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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Experience operating a wheel loader and/or skid steer * Experience in dewatering, well-testing, or water transfer Thisposition is defined as Safety Sensitive: Drug,Alcohol, Back, and Audio tests are ...

Operate excavators and other heavy equipment to deblock, load, and move sulfur material efficiently ... Steer, guide, and/or drive assigned equipment using controls such as steering wheels, shifters ...

Experience operating forklifts, skid steers, and wheeled loaders with a pipe grapple is considered a strong asset. * Experience loading and unloading flat decks is considered an asset. * Basic ...

Experience operating forklifts, skid steers, and wheeled loaders with a pipe grapple is considered a strong asset. * Experience loading and unloading flat decks is considered an asset. * Basic ...

Operate a Winch Truck to winch load and unload equipment as required. * Haul Customer Commodities ... Operator experience would be considered an asset. * Must have experience pulling 32-to-48-wheel ...

Operate a Winch Truck to winch load and unload equipment as required. * Haul Customer Commodities ... Operator experience would be considered an asset. * Must have experience pulling 32-to-48-wheel ...

Operate snowplow trucks, wheel loaders, and other heavy equipment as required * Maintain Alberta ... Operators will be eligible to receive a premium up to $14/hour when performing winter operations as ...

Operate snowplow trucks, wheel loaders, and other heavy equipment as required * Maintain Alberta ... Operators will be eligible to receive a premium up to $14/hour when performing winter operations as ...

Operate snowplow trucks, wheel loaders, and other heavy equipment as required * Maintain Alberta ... Operators will be eligible to receive a premium up to $14/hour when performing winter operations as ...

Operate snowplow trucks, wheel loaders, and other heavy equipment as required * Maintain Alberta ... Operators will be eligible to receive a premium up to $14/hour when performing winter operations as ...

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Wheel Loader Operator information

See Alberta salary details

$10

$20

$36

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Alberta is $20.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Wheel Loader Operator?

As a wheel loader operator, you use front-end loaders to transport and haul materials or debris around a construction site. The bucket on the wheel loader is used to load and unload materials like ground fill or debris from demolished structures. Wheel loader operators are skilled at driving and controlling these large machines, coordinating with site management and other drivers to ensure safe operation at all times.

Do you need a license to drive a wheel loader?

Yes, a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or specific equipment operation certification is typically required to operate a wheel loader, depending on state or local regulations. Employers often require operators to complete safety training and demonstrate proficiency before use.

What are wheel loader operators?

Wheel loader operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery known as wheel loaders, which are used to move materials such as soil, gravel, sand, and debris on construction sites, quarries, and other industrial locations. Their responsibilities include loading and unloading materials, transporting them to designated areas, and maintaining the equipment to ensure safe operation. Operators must be attentive to safety protocols and often require specialized training or certification. They play a vital role in keeping construction and material-handling operations efficient and safe.

What are the most common challenges faced by a Wheel Loader Operator on a construction site?

Wheel Loader Operators often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating around tight spaces or other heavy machinery, and maintaining clear communication with ground crews. Staying alert and adhering to strict safety protocols is crucial to prevent accidents. Additionally, operators are expected to perform routine equipment checks and minor maintenance, ensuring the loader is always in optimal working condition. Adapting to rapidly changing job site priorities and collaborating with other operators and site supervisors are also key aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Wheel Loader Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectWheel Loader OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred, OSHA safety trainingOSHA safety training, sometimes specific excavator certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, material handlingConstruction sites, demolition, trenching
Common UsageLoading/unloading materials, moving bulk materialsDigging, trenching, lifting heavy objects

While both Wheel Loader Operators and Excavator Operators work in construction and mining environments, their roles differ in equipment and tasks. Wheel Loader Operators primarily handle loading and moving bulk materials, whereas Excavator Operators focus on digging and trenching. Certifications and safety training overlap, but their specific equipment skills vary. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

Is a loader operator a good job?

A loader operator is a skilled trade involving operating heavy machinery like wheel loaders to move materials in construction, mining, or industrial settings. The job typically requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and may involve certifications such as OSHA training. It can offer steady employment and competitive wages depending on experience and location.

How to make money with a wheel loader?

