Equipment Operator

JOB SUMMARY

The Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of front-end loaders (typically ranging from CAT 982 to 992 sizes) within a quarry or aggregate facility. Your primary mission is to extract and move raw materials from the pit to the plant and manage product stockpiles. As a frontline leader in site safety, you are responsible for maintaining organized work areas, ensuring product quality, and directing the traffic flow of haul trucks to maximize production while strictly adhering to MSHA regulations.

• Safely operate heavy front-end loaders to charge plants with raw materials (sand, gravel, or stone) and load finished products into customer trucks or railcars.
• Build and maintain product stockpiles to ensure inventory is organized, uncontaminated, and easily accessible.
• Maintain proficiency in operating auxiliary equipment as needed, including haul trucks, water trucks, motor graders, or excavators.
• Assert leadership over truck drivers and other mobile equipment on-site to maintain safe working speeds and efficient traffic flow.
• Ensure pit and yard areas are equipped with adequate berms and clear roadways to prevent accidents and comply with safety standards.
• Constant monitoring of conveyors, surge piles, and crushers to ensure safe operation and prevent blockages or equipment damage.
• Conduct mandatory pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections on equipment, documenting all findings and reporting necessary repairs to supervisors or the maintenance shop.
• Perform daily "walk-around" maintenance, including checking tire pressure, oil levels, and diesel fuel; greasing moving parts; and inspecting hoses for leaks.
• Keep the loader cab and exterior clean and free of debris. Assist in general plant housekeeping, such as shoveling, sweeping, and clearing areas around hoppers.
• Visually inspect materials during loading to ensure quality standards are met and prevent the mixing of different product grades.
• Accurately complete daily production reports, maintenance logs, and safety forms as required by management.

Education

• High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Work Experience

• 1+ year of related experience operating front-end loaders or similar heavy equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Road specifications and slopes
• Mechanical aptitude
• Troubleshooting
• MSHA compliance and regulations
• Time management

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.
• Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.
• Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

Working Conditions

• All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty.
• Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

Disclaimers

In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments as required, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential.

The hiring range for this position is $26.00 - $43.00 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary).

In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.

Part-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.