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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Fuel Handler

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$20/hr

Previous experience using heavy wheeled equipment, such as skid steers and wheel loaders. * Ability to become proficient at operating a front-end loader and bobcat * Flexibility to work a rotating ...

They are an authorized distributor of cranes, excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, compact ... Operators and Service Technicians are encouraged to apply * Proven record of building and ...

They are an authorized distributor of cranes, excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, compact ... Operators and Service Technicians are encouraged to apply * Proven record of building and ...

Do you thrive behind the wheel of a tractor? Are you confident mowing natural landscapes with ... Safely operate a wide range of additional equipment including skid loaders, ATV/UTVs, trailers ...

CDL Driver

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$30/hr

Our Drivers are responsible for operating one of the plant's commercial vehicles to haul biomass ... Experience using heavy wheeled equipment, such as skid steers and wheel loaders.' Koda Energy is a ...

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Wheel Loader Operator information

See Minnesota 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 Minnesota is $18.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $20.96 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.
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in MN? For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Minnesota as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,661 per year, or $18.6 per hour.
Equipment Operator - Traffic

Equipment Operator - Traffic

City of Rochester

Rochester, MN • On-site

$29.60/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


City Of Rochester (New York) rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 649 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION The City of Rochester welcomes applications for: Equipment Operator - Traffic Operations Public Works Equipment Operator - Traffic Operations primarily focuses on traffic operational activities, including the installation and repair of traffic control devices such as street signs and pavement markings and installation of parking meter posts. Nature of Work The Equipment Operator is an entry-level, skilled position that performs quality manual labor and operation of both light and heavy equipment to complete a wide range of maintenance activities on City infrastructure. Typical job duties may include but are not limited to: reconstructing and maintaining City streets, bridges, alleys, and paths (including bituminous and concrete work); maintaining sanitary sewers and storm sewers and flood control structures; installing and repairing parking meter posts and traffic control devices such as street signs and pavement markings; performing snow and ice control during winter months (must be available for call-in during off hours in the case of inclement weather); performing safety operations and completing other duties as assigned.

Basic types of equipment that Equipment Operators may operate include, but are not limited to tandem and single axle snow plow trucks, street sweepers, wheel loaders, skid loaders, jackhammers, air compressors, spray patcher, crack sealer, walk-behind paint machines, pavement marking grinders, augers, fork lifts, truck-mounted cranes, various hand tools and related equipment. More experienced operators may operate grader, paver, distributor, water tanker/flusher, excavator, dozer and paint striping trucks. 2026 starting wage: $29.60 - $31.55 per hour based on experience Benefits-This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester

Please check out the benefits tab at the top of the page for more details. The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress, and culture of our community. It takes us all working together.

To have your application considered for the first round of interviews, please apply by Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM CST. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The City of Rochester will not sponsor or transfer visas for this position including F1 OPT STEM DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification.

Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment. *Install and maintain street sign and parking meters Create street signs using design software and fabricate signs. Determine correct location for the placement of traffic control devices; utilize Gopher State One Call for underground utility locates.

Repair, remove and replace street signs, parking meters and traffic control devices; refurbish/recycle devices as applicable. Install street signs, parking meters and other traffic control devices using various mounting supports and installation procedures. Maintain necessary records of the installation, removal and repair of traffic control devices.

*Pavement markings installation and maintenance Assist the Traffic Operations Technician with field layouts for pavement markings. Install long-lines and symbols pavement markings (crosswalks, bike lane markings, turn arrows, parking lines, etc.) Operate pavement marking grinder to remove pavement markings as needed. *Infrastructure construction and maintenance Repair and maintain bituminous streets including milling, paving, hand patching, seal coating, crack filling, adjusting surface utilities (manholes) etc

Repair and maintain concrete streets, curbs, and sidewalks including joint re-sealing, spot repair, panel replacement, etc. Clean and repair sanitary and storm infrastructure; i.e. reconstructing pipes, reconstructing and cleaning manholes, catch basins, storm water structures Operate street sweepers, directional brooms and flusher trucks for routine sweeping and fall leaf sweeping

