Payloader Operator 2
U.S. Sugar is one of the nation’s largest fully integrated producers of sugarcane, a leading provider of fresh vegetables and citrus products, and a regional short-line railroad operator. Headquartered in Clewiston, Florida, the company farms more than 200,000 acres and employs approximately 3,000 people, including many high-skilled, high-wage jobs in automated environments. The company produces 650,000–700,000 tons of cane sugar annually, providing nearly 8% of the nation’s sugar production.
About the role
Reporting to the Equipment Supervisor, this is a shift-work position with periodic overtime and recall requirements, including nights, weekends, and holidays. You will work independently or in a team with minimal supervision to safely and efficiently transfer bagasse (or other materials), ensuring a continuous fuel supply to the mill boilers and managing the distribution of bagasse in the field.
Responsibilities
- Operate large wheel loader (bucket capacity greater than 8 cubic yards) to move bagasse, compost, and/or other materials as directed by supervision.
- Conduct equipment inspections, including checking fluids, tires, belts, and changing filters; document results and submit written equipment reports.
- Operate various types of heavy equipment in any assigned location as needed, including but not limited to: small wheel loader, articulated truck, skid steer, forklift, tractors, and aerial equipment.
- Perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment, including refueling, lubrication, filter changes, replacing broken/missing parts, cleaning, and general housekeeping of equipment and assigned work area.
- Abide by all Company policies outlined in the Employee Handbook and comply with all Company, local, state, and federal regulations relating to health, safety, and operations.
- Successfully participate in and complete all required training sessions, safety classes, pre-shift meetings, and/or certifications related to the position.
Qualifications
- Must pass Company-designated tests measuring basic skills, job skills, mechanical aptitude, and/or other relevant interests, skills, and characteristics.
- Must be 18 years of age or older with a good work record and disciplinary history.
- Must be able to use both feet and hands to manipulate foot and hand controls simultaneously.
- Must have experience operating a large wheel loader with an 8 cubic yard capacity.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak English to comprehend instructions on the job, over the radio, and in the classroom, and to ensure personal and co-worker safety on the worksite.
- New hires must pass a drug test and other pre-employment background screening and successfully complete any required training or orientation course.
- Must demonstrate the physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job and be in good health to perform all phases of the work.
- Must obtain forklift and skid steer certification within 30 days of employment.
Working Conditions
- Primary duties are conducted while seated in heavy equipment operating in an open outdoor environment, exposed to variable/extreme weather, reduced visibility, blowing dust and particles, and moving machinery.
- Required to wear PPE (e.g., hard hat, goggles, and/or ear plugs).
- Regularly climb stairs or ladders, kneel, crawl, bend, stoop, squat, reach, and walk on soft and uneven ground.
- Occasional duties include lifting, loading, pushing, and pulling up to 55 lbs unassisted; operating power equipment such as air compressors and power washers; and using hand tools.
This information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by associates in this position. It is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. Management reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.