Loader Operator I

City of Lincoln; Crookston (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Solid Waste in Fosston, MN is seeking a Loader Operator to stock and feed incinerators and assist with material recovery. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and 3+ years operating industrial equipment, with the possibility to obtain a Boiler License within 6 months. A valid driver’s license is required.

Base pay ranges from $24.57 to $31.13 per hour, DOE. This full-time position offers a comprehensive benefits package and competitive county perks. Apply by Sept 16, 2026.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and moderate experience operating industrial equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three (3) years of experience operating industrial equipment.
• Special Engineers Boiler License or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Operate loader to stock and feed front hopper incinerators in compliance with MPCA and EPA regulations.
• Operate loader to supply unprocessed waste to the material recovery facility and load trucks with excess processed waste for the landfill.
• Manage waste and recyclable material piles on the tip floor to maximize floor space and maintain delivery and operational schedules.
• Service and clean solid waste process equipment including the boiler and related systems.
• Monitor gauges, water levels, and water treatment within established guidelines at the loader station.
• Maintain logs, loader checklists and perform end-of-shift cleanup.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

English language proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

• Location 612 N Broadway,Suite 207,Crookston, MN, 56716,United States
• Base Pay $24.57 - $31.13 / Hour
• Employee Type Non-Exempt

Description

This position is located in Fosston, MN. Polk County Solid Waste has an opening for a full-time Loader Operator position. Duties include but are not limited to: Supporting solid waste management programs by operating heavy equipment to stock and feed boilers and incinerators; supply material recovery facility; manage materials and space on tip floor; services and maintains equipment according to MPCA, EPA and departmental policies and procedures. High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.), three (3) years of experience operating industrial equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional requirements include Special Engineers Boiler License or ability to obtain one. Wage range for this position is $24.57-$31.13/hour, DOE and qualifications. EOE. Polk County offers a highly competitive benefits package including affordable healthcare plans through BCBS including attractive low-cost family healthcare plans, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage; flexible spending accounts; PERA retirement with contributions made by the County, vacation & sick leave, and access to many other health and wellness programs. Application deadline is September 16, 2026.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Operate loader to stock and feed front hopper incinerators in compliance with MPCA and EPA regulations.
• Operate loader to supply unprocessed waste to the material recovery facility and loads trucks with excess processed waste for the landfill.
• Manage various waste and recyclable material piles on the tip floor to maximize floor space, maintain delivery and operational schedules, and pre-screen materials for objectionable materials.
• Services and cleans solid waste process equipment including the boiler, secondary and primary equipment, requests additional maintenance when necessary.
• Monitors operational gauges, water levels, and water treatment within established guidelines at loader station and other areas within the plant.
• Documents work activities and prepares log reports; maintains loader checklist and performs routine clean up and maintenance at the end of each shift.
• Fills in as Mechanical Maintenance Technician, as needed.
• Continuously works towards licensing/certification to achieve Loader Operator II status.
• Performs other duties of similar nature and as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge Required:

• Knowledge of heavy equipment operation.
• Knowledge high pressure steam systems.

Skills Required:

• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English.
• Skill and ability in safe equipment operation.
• Skill in communication; interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, subordinates, supervisors, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive and provide work direction.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED and moderate experience operating industrial equipment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 10 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and frequently standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather), exposure to fumes or airborne particles, exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather), Slippery and uneven surfaces and Dust; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

Special Requirements

• Special Engineers Boiler License or have the ability to obtain License within 6 months of employment. A pre-employment physical is required.
• Valid driver's license.

Additional Information

• This position sits in: 708 8th St NW, Fosston, MN 56542