A wheel loader operator can make money by working for construction, mining, or agricultural companies, performing tasks such as loading materials, moving earth, or clearing sites. Gaining experience, obtaining relevant certifications, and working in high-demand environments can increase earning potential. Some operators also rent out equipment or start their own contracting business to generate additional income.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wheel Loader Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wheel Loader Operator, you need practical experience with heavy machinery, a high school diploma or equivalent, and often a relevant equipment operator certification or license. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, onboard computers, safety procedures, and routine maintenance tools is crucial. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help operators work safely and efficiently within team environments. These competencies ensure safe operation, prevent equipment damage, and contribute to productivity on construction or industrial sites.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

Wheel loader operators in construction and mining can sometimes earn $700 or more per day, especially with overtime, experience, and specialized skills. High-paying roles often require certifications, operating heavy machinery, and working in demanding environments or during long shifts.
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in AB? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Alberta as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,519 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Pumping Technician

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

POSITION BACKGROUND:

The Pumping Technician is essential to theexecution of routine tasks either on a project site or at a Ketek shop. In asituation to observe and ask questions, this position is vital to the growth ofthe Projects Team and is an important step toward the employee's career growthand therefore the enhancement of Ketek's field team.

CORE DUTIES:

Project / Field

  • Assist with the mobilization, monitoring,troubleshooting and demobilization of: well pumps, diesel pumps, and electricsubmersible pumps
  • Maintain, repair, install, and service:generators, light towers, and heating equipment
  • Operate field trucks, loaders and skidsteers in a safe manner
  • Take instruction from the Site Supervisoror Site Foreman to ensure projects are completed in a safe manner, on time, andon budget
  • Assist with the routine maintenance andservicing of equipment in the field
  • Use, clean, and maintain the differenttools required at the worksite
  • Load and unload equipment by hand
  • Perform routine onsite housekeeping duties
  • Assist and mentor Field Labourers

Shop Operations

  • Clean equipment and tools
  • Receive, understand and execute instructions from Shop Foreman and senior employees
  • Disassemble equipment, if needed, tothoroughly clean
  • Identify faulty/damaged equipment and/ordefective materials and inform supervisor of problem
  • Determine the correct type oftools/equipment to be used for a specific task
  • Utilize checklists, inspections, workprocedures and safety guidelines to complete tasks
  • Complete assigned tasks in a safe,efficient and timely manner
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties in theshop

Other Duties

  • Complete all required paperwork on a dailybasis, including hazard assessment and Daily Job Control Sheet
  • Cooperate with Training department forscheduling of new/recertification training
  • Observe all safety procedures and useproper Personal Protective Equipment
  • Ensure all Ketek's work procedures,policies and Occupational Health and Safety regulations are followed
  • Represent Ketek in a light that iscommensurate with the values of Management and the
  • Corporate Vision and Mission Statements 

Duties,responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at anytime with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONSAND SKILLS:

Required

  • Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence and clean driver's abstract
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Fluent in the English language (reading, written, spoken)
  • Experience working with basic hand tools
  • Ability to deal with the public in a positive, courteous, and respectful manner
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and frequent demanding deadlines
  • Ability to handle changing schedules and priorities, with high level prioritization skills
  • Strong work ethic and organizational planning skills with attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently or as part of a team
  • Effective verbal and listening communication skills
  • Experience towing a trailer
  • Experience on oilfield or oilsands sites
  • Experience operating a wheel loader and/or skid steer
  • Experience in dewatering, well-testing, or water transfer

Thisposition is defined as Safety Sensitive: Drug,Alcohol, Back, and Audio tests are required prior to commencing employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PhysicalDemands

  •  Regularlyrequired to stand/sit, talk/hear, stoop, climb, lift, balance, kneel and use ofhands/fingers to operate tools, machinery and materials
  • Moderateto heavy lifting (up to 50lbs) may be required
  • Useof mechanical aids: overhead crane, forklift, pallet jack, and dolly may berequired
  • Regularexposure to loud noises and metal particulates - hearing and respiratoryprotection is provided when needed
  • Potentialexposure to acetylene gas, fumes, oil, and paint residue
  • Exposureto sharp edges, pinch points, trip and slip hazards, and blind spots
  • Maybe required to work in high, precarious places that are near moving partsand/or electrical works or in confined spaces

WorkEnvironment

  •  Fieldenvironment (90%) and shop environment (10%)
  • Requiredto work weekends and outside of regular office hours
  • Requiredto work outside in all different weather conditions including extreme cold andheat
  • Requiredto work away from home for extended periods of time
Employment Type: FULL_TIME