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Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

They will be operating intermittently Fork-Lifts, Front End Loaders, and/or Bobcat mobile equipment ... Fiber Yard Operators must be able to operate a steering wheel, hydraulic levers, foot pedals, and a ...

They will be operating intermittently Fork-Lifts, Front End Loaders, and/or Bobcat mobile equipment ... Fiber Yard Operators must be able to operate a steering wheel, hydraulic levers, foot pedals, and a ...

They will be operating intermittently Fork-Lifts, Front End Loaders, and/or Bobcat mobile equipment ... Fiber Yard Operators must be able to operate a steering wheel, hydraulic levers, foot pedals, and a ...

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future and join a team that values safety, precision, and ... Safely maneuver forklifts to make sure products are perfectly loaded, unloaded, picked, and stored.

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future and join a team that values safety, precision, and ... Safely maneuver forklifts to make sure products are perfectly loaded, unloaded, picked, and stored.

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future and join a team that values safety, precision, and ... Safely maneuver forklifts to make sure products are perfectly loaded, unloaded, picked, and stored.

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future and join a team that values safety, precision, and ... Safely maneuver forklifts to make sure products are perfectly loaded, unloaded, picked, and stored.

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future and join a team that values safety, precision, and ... Safely maneuver forklifts to make sure products are perfectly loaded, unloaded, picked, and stored.

Are you ready to take the wheel of your future and join a team that values safety, precision, and ... Safely maneuver forklifts to make sure products are perfectly loaded, unloaded, picked, and stored.

Showing results 21-40

Wheel Loader Operator information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$10

$18

$24

How much do wheel loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader operator in Atlanta, GA is $18.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.58 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 Atlanta, GA?

The most popular types of Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader Operator jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

What cities near Atlanta, GA are hiring for Wheel Loader Operator jobs?

Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Wheel Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Wheel Loader Operator job openings in Atlanta, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,960 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Equipment Operator I - $22.15 hourly

Douglas County Water Authority

Douglasville, GA โ€ข On-site

$22.15/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. 

Equipment Operator I
Department: Systems Maintenance 
Pay Grade: 106 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs skilled work in the operation of moderately complex medium to heavy construction equipment. The work involves the safe and skilled operating, servicing, and minor maintenance of equipment for transporting personnel and materials and may involve operating components of significant complexity or capacity. Work also involves the performance of manual tasks. Supervision may be exercised over semi-skilled workers. An individual in this position is required to be on-call on a rotating basis. This position reports to the Construction or Maintenance Foreman.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Operates stake body, panel, and dump trucks to move personnel, equipment, and materials.
  • Operates winch truck to transport, load, and unload large and/or heavy objects.
  • Operates fork lift, mini-excavator, skid steer, compact track loader, dump trucks, etc.
  • Operates skid steer/compact track loader with landscape or mowing attachments.
  • Prepares simple records and performs equipment servicing and minor maintenance operations.
  • Performs preventative maintenance and upkeep of trucks and other equipment.
  • Performs manual labor when needed.
  • Sets job sites up for construction.
  • Acts as lead worker in the absence of the Construction/Maintenance Foreman. 
  • Performs other related duties as required/assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and three (2) years of experience operating automotive and construction equipment preferred. 

Special Qualifications:

  • Possession of a valid State of Georgia driver’s license and satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR). 
  • Possession of a valid State of Georgia Class “A” CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) required. Possession of Manual Transmission Endorsement preferred.. 
  • Possession of a Confined Spaces certificate. 
  • Possession of a Department of Transportation Flagger certificate. 
  • Possession of a Trench Excavation certificate.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

  • Knowledge of county and city streets and locations within the Authority’s delivery system.
  • Knowledge of the operation, servicing, and performance limitations of various wheeled vehicles of operational complexity and capacity.
  • Knowledge of operating hazards, traffic laws, and safety precautions relating to equipment.
  • Knowledge of type and amount of materials to be transported and used at work site.
  • Skill in the operation of vehicles and equipment.
  • Ability to prepare records.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public.
  • Ability to lead by example and effectively direct the work of others.
  • Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to work under varying weather conditions. 
  • Ability to work overtime with little or no notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is very heavy work which requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

  • Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
  • Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.
  • Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.
  • Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
  • Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
  • Fingering: picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
  • Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
  • Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
  • Hearing: sufficient to perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels with or without correction; ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discrimination in sound. 
  • Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
  • Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
  • Mental Acuity: sufficient to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
  • Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
  • Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
  • Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
  • Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers
  • Standing: particularly for sustained periods of time.
  • Talking: sufficient to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
  • Visual Acuity: sufficient to observe violations of codes, to effectively operate standard office equipment; ability to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, drawings, etc.; and to operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment, by both day and night.
  • Walking: sufficient to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or move from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is exposed to inclement weather, changes of temperature or humidity; exposure to dust, fume, or gases; and exposure to insects and animals. An employee in this position may be subjected to water depths of up to approximately three feet, or work near hazardous traffic areas. The noise level in this work environment is usually loud.

The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.


Core hours for this position are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with every other Friday off. This position requires employee to be on-call for emergency after-hours work on a rotating basis.