Loader/Operator

VSS International, Inc.; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

VSS International, Inc. in Santa Cruz County is seeking a Chip Box Equipment Operator to work outdoors on road construction crews. The role requires safe operation of loaders and related equipment, daily inspections, and coordination with foremen and drivers.

The ideal candidate will be hardworking, safety-minded, and able to work non-standard hours, weekends, and overtime. Prior loader experience and a valid license are preferred; DOT/OSHA safety rules apply.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation and loader controls.
• Ability to perform basic equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions, site plans, and safety procedures.
• Strong awareness of jobsite safety, traffic, pedestrians, and changing conditions.
• Ability to communicate professionally with supervisors, crew members, customers, inspectors, and the public.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and willingness to work overtime, weekends, and variable schedules.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate front-end loaders and other equipment to load trucks, move materials, and support paving and related operations.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-operation inspections.
• Load and handle aggregates and other materials per project needs.
• Maintain safe work zones and coordinate with foremen and truck drivers.
• Keep loading areas and equipment clean and organized.
• Report defects, safety hazards, or material issues promptly.
• Assist with general labor and traffic control when not operating equipment.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Equipment inspection

Safety awareness

Communication

Standards compliance

Overtime willingness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

\"OUR PEOPLEAREOUR STRATEGY\"

We are in need of Chip Box Equipment Operator for our VSS International, Inc . This opportunity is in Santa Cruz 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.

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.

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