Loader Operator - Dirt

Martin Marietta Materials; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 37,195,000 - 49,594,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Pension plan

Paid holidays

Job summary

Martin Marietta Materials in Colorado Springs seeks a Dirt Equipment Operator II to run heavy earthmoving equipment for roadbed and sub-grade prep, delivering precise finish grades and elevations. You will ensure soil compaction and slope meet engineering specs for durable paving.

Responsibilities include operating graders, dozers, and rollers with GPS/LPS, reading stakes, performing daily safety checks, and coordinating with paving crews to maintain a safe, efficient workflow; HS diploma or GED

Qualifications

• OSHA compliance and regulations knowledge.
• Mechanical and technical aptitude for heavy equipment.
• Detail oriented with good time management.
• Strong communication skills for field coordination.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment (graders, dozers, rollers) with GPS/LPS integration.
• Perform precise finish grading and sub-grade preparation to specs.
• read and interpret stakes, marks, and blueprints for cut-and-fill.
• Conduct daily safety checks and document deficiencies.
• Assist in equipment loading/unloading and maintenance tasks.
• Coordinate with paving crews to ensure smooth workflow.

Skills

OSHA compliance

Mechanical aptitude

Technical aptitude

Detail oriented

Time management

Effective communicator

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Dirt Equipment Operator II is a skilled role responsible for the operation of medium-to-heavy earthmoving and soil-conditioning equipment specifically for the preparation of roadbeds, parking lots, and other surfaces prior to asphalt or concrete application. The Dirt Operator II is expected to operate equipment with a high degree of precision, particularly in finish grading and sub-grade preparation. This individual ensures that the 'dirt' phase of the paving project meets exact specifications for slope, elevation, and compaction, directly impacting the quality and longevity of the final paved surface.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate a variety of heavy equipment including, but not limited to, Motor Graders (finish grade), Dozers (with GPS/LPS integration), Backhoes, Skid Steers, and Pad-foot/Smooth Drum Rollers.
• Execute fine grading of sub-grade and base materials to within strict tolerances (typically within 0.1 foot) to prepare for asphalt or concrete paving.
• Efficiently spread, level, and smooth dirt, gravel, or stone to the required depth and slope.
• Operate tamping and rolling equipment to ensure soil density meets engineering requirements, preventing future settling or pavement failure.
• Read and interpret construction stakes, grade markers, and blueprints to determine cut-and-fill requirements without constant supervision.
• Utilize and troubleshoot onboard grade-control technologies to maintain automated precision during the grading process.
• Identify and avoid underground and overhead utilities (water, gas, electric) through the study of 'One-Call' markings and site maps.
• Conduct thorough 'Walk-Around' inspections daily.
• Document and report any mechanical deficiencies, fluid leaks, or safety hazards to the maintenance department immediately.
• Perform basic field maintenance, including greasing joints, cleaning tracks/undercarriages, checking oil/coolant levels, and ensuring cabs are kept in a professional, clean condition.
• Assist in the loading and unloading of equipment onto lowboy trailers and secure loads according to DOT and company standards.
• Adhere strictly to Martin Marietta's 'Guardian Angel' safety culture.
• Ensure all tasks are performed in compliance with OSHA regulations.
• Actively participate in daily safety meetings.
• Identify potential hazards such as unstable slopes, blind spots, or ground crew proximity.
• Assist in the setting up of work zone traffic control (cones, signs, flagging) to ensure a safe buffer between heavy machinery and public or site traffic.
• Assist in the training of Operators and Laborers on safe machine operation and basic grading techniques.
• Communicate effectively with dump truck drivers, laborers, and paving crews via hand signals or two-way radio to maintain a continuous, efficient workflow.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience.

Work Experience: 1+ years of Heavy Equipment Operation experience, specifically in a dirt/grading or paving environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• OSHA compliance and regulations
• Mechanical aptitude
• Technical aptitude
• Detail oriented
• Time management
• Effective communicator (written and spoken)

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

WORKING CONDITIONS

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $27 -$36 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position. In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Health savings accounts
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance
• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-funded defined benefit pension plan

Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.

• Medical
• Prescription Drug
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care Reimbursement Account
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• 401(k) with Company matching
• Pension Salary Continuation - Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability Options
• Employee Life Insurance
• Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Direct Deposit Payroll
• Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
• College Scholarship Program - for dependent children
• Matching Gift Program
• New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

COMPANY PROFILE

A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications. At Martin Marietta, we strive to work with the best and the brightest - those who have the potential to become our company's future leaders. Each of our roughly 9,500 people shares a common purpose regardless of their professional role or work environment. Together, we utilize our diverse skills and experiences to drive our company and its extraordinary culture forward. Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people realize their full potential. When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded. In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including: Medical Prescription Drug Dental Vision Health Care Reimbursement Account Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Wellness Programs Employee Assistance Plan Paid Holidays and Vacation 401(k) with Company matching Pension Salary Continuation - Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability Options Employee Life Insurance Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance Business Travel Accident Insurance Direct Deposit Payroll Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan College Scholarship Program - for dependent children Matching Gift Program New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.