Stockpile Loader Operator

About the role

The Sales Yard/Stockpile Loader Oper will be responsible for operating machinery to load and unload materials in a sales yard or stockpile area. This role involves safely and efficiently operating equipment such as loaders, forklifts, and other heavy machinery to move materials around the yard or stockpile. You will also be responsible for maintaining and organizing the materials in the yard, ensuring that they are easily accessible for customers or further processing. Additionally, you may be required to perform routine maintenance on the equipment and assist with other tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic loading and stockpile-building tasks under direct supervision.
• Develop fundamental operating skills and safety awareness in a high‑traffic area.
• Assist with routine maintenance and cleanup tasks.
• Operate a front‑end loader to load trucks, feed processing plants, and move materials within the stockpile area.
• Maintain precise control of the loader, ensuring safe and efficient operation in a potentially high‑traffic area.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑operation inspections of the loader, reporting any maintenance needs or safety concerns.
• Load trucks accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper weight distribution and minimizing spillage.
• Perform routine maintenance checks on the loader, identifying and addressing any issues.
• Work collaboratively with plant operators, truck drivers, and other team members to ensure efficient production and material flow.
• Maintain and organize materials in the yard for easy customer access or further processing.

Skills

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating large loaders, understanding controls, gauges, and indicators; ability to manipulate the loader accurately and smoothly for loading, dumping, and transporting materials; skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications; strong spatial awareness to maneuver safely in tight spaces and congested areas.
• Safety Awareness: Thorough understanding of safety protocols and regulations for heavy equipment operation; ability to identify hazards and take preventive actions; diligent use of PPE and adherence to safety guidelines.
• Technical Expertise: Solid mechanical understanding of loaders, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues; ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them.
• Material Handling: Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, and other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution; ability to accurately estimate weights and volumes for optimal load and transportation efficiency.
• Problem Solving: Ability to assess loading challenges and adapt; demonstrate decision‑making in response to unexpected situations or changes in the work environment.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience: 1‑4 years of experience operating a front‑end loader in a stockpile environment; demonstrated high level of proficiency in loader operation and safety practices; understanding of stockpile management, material properties, and quality control procedures.
• Other Requirements: Ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact; physical ability to climb ladders, sit for extended periods, and operate controls with precision; adherence to all safety regulations and protocols, including wearing appropriate PPE; maintain high situational awareness in a dynamic work environment with truck traffic and other mobile equipment; report safety concerns, incidents, or equipment malfunctions promptly; understand and follow environmental regulations related to dust control, material handling, and stockpile management; ability to work in varying weather conditions; strong understanding of safety protocols and MSHA regulations; complete log sheets, work orders, and other documentation to maintain accurate materials records as required.