LOADER OPERATOR

Above-Ground Quarry / Surface Mining Operations

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Loader Operator to join our team in the above-ground quarry and aggregate mining industry. The Loader Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating front-end loaders to load haul trucks, feed crushers and screening plants, manage aggregate stockpiles, and transport materials throughout the quarry.

This position plays an important role in maintaining daily production goals, supporting mining operations, and ensuring materials are handled safely and efficiently. The ideal candidate will have experience operating heavy equipment in a quarry, aggregate production facility, or surface mining environment.

This is a full-time position with opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver's license.
• Previous experience operating front-end loaders or similar heavy equipment.
• Basic knowledge of quarry operations, aggregate materials, and surface mining procedures.
• Ability to safely operate heavy machinery in uneven, rocky, and high-traffic environments.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with team members.
• Strong attention to safety, equipment operation, and production efficiency.
• Ability to work outdoors in a physically demanding environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in an above-ground quarry, aggregate plant, or surface mining operation.
• Experience loading haul trucks, managing stockpiles, and feeding crushers or screening equipment.
• Knowledge of different aggregate materials, sizes, and stockpile management procedures.
• Familiarity with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulations.
• MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 training, as applicable to the operation.
• Experience performing equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Experience operating additional heavy equipment, such as haul trucks, excavators, or dozers.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate front-end loaders to move, load, and stockpile aggregate materials, including crushed stone, gravel, limestone, and other quarry products.
• Load haul trucks and customer trucks while maintaining proper weight distribution and safe loading practices.
• Feed crushers, screening plants, and other aggregate processing equipment as directed.
• Build, maintain, and manage aggregate stockpiles to ensure proper material separation and prevent contamination.
• Transport materials throughout the quarry while maintaining safe travel speeds and awareness of surrounding equipment and personnel.
• Conduct daily pre-operation and post-operation equipment inspections.
• Identify and report equipment defects, mechanical issues, and unsafe operating conditions.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance, including checking fluid levels, lubricating components, and maintaining cleanliness.
• Follow all MSHA regulations, company safety policies, and established quarry operating procedures.
• Maintain safe distances from highwalls, stockpile edges, haul roads, and other potential hazards.
• Communicate effectively with plant operators, haul truck drivers, supervisors, and other quarry personnel.
• Assist in maintaining haul roads, loading areas, and stockpile locations as needed.
• Support daily production targets while maintaining safety and material quality standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier items with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to sit and operate heavy equipment for extended periods during 8–12-hour shifts.
• Frequent climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking on uneven or rocky surfaces.
• Ability to safely climb on and off heavy equipment using designated access points.
• Ability to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, including heat, cold, wind, and rain.
• Exposure to dust, dirt, noise, vibration, and other conditions common to surface mining operations.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and manual dexterity to safely operate heavy equipment.
• Ability to hear and respond to equipment alarms, radio communications, and safety warnings, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, and hearing protection.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

The Loader Operator must demonstrate strong equipment operating skills, situational awareness, and an understanding of above-ground quarry and aggregate production operations.

Successful candidates will possess the ability to safely maneuver heavy equipment around stockpiles, haul trucks, crushers, and active mining areas while maintaining productivity and material quality.

Key skills include:

• Front-end loader operation and material handling.
• Aggregate loading and stockpile management.
• Quarry and surface mining safety awareness.
• Knowledge of MSHA safety requirements.
• Equipment inspections and basic preventive maintenance.
• Understanding of aggregate production and processing operations.
• Safe operation around haul trucks, crushers, and screening plants.
• Communication and teamwork.
• Problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Time management and production efficiency.

The Loader Operator is expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety, equipment care, teamwork, and operational excellence while supporting the company's daily quarry production goals.