Repair and maintain structures in the right of way including street signs, mailboxes, guard rails, etc. Perform preventative maintenance and/or minor repair to City equipment; i.e. cleaning, greasing, etc

*Perform snow and ice control Operate equipment to plow streets and sidewalks including application of snow/ice melt chemicals. Remove snow in the Central Business District as needed (this is generally completed during overnight hours to cause the least disruption to the public) Be available for call-in during off hours, weekends and holidays, in the case of inclement weather events. *Construct and maintain flood and storm drainage facilities Remove sediment, debris, trees, etc from storm drainage facilities.

Install rip rap, seed blankets, and other erosion control measures. Install, repair, and maintain storm sewer pipes. Install, repair, and maintain chain link fence, guard rails, grates, etc.

around drainage structures. Mow, cut down and spray weeds and/or small trees around storm water facilities and/or right of way. *Repair and maintain bridges and flood control structures Flush and clean bridge decks, sidewalks, medians, expansion joints, etc.

Perform concrete repairs. Install, repair and maintain railings, fences, guardrails, etc. Remove obstructions from waterways, clear intake grates, clear outlet pipes, etc.

*Perform safety operations Set up and remove temporary traffic control according to regulatory standards. Inspect and maintain assigned equipment in accordance with proper safety requirements including DOT pre/post trip inspections. Perform flagging and traffic control operations.

Log and report all unsafe conditions, maintenance needs, etc. to supervisor *Miscellaneous duties and responsibilities Collaborate with supervisor on infrastructure and traffic maintenance needs. Wash and clean equipment and facility buildings.

Perform other related duties as assigned * ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years full-time equivalent employment experience operating and maintaining heavy construction equipment weighing over five tons Licenses and Certifications A Commercial learner's permit (CLP) is required within 30 days as a condition of continued employment. A Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements is required within 6 months as a condition of continued employment. Desirable Qualifications Five (5) years progressive experience in the highway construction field operating heavy equipment.

Three (3) years full-time experience constructing and repairing bituminous or concrete pavement. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION *THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROGRAM Employees in this position are required to use respiratory equipment and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program. *THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY'S HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM Employees in this position are required to use hearing protection and the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements in administering this program.

*THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CITY OF ROCHESTER DRUG TESTING POLICY The drug and alcohol testing policies and procedures of the City of Rochester will conform to all State and Federal requirements, including Minnesota Statutes 181.950 through 181.957; the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988; and/or the US Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). *Pre-employment and/or periodic testing may be required. THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY PUBLIC WORKS' RESPONSE TIME REQUIREMENT: Public Works employees currently in the position or individuals hired for this position must reside within an area which will allow them to report for work within thirty (30) minutes from the time notified

Those who do not currently meet this requirement shall be allowed no more than twelve (12) months after the date that they were hired to fill the position to meet this requirement. Promotions to positions may be withheld from employees whose residence would prevent them from meeting the thirty (30) minutes response time. PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation. In consideration of the overall amount of physical effort required to perform this position, the work is best described as Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below: Frequent demands: standing; walking; lifting; carrying; pushing/pulling; balancing; stooping; kneeling; crouching; crawling; twisting; bending; foot controls; fine dexterity; and simultaneous use of the hand, wrist and fingers.

Occasional demands: sitting; reaching; handling; and climbing. Sensory requirements necessary in the performance of the essential functions of this position include: sight, hearing, and touch. Environmental conditions that may exist in the performance of the essential functions of this job include: Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) Noise (need to shout in order to be heard) Vibration (exposure to oscillating movements of the extremities of whole body) Exposure to dust/gas/fumes/steam/chemicals Work outdoors (no effective protection from weather) Walk on uneven ground (gravel, rocks, mounds, construction sites) Working around moving machinery (fork-lifts, tractors, mowers) Protective equipment required (respirator, mask, earplugs, gloves, eyewear, etc.)