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Skidder Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

City of Durango, CO

Recycling Center Operator

Durango, CO · On-site

$21.81 - $26.18/hr

Description Join the City of Durango in our commitment to sustainability! We're looking for a Recycling Center Operator to provide excellent customer service at the public drop-off area of the City ...

All JobsSkidder Operator JobsSkidder Operator Jobs in Colorado

Skidder Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$20

$27

How much do skidder operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for skidder operator in Colorado is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges skidder operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Skidder Operators often encounter challenges such as navigating rough or uneven terrain, working in adverse weather conditions, and maintaining equipment to prevent breakdowns. Effective communication with the logging crew and adhering to safety protocols are essential for managing these challenges. Operators can also benefit from regular equipment inspections and staying updated on best practices to ensure both productivity and safety on the job.

What is a skidder operator?

A skidder is a vehicle used in the logging industry to remove cut trees from wooded areas. As a skidder operator, your job duties are to clear the work area by safely removing trees using log grapples, cable winches, crane booms, and other skidder accessories. To excel in this job, you must understand how to operate the skidder in varying conditions safely. Additional qualifications for this career include excellent listening skills and experience working in the logging industry.

What is the difference between Skidder Operator vs Log Loader?

AspectSkidder OperatorLog Loader
Credentials/CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentForests, logging sites, rough terrainLogging yards, processing sites, often stationary
Employer/Industry UsageLogging companies, forestry operationsLogging companies, sawmills, processing facilities
Common Search/Comparison IntentSkidder Operator vs Log Loader

The main difference between a Skidder Operator and a Log Loader lies in their roles within logging operations. Skidder Operators primarily move cut trees from the forest to a central location using skidder machines, working in rough outdoor environments. Log Loaders, on the other hand, are responsible for loading logs onto trucks at processing sites. Both roles require similar certifications and safety training, but their work environments and specific duties differ significantly.

How much does a logging skidder operator make?

A logging skidder operator typically earns between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Wages depend on experience, location, and the complexity of the work environment, which often involves operating heavy machinery and adhering to safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a skidder operator?

To thrive as a Skidder Operator, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, knowledge of forestry operations, and a valid commercial driver’s license. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, hydraulic controls, and routine equipment maintenance is typically required. Strong situational awareness, communication skills, and a commitment to safety help operators excel in challenging outdoor environments. These skills are vital for efficient timber harvesting, minimizing equipment downtime, and ensuring a safe worksite.

What is a skidder operator?

A Skidder Operator is a professional who operates a skidder, which is a type of heavy equipment used in logging operations to pull cut trees out of a forest. Their main responsibility is to safely and efficiently move logs from the cutting site to a landing area where they can be processed and loaded for transport. Skidder Operators must be skilled in maneuvering large machinery over rough and uneven terrain, often working in challenging outdoor conditions. They also perform routine maintenance checks on their equipment to ensure safe operation and may work closely with other forestry workers to coordinate logging activities.
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Skidder Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Skidder Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,398 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Recycling Center Operator

City of Durango, CO

Durango, CO • On-site

$21.81 - $26.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Salary: $21.81 - $26.18 Hourly
Location : Durango, CO
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00132
Department: Public Works
Division: Recycling Center - 8413
Opening Date: 07/02/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Schedule Details:: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:45 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Description
Join the City of Durango in our commitment to sustainability! We're looking for a Recycling Center Operator to provide excellent customer service at the public drop-off area of the City of Durango's recycling program. In this role, you will operate light, power-driven equipment used for recycling collection and processing, and your responsibilities will include semi-skilled preventative maintenance tasks and activities that support sanitation, recycle collection, and recycle processing.
City of Durango's Trail to Excellence
The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.
At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the of providing excellent service and reaching the city's vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the
As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:
  • Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
  • The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
  • You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.
We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing - and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.
Essential Job Duties
What You'll Do in This Role:
  • Staff and operate the Recycle Center public drop-off area, providing excellent customer service.
  • Operate maintenance and material handling equipment (e.g., skid loaders, forklifts, mowers, weed cutters, hedgers, Bobcat attachments) for site maintenance, construction, and recycling operations.
  • Process, sort, relocate, and load recycled materials.
  • Operate all recycling processing equipment and perform routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs, including completing weekly maintenance checks.
  • Process payments (cash, check, and credit card) for all public and commercial recycling transactions.
  • Maintain accurate daily production logs and records.
  • Maintain the overall cleanliness and order of the Recycle Center facility, including grounds, parking lots, and storage areas.
  • Clear snow and ice from roadways, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Minimum Qualifications
You Have:
  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Two years of experience performing maintenance work and operating light, power-driven equipment.
  • The ability to maintain a valid driver's license during employment.
You Will Succeed in This Role if You:
  • Are committed to delivering excellent customer service.
  • Have experience with basic cash handling.
  • Are skilled in performing semi-skilled maintenance, janitorial tasks, and heavy manual labor.

Supplemental Information
What We Can Offer You:
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Ample personal time off (PTO) and 11 paid holidays.
  • 401(a) retirement plan and optional deferred compensation plan.
  • Basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
  • Long-term disability coverage.
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Free access to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink & Ski Area.
  • Holistic Employee Wellness Program, addressing physical, mental, financial, and professional well-being.
  • Free transit pass and family member discounts.
  • Reimbursement for job-related classes to foster continuous learning.
  • Sixteen hours of volunteer time off per year to support local non-profit organizations.

To view the full Solid Waste Operator I job description, click here.
Belong at the City of Durango:
We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences.
The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors.
City of Durango's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including medical, dental & vision insurance, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, and paid time off.
To learn more details, visit our
01
Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have two years of experience performing maintenance work and operating light, power-driven experience?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you been previously employed by the City of Durango?
  • Yes
  • No

04
If you answered yes, provide previous City positions and approximate dates for those positions.
05
Do you have any relatives who currently work for the City of Durango?
  • Yes
  • No

06
If you answered yes, provide your relative's name, the department they work in, and their relationship to you.
07
Have you ever been convicted of a crime, including misdemeanors, deferred sentences/judgements?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If you answered yes to having been convicted, you are REQUIRED to provide DATE(S) and DESCRIPTION(S) of offense(s) below.
09
Will you require employer sponsorship now or in the future in order to be authorized to work for us under U.S. law?
  • Yes
  • No

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