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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Manitoba (NOW HIRING)

Demonstrated proficiency in operating a wide range of heavy equipment (e.g., excavators, wheel loaders, skid steers, telehandlers, longreach excavators, cranes). * Ability to read engineered drawings ...

... loader, bulldozer, or other heavy equipment and/or steer equipment to bale, load and move waste ... steering wheel, shifters, levers, buttons and pedals. Operator will use a two-way radio to ...

Loads styro trays onto large plastic tray and transfers to large wheeled rack for wrappers. Assists ... Follows all Sanitation Standards Operating Procedures (SSOPs). * Performs routine maintenance for ...

Loads styro trays onto large plastic tray and transfers to large wheeled rack for wrappers. Assists ... Follows all Sanitation Standards Operating Procedures (SSOPs). * Performs routine maintenance for ...

Loads styro trays onto large plastic tray and transfers to large wheeled rack for wrappers. Assists ... Follows all Sanitation Standards Operating Procedures (SSOPs). * Performs routine maintenance for ...

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Manitoba salary details

$10

$20

$36

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Manitoba 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 Manitoba? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Manitoba, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Manitoba look for? The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Manitoba are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in MB? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in MB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Manitoba as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,519 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Are you looking for a role that will challenge you? Can you see yourself operating a wide range of heavy equipment to support meaningful site work and major decommissioning projects? Do you enjoy working outdoors, taking pride in operating safe, efficient equipment, and being part of a team that helps maintain and transform an important CNL site? Would you like to make a difference in environmental cleanup and longterm site stewardship?

If you answered yes, then the role of Heavy Equipment Operator may be the job for you-apply today!


What will you be doing!

  • Operating all site and rental heavy equipment and fleet vehicles in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Performing pre and posttrip inspections on equipment, completing logbooks, and reporting deficiencies to supervision.
  • Participating in job walkdowns, prejob kickoff meetings, and providing Job Safety Analysis (JSA) documentation and equipment/resource requirements.
  • Making sound judgments on equipment condition and recommending repairs where required.
  • Taking responsibility for the safety of heavyequipment operations and personnel in or near the work zone, including stopping work when unsafe conditions arise.
  • Selecting the appropriate equipment needed to safely and effectively complete each job.
  • Securing loads and transporting dangerous goods in accordance with regulations.
  • Providing daily and weekly pickups and deliveries of materials.
  • Transporting staff and visitors on an intermittent basis as directed.
  • Representing the department with professionalism, competence, integrity, and pride.
  • Following and enforcing company policies, procedures, and safety rules.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and demonstrating strong work ethics, teamwork, and adaptability.
  • Lifting, pulling, and managing heavy equipment and objects while working in a variety of outdoor conditions.
  • Other duties as assigned by your manager.

What we are looking for:

  • Education
    • High school diploma or equivalent.
    • Preference for a Manitoba Class 1 Driver's License with Air Endorsement (others will be considered).
  • Experience
    • Minimum 3 years of related heavy equipment operation experience (1000+ hours/year).
    • Experience in building demolition and trench excavation.
  • Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
    • Demonstrated proficiency in operating a wide range of heavy equipment (e.g., excavators, wheel loaders, skid steers, telehandlers, longreach excavators, cranes).
    • Ability to read engineered drawings and survey grades/levels.
    • Strong understanding of safe work practices, Work Permits, JSA, Prejob Briefs, and StopWork processes.
    • Excellent communication, time management, and organizational skills.
    • Ability to adapt to changing site needs and work with minimal supervision.
    • Demonstrated punctuality, dependability, safetyfocused mindset, and the capability of working extended or offnormal hours as needed.
  • Security Clearance Eligibility Required
    • Level 2 Secret requires a minimum of 7 years of verifiable history in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and/or the United Kingdom. CNL implements security screening in accordance with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's "Standard on Security Screening" and the "Policy on Government Security."

Working Conditions:

  • Working schedule: Four (4) days per week, ten (10) hours per day for a forty (40) hour work week, starting at 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • This position is part of the IAM Union and is governed by the terms and conditions outlined in the IAM Collective Agreement. As a member of this bargaining unit, you'll benefit from clear expectations around hours of work, wages, vacation, and other conditions that support a fair and consistent working environment.


Why CNL?

Does the idea of working with a dynamic team across Canada to advance nuclear science and technology for a clean and secure world excite you? At CNL, we're reinventing ourselves to be industry leaders-pioneering solutions to the problems that matter most.

From building the next generation of clean nuclear and hydrogen energy technologies, to developing targeted cancer treatments, to continuing our global leadership in environmental remediation-we are driven by impact, innovation, and purpose.

What We Offer: A Total Rewards Package

We believe in taking care of our people. Here's what you can expect as part of our team:

  • Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and floater days
  • Benefits effective Day One - no waiting period
  • Tuition support to help you keep learning and growing
  • A defined-benefit pension plan or a defined-contribution pension plan, depending on your employee group, to support your longterm financial security.

Do Our Priorities Resonate with You?

  • Delivering clean energy for today and tomorrow
  • Restoring and protecting the environment
  • Contributing to the health of Canadians

If so, you'll feel right at home at CNL.


Location: Onsite
Located near Pinawa, Manitoba, our Whiteshell site is surrounded by pristine lakes, rivers, and forests - a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers a peaceful, close-knit community atmosphere, ideal for those who enjoy nature, recreation, and a balanced lifestyle.
Please note: This is a fully onsite position based at our Whiteshell site, Manitoba.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At CNL, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate and welcome employees, stakeholders, and partners of all backgrounds and identities. Click here to read all about it!

We are proud to uphold a workplace culture grounded in our Core Values:

  • Respect
  • Teamwork
  • Accountability
  • Safety
  • Integrity
  • Excellence

These values drive our employment practices and ensure meaningful career development opportunities and accommodations for all employees.

CNL is an equal opportunity employer. If you require accommodation during any phase of the hiring process, please let us know via jobs@cnl.ca. All requests will be handled with confidentiality.

Whiteshell Laboratories is situated on the traditional lands of Treaties 1 and 3, and near Treaty 5. This land is the home of the Anicinabe, Ojibway Anishinaabe and the National Homeland of the Red River Metis. We recognize that many other Indigenous Peoples across the region and Canada also consider this area their home. CNL is deeply grateful for the opportunity to work on these lands and waterways, which hold significant cultural and historical importance. We acknowledge that this site was established without consultation with the Indigenous Peoples of this area. We recognize the ongoing impact of this and we are committed to understanding and respecting the unique Indigenous history, rights and title associated with this land.

Employment Type: Full-Time