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Wheel Loader Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

LKQ Corporation

Loader Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals.

CRH

Loader Operator

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Safely operate a wheel loader to move, stockpile, and load materials in support of asphalt plant operations. * Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections and perform routine equipment checks. * Maintain ...

CRH

Loader Operator

Abingdon, VA

$20/hr

Safely operate a wheel loader to move, stockpile, and load materials in support of asphalt plant operations. * Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections and perform routine equipment checks. * Maintain ...

Lkqcorp

Loader Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Equipment operated may include awheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc... * Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals.

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are hiring ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are hiring ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Dulles, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are hiring ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Sterling, VA · On-site

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

New

Turner Mining Group

Loader Operator

Front Royal, VA

CAT 930 Rubber-Tire Loaders & CAT 963 Track Loaders Keep the Jobsite Moving - Master Wheels & Tracks! Are you a skilled heavy equipment operator who knows how to keep production rolling? We are ...

CRH

Loader Operator (Night Shift)

Richmond, VA

$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 ...

OmniSource

Utility - Night Shift

Rocky Mount, VA · On-site

Dump Truck, Wheel Loader, Skid Steer Loader and Forklift, in a safe and productive manner. * Ability to cross train on various equipment types. * Ability to cross train in various roles throughout ...

OmniSource

Utility - Night Shift

Rocky Mount, VA · On-site

Dump Truck, Wheel Loader, Skid Steer Loader and Forklift, in a safe and productive manner. * Ability to cross train on various equipment types. * Ability to cross train in various roles throughout ...

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All JobsWheel Loader JobsWheel Loader Jobs in Virginia

Wheel Loader information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do wheel loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wheel loader in Virginia is $19.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wheel loader?

A wheel loader is a type of heavy equipment used primarily in construction, mining, and agriculture for loading materials such as soil, sand, gravel, and debris into trucks or onto other machinery. It features a large front-mounted bucket attached to movable arms, allowing operators to scoop, lift, and transport materials efficiently. Wheel loaders are known for their versatility, maneuverability, and ability to handle a variety of tasks, making them essential on job sites where material handling is required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wheel loader operator?

To thrive as a Wheel Loader Operator, you need proven equipment operation skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and sometimes a relevant heavy machinery certification or CDL. Familiarity with hydraulic systems, onboard diagnostics, and safety protocols is essential, along with experience using GPS or telematics systems. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are valuable soft skills. These skills ensure safe, efficient material handling, minimize workplace accidents, and support productivity on construction or mining sites.

What are some common challenges faced by wheel loader operators on a construction site?

Wheel loader operators often encounter challenges such as working in tight or uneven spaces, managing visibility around large equipment, and coordinating with other team members and machinery to ensure safety and efficiency. They must also adapt to varying load types and weights, which requires a keen understanding of the equipment’s limits. Effective communication with site supervisors and adherence to safety protocols are vital to prevent accidents and maintain productivity.

What is the difference between Wheel Loader vs Excavator?

FeatureWheel LoaderExcavator
Primary UseLoading, moving materials on flat surfacesDigging, trenching, lifting
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, quarries, industrial yardsConstruction, demolition, mining sites
Required CertificationsOperator license, safety trainingOperator license, safety training
MobilityHigh mobility on wheelsTracked, less mobile on roads

Wheel Loaders are designed for loading and moving materials quickly on flat surfaces, while Excavators excel at digging and lifting in various terrains. Both require operator licenses and are common in construction and industrial settings, but their functions and mobility differ significantly.

Are wheel loader operator jobs in demand?

Wheel loader operator jobs are in steady demand in construction, mining, and agriculture industries, especially in regions with ongoing infrastructure projects. Employers seek skilled operators with certifications and experience to operate heavy machinery efficiently and safely.

How to become a wheel loader?

