Equipment Operator

About the role

The Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of front-end loaders 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Constantly monitor 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.
• Absorb 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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience.
• 1+ years of related experience operating front-end loaders or similar heavy equipment.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities related to road specifications and slopes, mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting, MSHA compliance and regulations, time management, physical requirements, and working conditions.

Additional Details

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., bend, stoop, climb, and reach. Must 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. Good depth perception is required.
• Working Conditions: Outside assignments in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry, and dusty. Noise levels 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.