Heavy Equipment Operator

Highland Pellets; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Highland Pellets in Pine Bluff, AR is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate a variety of heavy machinery, support production, and troubleshoot material flow issues.

The role requires at least two years of experience, a valid driver’s license, and willingness to work rotating shifts outdoors with training provided for loaders and other equipment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of experience operating heavy equipment in an industrial, manufacturing, or construction setting.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must successfully complete written and field training on loaders, forklifts, skid steers, and other equipment as required.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to work extended hours, rotating shifts, and in outdoor environments.
• Physical ability to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; work at heights over 80 feet; and operate within confined spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks such as stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, shoveling, and raking to maintain a clean and safe work area.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment, including loaders, Sky Tracks, forklifts, skid steers, man lifts, and scissor lifts.
• Manage and groom reclaim piles, addressing any operational issues as needed.
• Monitor and maintain ash conveyors and oversee the proper disposal of hoppers throughout the facility.
• Inspect and maintain fireboxes and extinguishers for assigned production lines.
• Serve as a backup loader operator during production upsets, assisting with clearing lines and replenishing bins.
• Identify and resolve material flow issues, such as plugs in bark bins or fuel hoppers, while ensuring tail rolls remain clean for uninterrupted operations.
• Cross-train in load-out operations, control room functions, and pellet mill floor procedures to provide coverage and maintain workforce flexibility.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Troubleshooting

Material handling

Follow detailed instructions

Rotating shifts

Outdoor work

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Loader

Sky Tracks

Forklift

Skid steer

Man lift

Scissor lift

Job description

Description

Position Overview

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating various types of heavy machinery to support plant operations. This role involves material handling, equipment maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure smooth and efficient production processes.

• Operate heavy equipment, including loaders, Sky Tracks, forklifts, skid steers, man lifts, and scissor lifts.
• Manage and groom reclaim piles, addressing any operational issues as needed.
• Monitor and maintain ash conveyors and oversee the proper disposal of hoppers throughout the facility.
• Inspect and maintain fireboxes and extinguishers for assigned production lines.
• Serve as a backup loader operator during production upsets, assisting with clearing lines and replenishing bins.
• Identify and resolve material flow issues, such as plugs in bark bins or fuel hoppers, while ensuring tail rolls remain clean for uninterrupted operations.
• Cross-train in load-out operations, control room functions, and pellet mill floor procedures to provide coverage and maintain workforce flexibility.

Requirements

• High school diploma, or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of experience operating heavy equipment in an industrial, manufacturing, or construction setting.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Must successfully complete written and field training on loaders, forklifts, skid steers, and other equipment as required.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.
• Willingness to work extended hours, rotating shifts, and in outdoor environments.
• Physical ability to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; work at heights over 80 feet; and operate within confined spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks such as stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, shoveling, and raking to maintain a clean and safe work area.