Equipment Operator - Aggregates (Carson, VA)

Department: Aggregates | Reports To: Aggregates Project Manager/Area Production Supervisor | Location: As Assigned / Carson, VA | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)

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, off-road trucks, 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.

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.

Work Environment

• 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., performed repetitively throughout the shift
• 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

Schedule

Full-time; 50 hours per week; schedule as assigned

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.