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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Woodgrain

Log Yard Heavy Equipment Operator

Independence, VA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Log Yard Equipment Operator is responsible for moving logs without damaging them by utilizing either a wheel loader or knuckle boom. This includes but not limited to loading and unloading log ...

New

Carpenter

Checker Loader (Forklift Operator)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $19.75/hr

Checker Loader (Forklift Operator) Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for a Checker Loader ... Lock out and chock wheels. * Must successfully be forklift certified. * Other duties as assigned ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Equipment Operator

Manakin Sabot, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $24.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Equipment Operator

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Carpenter Co.

Checker Loader (Forklift Operator)

Richmond, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Carpenter Co. has an immediate opening for a Checker Loader (Forklift Operator) in our Carpet ... Lock out and chock wheels. * Must successfully be forklift certified. * Other duties as assigned ...

GardenCore

Equipment Operator

Doswell, VA · On-site

$19 - $23/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... wheel loaders, and all-terrain forklifts, in a rugged 50+ acre outdoor, paved and unpaved ... Operators will use this heavy equipment to move bulk material throughout a manufacturing facility ...

City of Garland Texas

$20.72 - $25.87/hr

Summary Responsible for operating equipment in removing asphalt/concrete pavement, excavating earth ... loaders, utility wheel loaders, compactors, rotary mixers and tractors with 30-yeard end dump ...

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All JobsWheel Loader Operator JobsWheel Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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.
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Wheel Loader Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,135 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

VLS Environmental Solutions

Petersburg, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for operating a front end wheel loader and other heavy equipment including an excavator and forklift at our Petersburg VA site.

JOB DUTIES

Ensures Health & Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and always acting in a safe manner.

2. Monitors equipment assigned to the area and notifies the supervisor of major/minor issues and breakdowns.

3. Responsible for the unloading and loading of wastes in conformance to company rules and regulations. This includes managing stockpiles and loading commercial vehicles with outbound materials.

4. Oversee the offloading of inbound waste streams and perform quality control checks on all loads.

5. Must perform daily PM and inspections on operating equipment.

6. Operate a front end wheel loader and forklift with attachments to support daily operations.

7. Check for inconsistencies with manifested waste types and quantities with actual containers received in accordance with Company rules and regulations and report to management any non-conforming load.

8. Use proper equipment to remove samples of materials for analysis and compatibility checks.

9. Responsible for keeping work areas, walls, and floor in a clean and safe condition.

10. Understand waste labeling to handle and manage containers.

11. Position handles materials and will often require the use of PPE: Boots, Gloves, Suits, Eye/Ear Protection, and Respirator.

12. Shovels, sweeps, and cleans the area in which they are assigned periodically throughout the day.

13. Any other duty assigned by the Facility Manager.

REQUIREMENTS

  • 1-3 years of shipping receiving and warehouse experience
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Able to operate heavy equipment/forklift
  • Ability to work well with others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Lift up to 50 lbs
  • Climbing/Balance/bending/stooping/crawling
  • Standing/Sitting
  • Pushing/Pulling
  • Use of power tools

Apply