Asphalt Plant Loader Operator

00002 Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 41,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Union membership

Competitive pay

Job summary

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. is seeking an Equipment Operator II to safely operate heavy mobile equipment and plant machinery for asphalt production. You will manage raw material stockpiles, feed cold bins with precision, and ensure continuous production flow while maintaining safety culture.

The role requires mechanical proficiency, ability to troubleshoot, and adherence to OSHA standards. Union base pay applies, with strong focus on yard efficiency and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or relevant experience.
• CDL Class A or B is a significant plus.
• At least 1 year operating heavy equipment, preferably in asphalt plants.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy front-end loaders to feed bins.
• Maintain stockpiles and maximize yard space.
• Operate skid steers and other equipment for maintenance.
• Monitor material quality before production enters the stream.
• Assist Plant Operator with conveyors, temperature gauges, and oil flow.
• Identify early signs of mechanical failures.
• Perform minor field repairs and cleaning tasks.
• Conduct daily walk-around inspections and document fluids and tires.
• Support maintenance during shutdowns.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Computer literacy

Troubleshooting

Critical thinking

OSHA compliance

Effective communicator

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CDL Class A/B

Job description

Under the immediate direction of the Lead person or Supervisor, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating mobile equipment while moving raw materials from train to stockpile and loading finished products. Additional responsibilities include maintaining roadways and loading areas for designated business unit.

JOB SUMMARY

The Equipment Operator II is a mid-level role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy mobile equipment and stationary plant machinery essential to asphalt production. The Equipment Operator II is expected to possess a higher degree of technical proficiency, performing complex maneuvers and assisting in the mechanical troubleshooting of the plant. The primary objective of this role is to manage raw material stockpiles, feed the plant 'cold bins' with precision to maintain mix integrity, and ensure the continuous flow of production. This individual serves as a critical link between the yard and the high-heat production environment, maintaining a commitment to Martin Marietta’s Guardian Angel safety culture.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate heavy front-end loaders (Cat 980 or 988 series) to feed cold feed bins
• Organize and maintain stockpiles to prevent segregation and moisture buildup; manage the 'pushing up' of materials to maximize yard space
• Skillfully operate skid steers, water trucks for dust control, backhoes, and man-lifts as required for plant maintenance and site cleanliness
• Monitor and report on raw material quality (e.g., excessive moisture or oversized rock) before it enters the production stream
• Assist the Plant Operator in monitoring conveyor speeds, temperature gauges, and asphalt oil flow to ensure the final product meets DOT specifications
• Identify and diagnose early signs of mechanical failure in conveyors, screens, and crushers
• Perform minor field repairs such as replacing idlers, adjusting belt tracking, or clearing blockages
• Function as a relief or secondary operator for the scale house, weighing out trucks and generating load tickets using specialized plant software
• Perform daily 'walk-around' inspections and document fluid levels, tire pressures, and grease points
• Assist the maintenance crew during 'shutdowns' with tasks including liner replacements, baghouse filter changes, and welding/cutting (if certified)
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by removing 'spill' buildup under conveyors and around the drum using shovels and skid steers
• Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, including the proper use of PPE and Fall Protection
• Perform Pre-Shift Inspections (PSI)
• Identify and mitigate site hazards through the Near-Miss reporting system
• Monitor for oil leaks or spills and follow company protocols for containment and cleanup to protect the local environment

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience
• CDL Class A or B is significant plus
• Work Experience: 1+ years of experience operating heavy equipment, specifically in an asphalt plant environment, is preferred
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Mechanical aptitude, Computer literacy, Troubleshooting, Critical thinking, OSHA compliance and regulations, Effective communicator (written and spoken), Time management

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

WORKING CONDITIONS

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty.andnbsp;Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

UNION

We are excited to share the base hourly rate for this position is $35.51+. Membership with the International Union ofandnbsp;Operating Engineers Local Union No, 9andnbsp;is required upon hire. Condition and terms of employment and benefits are in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.andnbsp; Every member of our ONE Martin Marietta team is driven by our shared values of safety, integrity, excellence, community and stewardship.

We are a member of the S&P 500 Index and a leading supplier of aggregates and heavy building materials. Through a network of operations spanning 29 states, Canada and the Bahamas, our teammates supply the foundational resources on which our communities thrive and grow. Our Specialties business provides high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications. In a world that's focused on the power of many, we believe in the power of ONE – the magic of bringing together our unique perspectives, experiences and talents to evolve a shared vision and future. Our backgrounds may vary, but our voices come together in support of the same goals. We want to build legacies for ourselves and our loved ones, strengthen our communities and safely and responsibly engage in work we know will make a difference.