Heavy Equipment Operator - SY Loader

Build Your Career. Build America's Future.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation’s largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials including asphalt and ready‑mixed concrete. When you join Vulcan, it’s more than starting an exciting career – you get to make a difference for millions of people every day across the country. When you join Vulcan, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded and diversity is valued.

No matter the role or the location across the country, every member of the Vulcan team lives through the Vulcan Way: doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.

• Operate and control the pit loader to load and move materials within the pit area.
• Excavate quarry to maintain desired face, ramp and floor conditions including the construction and maintenance of safety berms.
• Utilize the loader's controls to lift, tilt, and dump materials into designated areas or onto trucks/conveyors.
• Handle attachments (buckets, forks, etc.) as needed for various tasks.
• Ensure the safe operation of the loader and perform routine equipment maintenance checks.
• Load materials efficiently, maintaining appropriate weight distribution and stability.
• Follow loading instructions provided by supervisors or production plans to meet required tonnage targets.
• Handle materials with care to prevent spills, waste, or damage to equipment and surrounding infrastructure.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain awareness of surroundings, equipment, and personnel to prevent accidents or hazards.
• Report any safety concerns, incidents, or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor promptly.
• Contribute to a culture of safety awareness.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure materials are loaded according to schedule and production goals.
• Optimize loading processes to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Communicate with truck drivers or conveyor operators to coordinate loading activities.
• Perform thorough pre and post operation checks of the pit loader to identify safety or mechanical defects.
• Report any maintenance needs or equipment issues to the maintenance department.
• Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and unloaded.

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred; trade school diploma or certificate in equipment operation is desired.
• Previous experience in operating large loaders is preferred.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Proven experience as a pit/plant loader operator in a mining/quarry environment.
• Familiarity with equipment controls and operation techniques.
• Strong commitment to safety protocols and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating hazards.
• Mechanical aptitude to complete thorough safety and mechanical inspections.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact and coordinate with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing work environments.
• Strong spatial awareness to maneuver the loader in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in congested work areas.
• Knowledge and awareness of mining and construction site hazards.
• Physical ability to sit for extended periods, withstand vibrations, and operate controls with precision.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must have ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact and sit for long periods of time.

• Equipment Operation – Proficiency in operating large loaders, understanding controls, gauges, and indicators, and handling attachments.
• Safety Awareness – Thorough understanding of safety protocols and regulations; proactive hazard identification.
• Technical Expertise – Solid mechanical understanding, basic maintenance checks, troubleshooting, and reporting issues.
• Material Handling – Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, ensuring load stability and distribution.
• Problem Solving – Assess loading challenges and adapt techniques; quick decision‑making in unexpected situations.
• Teamwork – Ability to work effectively as part of a team and coordinate with other operators and ground personnel.
• Adaptability – Flexibility to adjust to changing work environments and tasks.

• Job Identification: 260001C3_C
• Job Category:
  Landfill Operations
• Posting Date: 05/22/2026, 02:50 PM
• Degree Level: High School Graduate
• Schedule:
  
  Full time
• Location:
  
  800 Constitution Ave, Portsmouth, VA, 23704, US