Loader Operator

721216 · Heavy

Career data Verified

Loader operators use motorised loaders to move and load soil, rock and other materials.

Most common salary $66k – $100k

Upper salary up to $122k

Training No specific training

Operates a motorised loader to move and load soil, rock and other material.

Prepares and positions plant for operation; selects, fits and removes attachments such as buckets, winches and loading scoops; operates controls to move and load a range of natural materials; monitors operation of plant and adjusts controls to regulate pressure, speed and flow of operation, and ensures safety of other workers; raises, lowers and manipulates attachments using manual and hydraulic controls; works from drawings, markers and verbal instructions; services, lubricates, cleans and refuels plant and performs minor adjustments and repairs.

Works in a vehicle operating cab.
May work outdoors when cleaning or undertaking plant maintenance and connecting attachments.
Works in all weather conditions.
Jolting and jarring of the operator could be frequent, depending on the nature of the surface being worked on.

Medium physical work demand
Sits in vehicle operating cab or similar constantly.
Climbs up steps to enter and to exit vehicle cab.
Uses upper limbs and body to stretch down and across to operate controls.
Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements may be required occasionally.
Twists body or neck when reversing vehicles or observing result of work.
Significant contact with water or skin irritants is not required.
Lifting or carrying is required on an occasional basis.
Bending is required on an occasional basis.
Frequent repetitive hand, arm and leg/foot movements and pushing/pulling is required for operation of controls.
Driving is constantly required.
Use of hand tools or equipment is occasionally required for machine maintenance and physical removal of earth (e.g. shovel, or crowbar and heavy hammer).
Mental skills necessary include machine operation, practical and technical skills.

Entry signal Reviewed

Enter via a short course or licence (days to weeks). A licence or registration is legally required.

Entry barrier Short course or licence

Licence / registration Licence/registration required

ANZSCO skill level 4

Next-day ready No

How this was determined (model-generated): Class 1 licence plus Wheels endorsement required to operate loader.

A minimum of a Class 1 (full) Driver’s Licence and a Wheels (W) endorsement (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).
A Class 1 (full) Driver Licence with Wheels (W) endorsement allows operation of plant with wheels of not more than 18,000kg Gross Laden Weight (GLW) when driven on a road at a speed not exceeding 30 km/h (if speed on road to exceed 30 km/h then GLW must not exceed 4,500kg). A Class 2 or 4 (full) Licence with Wheels (W) endorsement is required to exceed these weight or speed limits.