To become a wheel loader operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training or a vocational program in heavy equipment operation. Certification from a recognized training organization and a valid driver's license are often required, and experience with equipment maintenance and safety procedures is beneficial.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Wheel Loader jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Wheel Loader jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Wheel Loader jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Wheel Loader job openings:

Wheel Loader jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wheel Loader job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,834 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Loader Operator

LKQ Corporation

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

LKQ rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 177 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 428 rated retail wholesalers

Job description

Join the LKQ Family! We're looking for motivated individuals to join our team at LKQ Corporation. With opportunities for growth, competitive benefits, and a supportive work environment, LKQ is the place to be. Apply now and take the first step toward a rewarding career!
Operate equipment safely and responsibly to move salvage vehicles through all phases of the operation, maintain facility grounds and perform snow removal. Help ensure compliance with all federal, state and local regulations. Support dismantling and yard operations. Use scan gun and tablet/phone to update the inventory system on the location of vehicles. Help ensure fulfillment of daily work orders. Communicate written and verbally with management and other team members. Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Essential Job Duties
  • Perform pre-operational inspections to ensure equipment is safe for work.
  • Operate equipment safely and courteously in work areas with pedestrians and other vehicle traffic. Equipment operated may include a wheel loader, car crusher, skid loader, backhoe, forklift, etc...
  • Check fluids each day equipment is used and lubricate equipment at recommended intervals. Communicate any findings and equipment hours to management.
  • Prioritize and plan workload to prevent delays to operations.
  • Use long and short auto salvage forks on the wheel loader to unload car haulers and stage upcoming cars for inventory, dismantling and cuts.
  • Use bucket to remove snow, spread stone and maintain grounds such as access roads, water drainage, vehicle holding areas and salvage yard.
  • Assist with regulation compliance and quality assurance of dismantled vehicles before unloading from bay and placing in the salvage yard.
  • Load dismantle bays with unprocessed cars. Process and crush vehicles that have reached their useful life and load onto scrap haulers for final disposal.
  • Assist with safety and regulation compliance for the facility in general. Maintain location accuracy and integrity of vehicles placed in the yard.
  • Perform tasks assigned by dispatch which may include: location checks, part checks, part pulls, etc. Communicate delays and problems promptly with management and affected coworkers.
  • Assume other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Not responsible for supervising employees.

Minimum Requirements
Education & Experience
  • 1+ years of experience.
  • Must have heavy equipment operations experience and some automotive background.
  • Must possess basic technology competence (scan gun, tablet/phone applications).
  • Must have good oral and written communication skills.
  • Must possess the ability to stay calm, cool and collected in a high-pressure fast-paced work environment.
  • Must be a smooth operator and work well with others.

Preferred Requirements
  • High School Diploma/GED.
  • Previous heavy equipment operation, some computer skills, general maintenance and understanding of mechanical equipment.
  • understanding of automotive components and disassembly.
  • Experience in rigging/lifting operations a plus.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Basic messages communicated orally. May write brief messages and keep simple records.
  • Problems encountered are routine, somewhat repetitive and generally solved by following clear directions and procedures.
  • Decisions generally affect own job or assigned functional area.
  • Results are defined; sets personal own goals and determines how to achieve results with few or no guidelines to follow; supervisor/manager provides broad guidance and overall direction.
  • Handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously with moderate complexity.

Essential Physical Demands/Work Environment
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, push, pull, squat, bend, reach, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or sit for extended periods.
  • The employee may be exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment. Must be able to work in cramped spaces or underneath vehicles that may require getting into awkward positions. May regularly wear personal protective equipment (PPE). May be exposed to extreme temperatures and high noise levels.
  • Travel may be required periodically, including overnight stays (contingent on position requirements).
  • Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds.

Benefits:
  • Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Fertility Coverage
  • 401k with Generous Company Match
  • Company Paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Discounts
  • PNC Daily Pay Option

Join us for an exciting career journey with positive, driven individuals.

What LKQ employees say

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About LKQ

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

LKQ Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, IL, US is a global leader in the auto parts industry. The company specializes in offering alternative auto parts and systems to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. Founded in 1998, LKQ has accumulated extensive expertise in vehicle product resources, offering recycled automotive and truck parts, refurbished components, and reconditioned pieces. Beyond replacement parts, LKQ also offers a wide range of services, including aftermarket, recycled, and remanufactured mechanical and collision auto parts. This unique approach of the corporation embodies their mission that focuses on providing cost-effective alternatives to new car parts while also prioritizing environmental sustainability.

Industry

Automobile dealers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

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