Equipment Operator - Aggregates

About the Role

The Equipment Operator — Aggregates is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of various heavy equipment in support of mining and aggregate production activities. This position plays a critical role in maintaining material flow throughout the production cycle, from raw extraction through processing and loading. The incumbent ensures that equipment, materials, and the plant site are maintained in a safe, clean, and compliant condition at all times. This role contributes directly to operational throughput, regulatory compliance, and the overall safety culture of the organization.

Responsibilities

• Operates heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, dozers, and other approved machinery to push, pull, lift, stack, tier, and transport bulk materials to and from mine sites, storage areas, and processing zones.
• Feeds conveyors, hoppers, and chutes with appropriate aggregate materials and loads trucks or railcars in accordance with production schedules and site requirements.
• Maintains separate, clearly organized stockpiles of distinct material types by applying working knowledge of aggregate classifications and interpreting current site plans.
• Monitors aggregate and raw material inventory levels continuously, keeps hoppers adequately filled, and notifies the manager in a timely manner of any impending material shortages.
• Stockpiles excess raw material for future processing and breaks oversized rocks to a manageable size using appropriate equipment and techniques as operational needs require.
• Conducts all required pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections, completes daily inspection reports accurately, and reports any mechanical deficiencies or safety concerns to the appropriate supervisor.
• Operates all vehicles and equipment in strict accordance with established safety procedures; follows proper incident reporting protocols and notifies the manager and Safety Department immediately in the event of any accident, injury, or observed safety hazard.
• Complies fully with all applicable company safety rules and governmental regulatory requirements, including the consistent and correct use of all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Adheres to all applicable environmental regulations and promptly remediates any spills, debris, or excess material accumulations that could present an environmental compliance concern.
• Secures and locks all assigned equipment at the conclusion of each shift or as otherwise directed, including the removal of keys from assigned equipment, to prevent unauthorized use or access.
• Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of assigned equipment and the overall plant site in accordance with company standards.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, team members, and dispatch personnel to coordinate material flow, equipment availability, and operational priorities throughout the shift.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience operating heavy equipment, including but not limited to excavators, backhoes, and dozers in a mining, quarry, construction, or aggregate production environment.
• Knowledge of sand, gravel, and aggregate products and the operational processes associated with their extraction and processing.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal form with supervisors, team members, and other site personnel.
0
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to learn and utilize mobile applications such as iPad and iPhone platforms and company-designated software systems.
• Ability to read and interpret site plans to guide material placement and equipment operation.
• Ability to complete daily inspection reports and required regulatory or incident documentation accurately.
• Ability to work safely in an outdoor environment with exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, moving mechanical parts, and elevated noise levels.

Qualifications

• CPR and First Aid certification (preferred).
• Familiarity with site plan reading and material layout interpretation in an aggregate or mining context (preferred).

Education

No minimum formal education requirement. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.

Work Environment

• Primarily outdoor and field-based; minimal time in enclosed or climate-controlled environments.
• Regular exposure to dust and airborne particulates inherent to aggregate mining and processing operations.
• Exposure to fumes and offensive smells associated with heavy equipment operation and aggregate processing.
• Routine exposure to fuels, greases, lubricants, and related equipment maintenance chemicals.
• Consistent close proximity to active conveyor systems, processing equipment, and heavy machinery.
• Loud noise levels.

Physical Demands

• Lifting up to 100 lbs. as required.
• Repetitive lifting up to 100 lbs., performed repetitively throughout the shift.
• Carrying approximately 50 lbs.
• Pushing/pulling approximately 50 lbs.
• Frequent climbing (equipment ingress/egress) throughout the shift.
• Sitting (equipment operation) approximately 8 hours per day.
• Walking approximately 2 hours per day.
• General climbing approximately 1 hour per day.
• Consistent operation of hand and foot levers while operating equipment.

This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, meaning the incumbent is entitled to overtime pay at the applicable rate for all hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Full-time, 40 hours per week, schedule as assigned. This position carries no supervisory responsibility.