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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pick Your Part

Loader Operator

Fontana, CA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Pick Your Part

Loader Operator

Fontana, CA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any ...

Graniterock

Loader Operator

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Load customer finished aggregate into customer trucks when required. Inspect and manage inbound rubble stream as well as stockpiles. Assist the crushing plant operator perform routine maintenance ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Production Loader Operator to support a mining operation in Hinkley, California. This is a key production role responsible for efficiently loading haul ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Hinkley, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Overview Turner Staffing Group is hiring a Production Loader Operator to support a mining operation in Hinkley, California. This is a key production role responsible for efficiently loading haul ...

CalPortland

Aggregate Loader Operator

Oxnard, CA

$33 - $37.50/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 ...

CalPortland

Aggregate Loader Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$33 - $37.50/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 ...

CalPortland

Aggregate Loader Operator

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$33 - $37.50/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 ...

Ideal Tridon

Coil Loader Floop Operator

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$25.49/hr

We are seeking a Coil Loader and Loop Operator to join our team at Ideal Tridon - Wesanco in Garden Grove, California. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (1st) Sunday - Thursday (3rd Shift) Shift: 1st ...

New

CERES

Logging Operator

Cameron Park, CA

$25 - $35/hr

Operate an excavator, bulldozer, wheel loader, wheel loader with grapple or log fork, track skid ... Essential Qualifications: * 2-3 years or more of experience in operating logging or heavy equipment.

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

... wheel loaders, and backhoes. * Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to ... Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

SA Recycling

Class B Driver

Montebello, CA · On-site

... operating a Wheel Loader a plus Job Expectations Comply with all applicable federal, state, local, & SA Recycling safety, health, & environmental rules, regulations, policies, & procedures. Physical ...

ERRG

Equipment Operator

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

... wheel loaders, and backhoes. * Locate underground services, such as pipes and wires, prior to ... Demonstrated experience operating excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, compactors, articulated dump ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in California

Wheel Loader Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in California is $18.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.11 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.

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.

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.
More about Wheel Loader Operator jobs
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Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you

Loader Operator

Pick Your Part

Fontana, CA • On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Description:

Operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner to move salvage vehicles through all phases of the operation, maintain facility grounds. Help ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Support dismantle and yard operations. Use scan gun and tablet/phone to update inventory system on location of vehicles. Help ensure fulfillment of daily work orders. Communicate written and verbally with management and other team members. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Essential Job Duties

  • Perform preoperational inspections to ensure equipment is safe for work.
  • Operate equipment in a safe and courteous manner in work area with pedestrians and other vehicle traffic. Equipment operated may include wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, forklift etc...
  • Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any findings and equipment hours to management.
  • Prioritize and plan work load to prevent delays to operations.
  • Use long and short auto salvage forks on wheel loader to unload car haulers and stage upcoming cars for inventory, dismantle and cuts.
  • Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage, vehicle holding areas and salvage yard.
  • Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before unloading from bay and placing in the salvage yard.
  • Load Processing rack with unprocessed cars. Process and crush vehicles that have reached their useful life and load onto scrap haulers for final disposal.
  • Assist with safety and regulation compliance for facility in general. Maintain location accuracy and integrity of vehicles placed in the yard.
  • Perform tasks assigned by dispatch which may include: location checks, part checks, part pulls etc. Communicate delays and problems promptly with management and affected coworkers.
  • Assume other duties as assigned.
Requirements:

Education & Experience

  • 1+ years of experience.
  • Must have heavy equipment operations experience and some automotive background.
  • Must possess basic technology competence (scan gun, tablet/phone applications).
  • Must have good oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess the ability to stay calm, cool and collected in a high pressure fast paced work environment.
  • Must work well with others.

Preferred Requirements

  • High School Diploma/GED.
  • Previous heavy equipment operating, some computer skills, general maintenance and understanding of mechanical equipment.
  • Understanding of automotive components and disassembly.
  • Experience in rigging/lifting operations a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Basic computer skills
  • Basic messages communicated orally. May write brief messages and keep simple records.
  • Problems encountered are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures.
  • Decisions generally affect own job or assigned functional area.
  • Results are defined; sets personal own goals and determines how to achieve results with few or no guidelines to follow; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction.
  • Handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously with moderate complexity.

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods of time.
  • The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment. May regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE). May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels.
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.



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