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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Loader Operator

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Ability to move levers, shift gears, depress pedals and maneuver steering wheel to operator equipment * Other duties and responsibilities related to the nature of the job may be assigned on a ...

Loader Operator (Night Shift) Architectural Products Group Richmond, Virginia, United States Job ID ... Ability to move levers, shift gears, depress pedals and maneuver steering wheel to operator ...

Haul Truck Driver Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... Occasionally operate support equipment such as skid steers and small wheel loaders for site staging ...

New

Haul Truck Driver Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... Occasionally operate support equipment such as skid steers and small wheel loaders for site staging ...

Haul Truck Driver - Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... Occasionally operate support equipment such as skid steers and small wheel loaders for site staging ...

New

Haul Truck Driver - Heavy Equipment Operator Location: Front Royal, VA Position Type: Direct ... Occasionally operate support equipment such as skid steers and small wheel loaders for site staging ...

Equipment Operator

Powhatan, VA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Midlothian, VA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Powhatan, VA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Manakin Sabot, VA ยท On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Midlothian, VA ยท On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

... wheel loaders, and excavators, in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with company ... Experience operating equipment such as front-end loaders, skid steers, track loaders, articulating ...

Showing results 21-40

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Virginia is $18.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $21.20 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 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 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.

Do you need a license to operate a wheel loader?

Yes, wheel loader operators typically need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) or a specialized certification, depending on state or industry requirements. Employers often require training and certification in equipment operation and safety procedures before employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Wheel Loader Operator jobs in VA?

For Wheel Loader Operator jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,135 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Loader Operator

CRH

Richmond, VA โ€ข On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job ID:  528320

Oldcastle, a CRH company, is reinventing what's possible in building solutions. We are the leading provider of innovative outdoor living products and utility infrastructure solutions for the water, energy, and communications markets throughout North America. We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers, retailers, and homeowners alike as the manufacturer of precast concrete, polymer concrete, and plastic infrastructure products. Our portfolio of brands includes Oldcastle APG, Oldcastle Infrastructure, Belgardยฎ hardscape, Echelonยฎ Masonry, RDIยฎ railing, Catalystโ„ข Fence Solutions, Sakreteยฎ packaged concrete, Amerimixยฎ mortar, Pebble Technology Internationalยฎ pool finishes, and Technisealยฎ sands and sealant technologies.    

Job Summary

Operates heavy equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations mandated by safety policies and procedures to produce a superior product.

Job Responsibilities

  • Read job specifications to determine operator adjustments and material requirements

  • Sets stops or guides to specific lengths as indicated by scale, rule or templates

  • Observes equipment operation to detect machine malfunction

  • Performs routine maintenance to include lubricating, fueling and cleaning

  • Inspect and complete equipment report daily

  • Make sure all housekeeping is maintained in a clear and orderly fashion in assigned area

  • Ability to move levers, shift gears, depress pedals and maneuver steering wheel to operator equipment

  • Other duties and responsibilities related to the nature of the job may be assigned on a temporary or permanent basis as needed

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent; a minimum of two years of related experience in trades specific to job requirements; or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Must be able to pass an internal certification program

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instruction, and procedure manuals

  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence 

  • The employee is regularly required to lift and move up to 50lbs

Compensation

  • Compensation for this role is $20-$22/hr, based on experience
  • 401 (k) plan / group retirement savings program
  • Short-term and long-term disability benefits
  • Life insurance
  • Health, dental and vision insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays

What CRH Offers You

  • Highly competitive base pay
  • Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
  • Group retirement savings program
  • Health and wellness programs
  • An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

If youโ€™re up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Once you click apply now, you will be brought to our official employment application. Please complete your online profile and it will be sent to the hiring manager. Our system allows you to view and track your status 24 hours a day. Thank you for your interest!

Oldcastle APG, a CRH Company, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability 

CRH is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.


CRH logo

About CRH

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CRH has a long and proud heritage as one of North America's largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.

Industry

Construction materials wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US