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 role maintains material flow throughout the production cycle, ensures equipment, materials, and the plant site are kept safe, clean, and compliant, and contributes to operational throughput, regulatory compliance, and the organization’s safety culture. Reports to Aggregates Project Manager/Area Production Supervisor. Location: As Assigned. FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt (eligible for overtime). Supervisory responsibility: none.

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. 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. Work Setting: Primarily outdoor and field‑based; minimal time in enclosed or climate‑controlled environments. Dust and Particulates: Regular exposure to dust and airborne particulates inherent to aggregate mining and processing operations. Fumes and Odors: Exposure to fumes and offensive smells associated with heavy equipment operation and aggregate processing. Chemical Exposure: Routine exposure to fuels, greases, lubricants, and related equipment maintenance chemicals. Moving Mechanical Parts: Consistent close proximity to active conveyor systems, processing equipment, and heavy machinery. Noise Level: Loud. Physical Demands: Lifting (maximum) up to 100 lbs. as required; repetitive lifting up to 100 lbs.; carrying approximately 50 lbs.; pushing/pulling approximately 50 lbs.; climbing (equipment ingress/egress) frequently throughout the shift; sitting (equipment operation) approximately 8 hours per day; walking approximately 2 hours per day; climbing (general) approximately 1 hour per day; repetitive hand and foot motion consistent operation of hand and foot levers while operating equipment. Travel: This position does not require routine travel; however, the incumbent may occasionally be required to operate or relocate equipment between company sites as operational needs dictate.

Skills

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in verbal form with supervisors, team members, and other site personnel. 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

Preferred Qualifications: CPR and First Aid certification; familiarity with site plan reading and material layout interpretation in an aggregate or mining context. 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.

Schedule

Full‑time; 40 hours per week; schedule as assigned.