Equipment Operator

00002 Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.; Penrose (CO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. is seeking an Equipment Operator to safely operate heavy mobile equipment in Colorado, supporting extraction, transport, and processing of aggregates. You will ensure material flows from pit to plant and manage stockpiles efficiently.

Join a safety-first site culture, perform routine maintenance, and adhere to MSHA regulations while contributing to housekeeping and cross-functional duties to sustain elite operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or relevant experience.
• Technical training or vocational certification preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and safety mindset.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate entry-to-mid-level mobile equipment (haul trucks, water trucks, front-end loaders).
• Transport raw materials from the pit to the primary crusher and move finished products to stockpiles.
• Maintain stockpiles and ensure material separation to prevent contamination.
• Perform daily inspections and routine PM tasks; report issues per SOPs and MSHA regulations.
• Assist in plant operations and maintain clean, safe work areas.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Critical thinking

Safety focused

MSHA compliance and regulations

Regulatory compliance

Effective communication

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical training and vocational certification

Job description

Career Development Framework (”CDF”) Information

Band Description Performs operational or manual tasks, primarily in manufacturing, supply chain or operational environments Typically performs unskilled or semi-skilled work Typically, does not require vocational training or a university degree

Career Level Description

Has little or no prior relevant training or work experience Works under close supervision with little autonomy Works with clearly defined methods and tasks that are described in detail

JOB SUMMARY

The Equipment Operator is a foundational role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of mobile heavy equipment used in the extraction, transportation, and processing of aggregate materials (sand, gravel, and crushed stone). As a key contributor to the production cycle, the Operator ensures that raw materials move seamlessly from the pit to the plant and that finished products are managed effectively in stockpiles. Beyond machinery operation, this role is deeply integrated into the site’s maintenance and safety culture, requiring a “Safety First” mindset and a willingness to perform cross-functional duties, including manual labor and plant housekeeping—to maintain an elite operational environment.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate entry-to-mid-level mobile equipment, including but not limited to Haul Trucks (off-road), Water Trucks, and Front-End Loaders (e.g., CAT 980/988 series).
• Transport raw materials from the extraction pit to the primary crusher and move finished aggregate products from the plant to designated stockpiles.
• Maintain the integrity of product stockpiles by ensuring materials are separated correctly to prevent contamination.
• Operate water trucks to manage dust control on haul roads and utilize equipment to maintain berms, ramps, and safe traffic flow throughout the facility.
• Conduct rigorous daily inspections of vehicle systems (brakes, steering, fluids, tires, and gauges) to identify potential hazards or mechanical issues.
• Perform routine PM tasks, including greasing moving parts, checking oil levels, cleaning cabs, and assisting mechanics with minor repairs (e.g., replacing idlers, belts, or bearings).
• Use Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to identify and report equipment malfunctions or unusual sounds to the maintenance team immediately to minimize downtime.
• Operate all machinery in strict accordance with MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations and Martin Marietta’s internal safety policies.
• Participate in the “Guardian Angel” safety program by identifying “near miss” hazards, wearing all required PPE, and looking out for the safety of coworkers and visiting contractors.
• Ensure all operations comply with environmental standards, specifically regarding dust control and spill prevention in the yard.
• When not operating equipment, assist in plant operations which may involve manual shoveling, sweeping around conveyors, cleaning under crushers, and general site cleanup.
• Maintain constant contact with plant operators and other drivers via CB radio or hand signals to coordinate safe movement and material flow.
• Accurately complete daily production logs, maintenance reports, and safety forms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience Technical training and vocational certification is preferred

Work Experience

No experience is required; 6 months – 1 year of experience operating Heavy Equipment within a Mining, Quarry, or Construction setting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Mechanical aptitude
• Troubleshooting
• Critical thinking
• Safety focused
• MSHA compliance and regulations
• Regulatory compliance
• Effective communication (written and spoken)
• Time management

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. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

Disclaimers

In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments as required, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential.

COMPENSTION

The hiring range for this position is $28.00 - $40.00 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more. 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.