Loader Operator

Vulcan Materials Company•Vallejo, CA

About The Position

The Loader Operator safely and efficiently operates a front-end loader with a bucket capacity of 4 to 12 cubic yards to manage aggregates, recycling materials, and other construction materials in a sales yard or stockpile area. The operator loads and unloads materials, feeds processing plants, organizes stockpiles, and maintains a neat yard so materials are ready for sale or distribution. The role requires accurate truck loading, safe equipment operation in high-traffic areas, and coordination with plant operators, truck drivers, dispatch/scale house, ground personnel, and maintenance teams. The operator works with minimal supervision after receiving the day's plan and adapts to changing pit-floor and working-face conditions. Duties include routine loader maintenance checks, identifying and reporting equipment issues, maintaining material and movement records, and completing required documentation. The operator may help train and mentor less experienced operators and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires adherence to safety and environmental requirements, including MSHA regulations, PPE use, and rules related to dust control, material handling, and stockpile management.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience operating a front-end loader in a stockpile environment.
High proficiency in loader operation and safety practices, including understanding loader controls, gauges, indicators, and attachments.
Strong understanding of stockpile management, material properties, and quality control procedures.
Knowledge of safety protocols and MSHA regulations, with the ability to identify hazards and take preventive action.
Mechanical understanding sufficient to perform basic maintenance checks, troubleshoot minor issues, and recognize signs of equipment malfunction.
Ability to load materials onto trucks, conveyors, and other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution, and to estimate weights and volumes.
Ability to maneuver safely in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in congested work areas, with strong spatial awareness.
Ability to assess loading challenges, make decisions in response to unexpected situations, and adapt to changing work conditions.
Ability to work effectively with a team and coordinate with other operators and ground personnel.
Ability to work in varying weather conditions.
Ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact.
Physical ability to climb ladders, sit for extended periods, and operate controls with precision.
Ability to maintain situational awareness around truck traffic and other mobile equipment.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

Operate a front-end loader to load trucks, feed processing plants, and move materials within stockpile areas.
Load trucks accurately and efficiently, ensuring proper weight distribution and minimizing spillage.
Maintain precise, safe loader control in high-traffic and potentially congested work areas.
Organize and manage stockpiles while maintaining stockpile quality and efficient material flow.
Perform routine loader maintenance checks, identify issues, and report malfunctions.
Collaborate with plant operators, truck drivers, dispatch/scale house, ground personnel, and other team members.
Coordinate with maintenance teams on repairs and preventive maintenance.
Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and moved, and complete log sheets, work orders, and other required documentation.
Follow safety regulations and protocols, wear appropriate PPE, and promptly report safety concerns or incidents.
Follow environmental regulations related to dust control, material handling, and stockpile management.
Adapt to changing conditions and proactively identify and resolve operational challenges.
May assist in training and mentoring less experienced operators.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.