Loader Operator Frontier Feedyard

Cactus Feeders; Spearman (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

100% Paid Retirement through ESOP

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Cactus Feeders in Spearman, Texas is seeking a reliable Loader Operator to join our team. The role involves operating heavy equipment safely and efficiently to support feedmill operations and manage commodity handling.

Preferred qualifications include prior heavy equipment experience, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, communication, and safety practices. Competitive wages and benefits are offered, including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of heavy equipment operation experience preferred.
• Experience operating loaders, skid steers, and agricultural equipment is beneficial.
• Strong work ethic with a willingness to learn and adapt to operational needs.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate equipment to support daily feedmill operations.
• Load, transport, and stage feedmill commodities.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and report concerns promptly.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Team collaboration

Verbal communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Front-end loader

Skid loader

Forklift

Tractor

Job description

About the Company:

Cactus Feeders is an Amarillo, Texas-based cattle company. Originally founded by the Engler Family in 1975, today we operate 15 Feedyards and Outside Cattle Locations, producing over a million head of fed cattle annually. The Company has locations throughout the Texas Panhandle, Southwest Kansas, and Eastern Colorado.

About the Position

Frontier Feedyard is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Loader Operator to join our team. This position is responsible for operating a front-end loader and other equipment to support daily feedmill operations, commodity handling, ingredient management, and site maintenance projects. The Loader Operator plays a key role in ensuring commodities are moved efficiently, safely, and accurately to support daily cattle feeding operations.

Equipment Operation

• Safely operate a front-end loader to move, load, stack, and transport feed commodities and materials
• Operate additional heavy equipment as needed, including: Skid loader, Forklift (with appropriate certification/training), Tractor
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly

Feedmill & Commodity Responsibilities

• Load, transport, and stage feedmill commodities to support daily production schedules
• Assist with hauling, mixing, and handling feed ingredients to ensure accurate commodity usage
• Maintain commodity areas to support cleanliness, organization, and operational efficiency
• Monitor materials and communicate shortages or operational issues to supervisors

Maintenance & Operational Support

• Utilize heavy equipment to assist with facility maintenance projects and general site upkeep
• Support feedmill crew members with assigned tasks to maintain efficient operations
• Assist with material movement and other operational needs as required
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned

Safety Expectations

• Follow all Cactus Operating Procedures, safety policies, and OSHA guidelines
• Operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner at all times
• Maintain awareness of surroundings and communicate effectively with team members to promote a safe work environment
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or Technical/Trade School certificate preferred, but not required
• 1–2 years of heavy equipment operation experience preferred
• Experience operating loaders, skid steers, forklifts, tractors, or agricultural equipment is beneficial
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong work ethic with a willingness to learn and adapt to operational needs

Job Requirements

• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, dust, mud, and inclement weather
• Comfortable working in elevated areas and climbing stairs/ladders when needed
• Ability to sit, stand, bend, walk, and operate equipment for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance and punctuality
• Demonstrate effective verbal communication and teamwork skills

Pay & Benefits

• Competitive wages
• Affordable, competitive insurance package, including: Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 100% Paid Retirement through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Continuing education scholarships for employees and eligible direct family members

Cactus Feeders provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.