Loader/Operator

VSS International, Inc.; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

VSS International, Inc. is seeking a Chip Box Equipment Operator to join our Santa Cruz County road construction team. The role involves safely operating front-end loaders and related equipment to support paving, slurry, seal coat, and chip seal operations on an outdoor crew.

The ideal candidate is safe, hardworking, team-oriented, and comfortable working outdoors on construction sites. A valid driver's license is required; CDL may be preferred depending on duties.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of safe heavy equipment operation and hazards.
• Ability to perform basic inspections and routine maintenance checks.
• Ability to follow verbal/written instructions and safety procedures.
• Strong awareness of jobsite safety and changing conditions.
• Must have valid driver’s license; CDL preferred but not required.
• Pre-employment screening, drug testing and background checks may be required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Loader/heavy equipment experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate front-end loaders and related equipment to load trucks, move materials, and support paving and related operations.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-operation inspections.
• Load and handle construction materials as needed for each project.
• Maintain safe work zones and coordinate with foremen, plant personnel, drivers, and laborers.
• Keep loading areas and equipment clean and free from hazards; report defects or safety concerns.
• Assist with general labor, traffic control setup, and other duties when not operating equipment.
• Follow all safety requirements and PPE usage.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Equipment operation

Basic inspections

Reading instructions

Safety awareness

Professional communication

Attendance reliability

Loader/heavy equipment experience

Driver's license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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 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.

• 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.

"OUR PEOPLE ARE OUR 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.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affimative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.