Work with Loader Operator to stage vehicles or pull vehicles in yard properly * Walk the yard and place debris in the cars being removed from the yard * Dismantle tires * Maintain a safe and clean ...

A Loader/Unloader has a widely varying role, from checking in containers, double checking paperwork, moving/unloading specific waste containers, and operating a forklift. The ideal Loader/Unloader is ...

A Loader/Unloader has a widely varying role, from checking in containers, double checking paperwork, moving/unloading specific waste containers, and operating a forklift. The ideal Loader/Unloader is ...

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Loader Operator information

See Wheat Ridge, CO salary details

$11

$21

$30

How much do loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for loader operator in Wheat Ridge, CO is $21.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $23.75 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 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 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 cities near Wheat Ridge, CO are hiring for Loader Operator jobs? Cities near Wheat Ridge, CO with the most Loader Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Loader Operator job openings in Wheat Ridge, CO as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,771 per year, or $21 per hour.
Asphalt Plant Loader Operator

Asphalt Plant Loader Operator

Martin Marietta

Golden, CO • On-site

$34.01/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 hours ago


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Equipment Operator II is a mid-level role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy mobile equipment and stationary plant machinery essential to asphalt production. The Equipment Operator II is expected to possess a higher degree of technical proficiency, performing complex maneuvers and assisting in the mechanical troubleshooting of the plant.
The primary objective of this role is to manage raw material stockpiles, feed the plant "cold bins" with precision to maintain mix integrity, and ensure the continuous flow of production. This individual serves as a critical link between the yard and the high-heat production environment, maintaining a commitment to Martin Marietta's Guardian Angel safety culture.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Operate heavy front-end loaders (e.g., Cat 980 or 988 series) to feed cold feed bins
  • Organize and maintain stockpiles to prevent segregation and moisture buildup; manage the "pushing up" of materials to maximize yard space.
  • Skillfully operate skid steers, water trucks for dust control, backhoes, and man-lifts as required for plant maintenance and site cleanliness.
  • Monitor and report on raw material quality (e.g., excessive moisture or oversized rock) before it enters the production stream.
  • Assist the Plant Operator in monitoring conveyor speeds, temperature gauges, and asphalt oil flow to ensure the final product meets DOT specifications.
  • identify and diagnose early signs of mechanical failure in conveyors, screens, and crushers. Perform minor field repairs such as replacing idlers, adjusting belt tracking, or clearing blockages.
  • Function as a relief or secondary operator for the scale house, weighing out trucks and generating load tickets using specialized plant software.
  • Perform daily "walk-around" inspections and document fluid levels, tire pressures, and grease points.
  • Assist the maintenance crew during "shutdowns" with tasks including liner replacements, baghouse filter changes, and welding/cutting (if certified).
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment by removing "spill" buildup under conveyors and around the drum using shovels and skid steers.
  • Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, including the proper use of PPE and Fall Protection.
  • Perform Pre-Shift Inspections (PSI). Identify and mitigate site hazards through the Near-Miss reporting system.
  • Monitor for oil leaks or spills and follow company protocols for containment and cleanup to protect the local environment.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience
CDL Class A or B is significant plus
Work Experience
2 - 4 years of experience operating heavy equipment, specifically in an asphalt plant environment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Mechanical aptitude
Computer literacy
Troubleshooting
Critical thinking
Safety focused (OSHA)
Regulatory compliance
Effective communication (written and spoken)
Time management
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Physical Requirements
You must be able to lift and carry up to 50-75 lbs regularly. This includes handling heavy tools, equipment parts, or materials.
Climb on and off large machinery frequently.
Walk across steep, rough, or uneven terrain.
Bend, stoop, squat, and reach into tight spaces for equipment inspections and minor repairs.
Climb stairs or ladders to heights up to 100 feet (for plant maintenance).
Travel
You are often required to travel between different plants or job sites.
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 $34.01+. Membership with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No, 9 is required upon hire. Condition and terms of employment and benefits are in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.
A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications.
At Martin Marietta, we strive to work with the best and the brightest - those who have the potential to become our company's future leaders. Each of our roughly 9,500 people shares a common purpose regardless of their professional role or work environment. Together, we utilize our diverse skills and experiences to drive our company and its extraordinary culture forward. Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people realize their full potential. When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded.
In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:
  • Medical
  • Prescription Drug
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Care Reimbursement Account
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
  • Wellness Programs
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Paid Holidays and Vacation
  • 401(k) with Company matching
  • Pension
  • Salary Continuation - Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability Options
  • Employee Life Insurance
  • Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
  • Business Travel Accident Insurance
  • Direct Deposit Payroll
  • Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
  • College Scholarship Program - for dependent children
  • Matching Gift Program
  • New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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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