Hot Pit Loader Operator

Phoenix Global; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Global is seeking a Hot Pit Loader Operator to safely operate loaders in slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance within a steel mill environment. You will perform pre-shift inspections, coordinate with pot carriers, and oversee de-skulling and quenching processes while maintaining high safety standards.

The role requires the ability to work in a hot environment, adhere to safety protocols, and demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Teamwork and effective communication are required.
• Versatile time management and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities.
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and a 360-degree walk-around inspection of the hot pit loader.
• Coordinate with pot carriers to control dumping and oversee de-skulling.
• Inspect pits for grading, dryness, berms, and ensure safety equipment is functional.
• Load haul trucks safely without overloading or spilling.
• Maintain required OSHA certifications and safety programs.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Overview Of Position

The Hot Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities. This role requires strict adherence to all safety protocols, including performing pre-shift equipment inspections and conducting a 360-degree walk-around visual inspection before operation. Duties include coordinating with pot carriers to control dumping, overseeing the de-skulling process, managing quenching pits, and following correct digging techniques to prevent hazards. This job takes place in an extremely hot environment. The Hot Pit Loader plays a critical role in supporting production while upholding the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and teamwork.

Position Title

Hot Pit Loader

Reports To

Mill Services Manager

Primary Responsibilities

• Safely operate loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and conduct a 360 degree walk-around visual inspection of the hot pit loader
• Knowledge and experience operating front-end wheel loaders, excavators, screening, crushing, and material conveying systems, street sweepers, skid steers, and other similar equipment.
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance and cleaning standards.
• Inspect pits for proper grading, dryness, and berms, and maintain safety equipment in working order
• Coordinate with pot carriers, control dumping, oversee de-skulling, manage quenching pits, and follow proper digging techniques to prevent hazards
• Pad pots with correct amount of slag depending on type
• Load haul trucks safely without overloading or spilling
• Monitor for water intrusion, stop work if steam or moisture is detected, and implement water abatement measures
• Climb in and out of the loader, maintaining 3 points of contact during ingress and egress (2 hands, 1 foot or 2 feet, 1 hand) in contact with grab rails or stair treads
• Must be able to activate fire suppression system in case of fire on or in loader
• Maintain all required certifications required by OSHA and the company safety programs
• Perform any other tasks assigned to support and improve the overall team operations
• Ability to work independently in a safe and efficient manner and to follow safety policies and procedures.
• Solid communication, problem-solving and leadership skills

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Time management
• Problem solving

Work Environment

This job takes place in a Steel Mill setting, requiring a sense of high-level safety reverence using the required PPE for the environment.

Physical Demand

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen in potentially noisy indoor and outdoor environments. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on both flat and uneven surfaces, sit, climb stairs, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. This job requires the employee to lift at least 50 pounds on a regular basis.

Required Education And Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License
• Willingness to work in a Steel Mill
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting preferred but not required

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with notice.

AAP/EEO Statement

Phoenix Global provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.