Equipment Operator - Retail (Danville, VA)

About the role

The Equipment Operator — Retail is responsible for the safe and efficient receipt, storage, and staging of raw materials in support of concrete production operations. The incumbent operates equipment including front-end loaders, forklifts, and related machinery, to load and unload deliveries and serve customer vehicles in the yard. This role plays a critical part in maintaining a clean, organized, and environmentally compliant yard and plant site. The Equipment Operator works in close coordination with the Retail Operations Manager and Dispatch to ensure uninterrupted material flow and operational continuity.

Responsibilities

• Receives, stocks, and organizes raw materials in the yard to ensure proper storage and readiness for production.
• Operates front-end loaders, forklifts, and other related equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.
• Loads and unloads inbound and outbound deliveries, and loads customer vehicles with requested materials in a timely and accurate manner.
• Completes all required pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections and submits accurate daily inspection reports as required.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance on assigned equipment, including checking and replenishing fluid levels, lubricating grease points, and identifying mechanical issues for escalation.
• Maintains the cleanliness and organization of the plant site and yard at all times, including washing equipment exteriors, picking up debris, and ensuring all equipment is properly stored.
• Follows all applicable environmental regulations; promptly identifies and remediates spills or accumulations of excess material that present environmental or safety risks.
• Assists the Retail Operations Manager with batching operations and related plant duties as directed.
• Supports Dispatch and the Retail Operations Manager with truck and driver communications to facilitate efficient scheduling and material movement.
• Monitors yard inventory levels and communicates material shortages or discrepancies to the Operations Manager in a timely manner.
• Adheres to all workplace safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment, safe equipment operation practices, and hazard reporting procedures.
• Performs general outdoor labor as assigned, including sweeping, shoveling, relocating wheelbarrows, and retrieving equipment or supplies from designated locations.

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to operate equipment such as forklifts, front-end loaders, or similar machinery in a commercial or industrial setting.
• Ability to perform routine equipment maintenance tasks, including fluid checks, greasing, and basic inspection procedures.
• Strong verbal communication skills sufficient to coordinate effectively with operations management, dispatch personnel, and customers.
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions, safety procedures, and environmental compliance guidelines.
• Ability to complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports accurately and legibly.
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and environmental compliance in an outdoor or industrial environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience operating a forklift, front-end loader, or comparable heavy construction or yard equipment in a related industry setting.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment:

• Outdoor/Field Setting: The majority of work is performed outdoors in variable weather and field conditions.
• Dust and Airborne Particulate Exposure: The incumbent is regularly exposed to dust generated by raw material handling and plant operations.
• Chemical Exposure: Regular exposure to concrete materials, chemical admixtures, truck cleaning agents, lubricating grease, and oil.
• Fume and Odor Exposure: Periodic exposure to fumes and offensive smells associated with plant and equipment operations.
• Moving Mechanical Parts: Close and frequent proximity to moving mechanical parts on equipment and at the plant site.
• Noise Level: Loud

Physical Demands:

• Lifting — Maximum: Up to 100 lbs., as required
• Lifting — Repetitive: Up to 100 lbs., on a recurring basis throughout the shift
• Carrying: Approximately 50 lbs., as required
• Pushing and Pulling: Approximately 100 lbs., as required
• Pinching and Gripping: Approximately 50 lbs., as required
• Overhead Reaching: Regularly, as tasks require
• Extended Reaching: Regularly away from the body, as tasks require
• Sitting: Approximately 4 hours per day
• Walking: Approximately 3 hours per day
• Standing: Approximately 2 hours per day
• Climbing and Kneeling: Approximately 1 hour per day

Travel: This position is not expected to require regular travel; however, the incumbent may occasionally be required to travel to alternate company locations or job sites as operational needs dictate.

Schedule

Full-time; 40 hours per week; schedule as assigned; extended days and hours required as operational needs dictate.