The posting
Job Description
$1,500 Employee Referral Bonus Eligible
Job Summary The Hydraulic Shovel Operator is responsible for the efficient, high-capacity, and safe operation of a hydraulic shovel to excavate and load shot rock, ore, overburden, and aggregate into haul trucks. Operating in a fast-paced mining environment, this role requires a skilled operator capable of maintaining clean bench conditions, managing highwall and pit face stability, and maximizing production tonnage while strictly adhering to safety standards and equipment preservation protocols.
Essential Functions • Operate and control to load and move materials within the pit area. • Excavates quarry to maintain desired face, ramp and floor conditions including the construction and maintenance of safety berms. • Utilize controls to lift, tilt, and dump materials into designated areas or onto trucks. • Handle attachments (buckets, forks, etc.) as needed for various tasks. • Ensure the safe operation and perform routine equipment maintenance checks. • Load materials efficiently, maintaining appropriate weight distribution and stability. • Follow loading instructions provided by supervisors or production plans to meet required tonnage targets. • Handle materials with care to prevent spills, waste, or damage to equipment and surrounding infrastructure. • Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). • Maintain awareness of surroundings, equipment, and personnel to prevent accidents or hazards. • Report any safety concerns, incidents, or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor promptly. • Contribute to a culture of safety awareness. • Collaborate with the production team to ensure materials are loaded according to schedule and production goals. • Optimize loading processes to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. • Communicate with truck drivers or conveyor operators to coordinate loading activities. • Perform thorough pre and post operation checks of the pit loader to identify safety or mechanical defects. • Report any maintenance needs or equipment issues to the maintenance department. • Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and unloaded. • Complete log sheets, work orders, and other documentation as required. • May direct and train others to operate and maintain the loader as required.
Critical Competencies • Equipment Operation - Proficiency in operating large equipment, including understanding the controls, gauges, and indicators. Ability to manipulate equipment accurately and smoothly for various tasks. Skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications. • Safety Awareness - Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments. • Technical Expertise - Solid mechanical understanding of mobile equipment, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them to the maintenance team. • Material Handling - Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, or other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution. Ability to estimate weights and volumes for optimal loading and transportation efficiency. • Problem Solving - Identify, analyze, and resolve work-related issues efficiently and effectively using practical knowledge, experience, and hands-on skills. This involves identifying the problem, diagnosing the cause, finding practical solutions, implementing fixes, and adapting to unexpected challenges. • Teamwork and Collaboration- Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others to achieve common goals; contributes positively to group efforts, sharing knowledge, and being open to others' ideas and feedback. • Adaptability: Adapts to new conditions, is flexible and open-minded when facing challenges, and maintains high performance during change.
Responsibilities
Education • High school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Trade school diploma or certificate in equipment operation is desired. • Certifications/Licenses: A valid driver's license is required
Experience • Previous experience in operating large loaders is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Proven experience as a pit/plant loader operator in a mining/quarry environment • Familiarity with equipment controls and operation techniques • A strong commitment to safety protocols and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards • Mechanical aptitude to complete a thorough safety and mechanical inspection • Good communication skills to effectively interact and coordinate with team members and supervisors • Ability to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing work environments • Strong sense of spatial awareness to maneuver the loader in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in congested work areas
Other Requirements • This position requires knowledge and awareness of mining and construction site hazards. • Physical ability to sit for extended periods, withstand vibrations, and operate controls with precision. • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE). • Must have the ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact and sit for long periods of time. • Must be able to lift up to 45 lbs. • Knowledge and understanding of MSHA and OSHA rules and regulations.
Hourly Range: the hourly range for this role is between $27.48 - $41.21. This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package. When determining a candidate’s compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data.
JD Disclaimer Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.
