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Telehandler Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator ( Telehandler, Forklift, Skid Steer, Loader) Job Requirements Mental Demands: Understand and carry out oral instructions; Read and carry out written instructions to perform work ...

Equipment Operator ( Telehandler, Forklift, Skid Steer, Loader) Job Requirements Mental Demands : Understand and carry out oral instructions; Read and carry out written instructions to perform work ...

Forklift and telehandler experience/certification desired Abilities: * The position requires the ... operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting ...

Telehandler Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do telehandler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for telehandler operator in Virginia is $23.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a telehandler operator?

A Telehandler Operator is responsible for operating a telehandler, a versatile lifting machine used in construction, agriculture, and warehousing. They transport heavy materials, stack loads, and maneuver in tight spaces using various attachments like forks, buckets, or lifting jibs. Operators must follow safety regulations, perform equipment inspections, and ensure smooth workflow on-site. This role requires skill, precision, and often certification or specialized training.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a telehandler operator?

As a Telehandler Operator, your daily responsibilities include operating the telehandler to move materials around construction or industrial sites, inspecting and maintaining the equipment, and following strict safety procedures. You will work closely with supervisors, site managers, and other crew members to ensure timely delivery of materials to various locations on the job site. Tasks often involve reading load charts, securing loads properly, and maneuvering in tight or crowded spaces. Keeping clear communications with your team is crucial for safety and workflow. Expect to adapt to changing site conditions and priorities as projects progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the telehandler operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Telehandler Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, precision in handling heavy machinery, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with an operator’s certification. Familiarity with telehandler equipment, load charts, safety protocols, and radio communication systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with team members make operators stand out. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safety, efficiency, and effective collaboration on busy work sites.

Do you need a license to operate a telehandler?

Yes, operating a telehandler typically requires a valid certification or license, which demonstrates proper training and safety knowledge. Employers often require operators to complete a certified training program and hold a relevant license or certification before use. Additionally, operators should be familiar with safety protocols and equipment operation standards.

How much do telehandler operators make?

Telehandler operators typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in construction or industrial settings may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

How much does a telehandler operator make?

A telehandler operator's average salary varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $18 to $30 per hour, with annual earnings between $37,000 and $62,000. Certification and familiarity with equipment can influence earning potential, especially in construction and industrial settings.

What are popular job titles related to Telehandler Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Telehandler Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Telehandler Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Telehandler Operator jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Telehandler Operator job openings in Virginia 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 $48,906 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Forklift/Telehandler Operator Journeyman

Damascus, VA • On-site


Kiewit Corporation
Construction Materials Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 139 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 80 rated construction

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$14.25 - $16.75/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Kiewit is one of North America’s largest and most respected construction and engineering organizations. With its roots dating back to 1884, the employee-owned organization operates through a network of subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Kiewit offers construction and engineering services in a variety of markets including transportation; oil, gas and chemical; power; building; marine; water/wastewater; industrial; and mining. Kiewit had 2024 revenues of $16.8 billion and employs 31,800 staff and craft employees.

Position Summary

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment to excavate, move and/or grade material.

Experience Level

Skilled

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Operate a variety of vehicles and large heavy equipment while performing maintenance and repairs on roads and rights-of-way including loading, hauling and dumping on smooth to extremely rough surfaces.

• Load gravel, dirt and sand; smooth and grade roads; spread rock and gravel.

• Trench and construct ditches for installation of culverts, water pipes and sewer pipes; remove silt and debris.

• Knowledgeable of equipment in respect to checking and maintaining all fluid levels and lubrication.

• May be asked to instruct and train employees in the safe operation of construction equipment and tools and in job techniques and skills

• Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

• Inspect subordinate's work for compliance with the contract plans and specifications, point out deficiencies and explain and take any corrective action needed.

Qualifications

• May require a high school diploma or its equivalent with previous years of experience in the field or in a related area.

• Must possess strong working knowledge skills and abilities for position.

• Ability to understand, follow and transmit written and oral instructions and communicate effectively with management/supervision.

• Proficient in the safe and efficient use of electrical, hand tools, power tools and layout tools as well as measurement tools

Requirements

  • The person in this position needs to constantly move about a construction/industrial site, so should be able to stand, walk, sit, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl

  • Constantly works in a construction environment and will be exposed to changing outdoor weather conditions

  • Work irregular hours, weekends, overtime and holidays as required

  • May be required to use ladders/mechanical platforms/manlifts/scaffold to access required equipment/work areas (may exceed 200 feet), so must be able to climb and maintain balance on formwork, steel formwork, stairs, ladders and scaffolds

  • Move and work in and around confined and cluttered places, and uneven surfaces

  • Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy and dusty environment

  • May be required/able to move items weighing up to 50 pounds across construction/industrial site

  • Must have Forklift Operating Experience

  • May require U.S. Driver License

  • Observe and comply with all safety and project rules, perform other duties as required

  • Ability to pass pre-access drug and alcohol testing

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Company: Kiewit_Craft


Kiewit logo

About Kiewit

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kiewit Infrastructure Engineering's Design-Build team is driving clients to turn to Kiewit during all stages of design-build projects. Through our integrated design and construction approach, our multi-disciplinary team works together to improve schedule, control costs and minimize risk. Our construction-focused engineers work collaboratively with our estimators and builders to design solutions that are innovative, constructible, and designed with a focus on safety. Clients benefit from the proven processes and tools used by Kiewit to minimize project risk. We are an in-house resource that supports projects throughout the company. Our staff shares experiences gained, innovative concepts, and best practices for all projects that we support.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1884


What Kiewit Corporation employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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