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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Altamont, NY (NOW HIRING)

Crane Operator

West Milton, NY · On-site

$40.69/hr

This includes operating mobile cranes (wheeled and track type), telehandler, and various capacity ... This includes in depth knowledge of rigging gear such as routine inspections and load tests ...

Crane Operator

Ballston Spa, NY · On-site

$40.69/hr

This includes operating mobile cranes (wheeled and track type), telehandler, and various capacity ... This includes in depth knowledge of rigging gear such as routine inspections and load tests ...

Regional CDL A Truck Driver

Albany, NY · On-site

$1.8K - $2.0K/wk

Behind the wheel of the dedicated Anheuser-Busch account, you'll run on a fleet built around ... Run dedicated, no-touch Anheuser-Busch freight with drop & hook loads and drop & hook pay, cutting ...

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Wheel Loader Operator information

See Altamont, NY salary details

$11

$20

$27

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Altamont, NY is $20.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.55 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 cities near Altamont, NY are hiring for Wheel Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Altamont, NY with the most Wheel Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Altamont, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,614 per year, or $20 per hour.

Crane Operator

West Milton, NY • On-site


Naval Nuclear Laboratory

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 49 rated military and defense

Good employer

Respectful managers

Good training


$40.69/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a highly motivated professional to join our Maintenance Operations Resource Management team. Apply to this position if you're seeking to work in a mission-driven, technically diverse and dynamic environment with a strong technical team focused on learning and continuous improvement.

Duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Qualify as a NAVFAC P-307 Crane Operator on the Kesselring Site. This includes operating mobile cranes (wheeled and track type), telehandler, and various capacity bridge cranes to NAVFAC P-307 standards.
  • Operate a variety of cranes including hydraulically operated mobile cranes, the derrick, crawler and rigger cranes, to perform complex blind hitches and lifts.
  • Use in-depth knowledge of crane capacity, boom length,and crane operation to plan and execute crane work to instructions.
  • Responsible for safe and efficient performance of all crane operations under operators direct control.
  • Must maintain crane operator certifications as required per KAPL/KSO instructions.
  • Qualify as a NAVFAC P-307 Crane Rigger. This includes in depth knowledge of rigging gear such as routine inspections and load tests, maintaining the rigging loft and the issuance of gear to qualified workers on site.
  • Work with the Millwrights when not operating cranes. Jobs include working with metal fabricating equipment such as a metal hydraulic shear, iron worker, metal brake, plate roller, drill presses and metal band saws.
  • Additional work may consist of removing or replacing large pumps, electric motors, air handling units and maintenance equipment by using crane and non-crane rigging evolutions.


*This position will require the selected candidate to qualify as a Rigger as well as a Radiation Worker.

Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
  • Highschool diploma or equivalent
Preferred Skills
  • At least 2 years of experience as a certified crane operator
  • At least 2 years of related millwright experience
  • Experience in the layout and fabrication of complex metal configurations
  • Experience with the use of chain falls, slings, straps, shackles, table lifts, engine hoist, jib booms, load test equipment
  • Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and written work directions as well as drawing sketches
Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range

$40.69 hourly
Jobs categorized as subject to a collective bargaining agreement will adhere to the pay rates, wage increases, progression schedules, and other parameters identified and negotiated in said agreements. Wages and other compensation details are subject to change based negotiated changes to the collective bargaining agreements.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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