Loader/Operator

VSS International, Inc.; Salinas (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

VSS International, Inc. seeks a Chip Box Equipment Operator to work on Monterey County road construction crews. You will safely operate front-end loaders and related equipment to load trucks, feed hoppers, and move materials, while supporting paving, slurry, seal coat and chip seal operations.

You will perform pre- and post-operation inspections, handle material movements, and maintain safe work zones. Strong teamwork, clear communication, and adherence to DOT/OSHA safety rules are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of one year loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred.
• Valid driver’s license; Class A or B CDL preferred but not required unless duties require it.
• Must pass pre-employment screening, drug testing, and background checks.

Responsibilities

• Operate front-end loaders and other equipment to load trucks, move materials, and support paving and related construction operations.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-operation inspections.
• Load and handle aggregate, asphalt, sand, rock, and related materials per project needs.
• Maintain safe work zones and coordinate with foremen, plant personnel, and drivers.
• Report equipment defects and safety hazards to supervisor promptly.
• Assist with general labor, cleanup, traffic control setup, and other duties as needed.
• Follow all safety requirements and wear proper PPE.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Communication

Overtime willingness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Front-end loaders

Job description

OUR PEOPLE ARE OUR STRATEGY

We are in need of Chip Box Equipment Operator for our VSS International, Inc. This opportunity is in Monterey County contingent upon being awarded the project.

The ideal candidate will be a safe, hardworking, team-oriented person who is ok with working outdoors on road construction crews.

• Safely operate front-end loaders and other assigned equipment to load trucks, feed hoppers, move materials, build stockpiles, and support paving, slurry, seal coat, chip seal, or related construction operations.

General Duties

• Safely operate front-end loaders and other assigned equipment to load trucks, feed hoppers, move materials, build stockpiles, and support paving, slurry, seal coat, chip seal, or related construction operations.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-operation inspections, including checking fluids, tires, lights, backup alarms, brakes, attachments, and overall equipment condition.
• Load and handle aggregate, asphalt, sand, rock, emulsion-related materials, and other construction materials according to project and operational needs.
• Maintain safe work zones by staying alert to ground personnel, trucks, traffic, utilities, uneven terrain, overhead hazards, and changing jobsite conditions.
• Communicate with foremen, plant personnel, truck drivers, laborers, and equipment operators to coordinate material movement and avoid delays.
• Keep loading areas, stockpiles, access roads, and assigned equipment clean, organized, and free from avoidable hazards.
• Report equipment defects, mechanical concerns, safety hazards, incidents, or material issues to the supervisor promptly.
• Assist with general labor, cleanup, traffic control setup, equipment staging, and other construction-related duties when not operating equipment.
• Follow all DOT, OSHA, company, client, and jobsite safety requirements, including use of required personal protective equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation, including loader controls, attachments, machine limitations, and surrounding hazards.
• Ability to perform basic equipment inspections, routine cleaning, fueling, lubrication, and minor maintenance checks.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, hand signals, site plans, and safety procedures.
• Strong awareness of jobsite safety, traffic movement, pedestrians, trucks, equipment, and changing weather or ground conditions.
• Ability to communicate professionally with supervisors, crew members, customers, inspectors, and the public.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and willingness to work overtime, weekends, nights, and variable schedules as needed.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of one year of loader or heavy equipment operating experience preferred; construction, paving, asphalt, aggregate, or materials handling experience strongly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; Class A or B CDL preferred but not required unless assigned duties require it.
• Must be able to pass company-required pre-employment screening, drug testing, background checks, and any applicable physical or fit-for-duty requirements.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Aff