Loader Operator II

This is a heavy-equipment operating position. Prior hands-on experience operating a front-end loader, excavator, or comparable heavy material-handling equipment is required.

The Heavy Equipment / Loader Operator safely operates mobile equipment to move, scoop, blend, and load wood fiber used in pellet production. Following production instructions, the operator combines fiber materials in the required proportions and continuously loads the correct blend into the pellet mill infeed system. The role is essential to maintaining safe, consistent material flow and reliable mill production.

Safely operate a front-end wheel loader and other authorized mobile equipment to handle wood fiber and related bulk materials.

Complete documented pre-use inspections, including checks of tires or tracks, hydraulics, attachments, fluid levels, safety devices, alarms, lights, and the operator cab; promptly report defects and remove unsafe equipment from service in accordance with company procedures.

Move fiber from storage areas and stockpiles to designated blending and feed locations without contaminating or unintentionally mixing materials.

Scoop and combine fiber types or grades according to production instructions, established blend requirements, and direction from the mill or control-room operator.

Load the prepared fiber blend into hoppers, bins, conveyors, or other infeed points while maintaining a steady and appropriate flow of material to the pellet mill.

Monitor stockpiles, blend consistency, material condition, and infeed levels; communicate material shortages, contamination, excess moisture, flow problems, or other concerns that may affect production or product quality.

Coordinate closely with mill operators, supervisors, maintenance employees, truck drivers, and other equipment operators using established radio and traffic-control practices.

Maintain safe stockpile faces, travel paths, loading areas, and adequate clearances around people, equipment, structures, utilities, and fire-protection systems.

Perform routine operator care, such as cleaning the cab and windows, removing accumulated debris, fueling or charging equipment when authorized, and supporting scheduled preventive maintenance. Do not perform repairs beyond assigned training and authorization.

Follow all plant safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, mobile-equipment rules, pedestrian controls, combustible-dust and fire-prevention practices, and lockout/tagout requirements when applicable and authorized.

Maintain required inspection, production, fuel, and material-handling records accurately and on time.

Support housekeeping, cleanup, and other production activities during downtime or as operational needs require, provided the employee is trained and authorized to perform the work safely.

Demonstrated hands-on experience operating a front-end loader, wheel loader, excavator, or similar heavy equipment used to scoop, move, mix, or load bulk materials.

Ability to operate equipment safely in an active industrial environment and around pedestrians, structures, conveyors, trucks, and other mobile equipment.

Ability to follow fiber-blending instructions, recognize material differences, and maintain consistent material flow to production equipment.

Working knowledge of basic mobile-equipment inspections and the ability to recognize and report mechanical or safety concerns.

Ability to communicate clearly by radio and in person, follow written and verbal instructions, and work effectively as part of a production team.

Ability to work the assigned shift, including nights, weekends, holidays, call-ins, and overtime, as applicable.

Ability to satisfy site-specific training, qualification, and authorization requirements before independently operating equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience operating a front loader in wood products, forestry, sawmill, pellet manufacturing, recycling, agriculture, aggregate, mining, or a similar bulk-material environment.

Experience blending materials to a production specification or feeding material into hoppers, conveyors, grinders, dryers, or other manufacturing equipment.

Previous mobile-equipment, powered-industrial-equipment, or site safety training relevant to the assigned equipment.

High school diploma or equivalent.

Safety awareness and sound judgment; equipment control and spatial awareness; reliability and consistent attendance; attention to material quality and blend requirements; clear communication and teamwork; and timely problem escalation.

The physical requirements below describe the typical demands of the role.

Must be able to work in extreme temperatures, below 30 degrees Farenheight and above 100 degrees Farenheight.

Frequently sit for extended periods while operating equipment and use hands and feet to control steering, pedals, joysticks, switches, and attachments.

Repeatedly enter and exit equipment using steps, ladders, and three points of contact; stand and walk on uneven, muddy, dusty, wet, icy, or slippery surfaces.

Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, push, pull, and work around or beneath equipment only when properly secured and authorized.

Occasionally lift, carry, or position tools, parts, hoses, or materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

Maintain the visual attention, depth perception, coordination, and ability to recognize alarms, signals, and surrounding hazards necessary for safe equipment operation, with corrective devices or other reasonable accommodations where applicable.

Wear required personal protective equipment, which may include safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, gloves, eye protection, hearing protection, head protection, and respiratory protection where required and medically cleared.

Work Environment

Work is performed in and around an operating pellet mill, fiber yard, stockpiles, truck routes, conveyors, and heavy mobile equipment.

Regular exposure to wood dust, noise, vibration, moving machinery, diesel exhaust, and outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind.

The position may involve reduced visibility, uneven terrain, changing stockpile conditions, and work near combustible materials. Strict adherence to traffic, housekeeping, dust-control, and fire-prevention practices is required.

The work schedule may include rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and call-ins based on production needs.

Safety and Performance Expectations

Operate assigned equipment without unsafe shortcuts, preventable contact, or damage.

Provide the correct fiber blend and maintain dependable material flow to the mill.

Complete inspections and required records accurately, and report hazards or equipment concerns immediately.

Maintain effective communication with production and maintenance teams and respond promptly to changing operating conditions.