Heavy Equipment Operator

Highland Pellets, LLC.; Pine Bluff (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Highland Pellets, LLC. seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to safely operate loaders, Sky Tracks, forklifts, skid steers, and accessory lifts in an industrial setting. The role includes maintenance, troubleshooting, and supporting production by clearing lines and maintaining material flow.

The ideal candidate has a minimum of two years of heavy equipment experience, is able to follow detailed instructions, and is willing to work extended hours in outdoor environments as part of rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of two years of experience operating heavy equipment in industrial/manufacturing/construction.
• Must complete written and field training on loaders, forklifts, skid steers, and other equipment.
• Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Loaders

Forklifts

Skid steers

Sky Track/boom lifts

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.
• 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.