Loader Operator - Pellet Mills

Davita Inc.; Thomson (GA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the wood processing industry is seeking a Loader Operator to ensure the efficient operation of equipment and material handling in the wood yard. This role involves maintaining inventory and supporting production processes. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma and experience in operating heavy machinery, with an emphasis on safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience operating front-end loaders or similar heavy equipment preferred.
• Working knowledge of material blending.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round and support rotating shift schedules.

Responsibilities

• Operate front-end loaders and mobile equipment for managing fiber piles.
• Blend and prepare fiber materials based on defined recipes.
• Maintain inventory and ensure consistent feed of raw fiber for production.

Skills

Loader operation

Material handling

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Job Summary

TheLoader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of front-end loaders and other rolling stock in the wood yard of the pellet mill. This position ensures that fiber materials are inventoried, blended according to recipe plans, and delivered as needed to feed production processes. The operator plays a vital role in maintaining continuous material flow, supporting mill uptime, and ensuring quality input to the pelletizing process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Material Handling & Loader Operations

• Operate front-end loaders and mobile equipment to manage fiber piles, hoppers, and staging areas.


• Blend and prepare fiber materials based on defined recipes, moisture targets, and operational instructions.


• Maintain accurate inventory by moving and tracking fiber volumes between receiving, blending, and usage areas.


• Ensure consistent feed of raw fiber to production systems to support uninterrupted mill operation.


• Keep wood yard work areas clean and organized for safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

Safety & Equipment Maintenance

• Perform pre-operational inspections and daily checks of loader equipment for safety and performance.


• Follow all PPE, Lockout/Tagout, and operational safety procedures when operating rolling stock.


• Report equipment damage or malfunction to maintenance immediately and assist with minor repairs as able.


• Comply with all traffic, environmental, and safety protocols in the yard and mill site.

Production Support

• Communicate with shift supervisors regarding fiber levels, quality concerns, and recipe adherence.


• Coordinate with logistics or truck drivers to support timely offloading of raw fiber materials.


• Assist with downtime cleanup or yard reorganization during maintenance shutdowns or rainouts.


• Document fiber movements and provide input into yard activity logs or material tracking systems.

Qualification Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required- 1-2 years of experience operating front-end loaders or similar heavy equipment in an industrial environment preferred.


• Working knowledge of material blending, bulk handling, or feedstock logistics a plus.


• Ability to work in outdoor conditions year-round and support rotating shift schedules.


• Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with shift leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of loader operation, controls, and safe maneuvering practices.


• Basic understanding of fiber quality and recipe-based material blending.


• Attention to safety, site awareness, and traffic control around active production areas.


• Good judgment and ability to respond to production needs with urgency.


• Team-oriented and dependable with a proactive work ethic.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, climb, and enter/exit large equipment throughout the shift.


• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and work on uneven terrain outdoors.


• Must tolerate exposure to wood dust, noise, weather elements, and vibration from machinery.


• Must be able to wear required PPE including steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing and eye protection, and hard hat.

For employment within the United States, the W.C. Bradley Co. uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired team members. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service at www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

The W.C. Bradley Co. is an Affirmative Action / Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Discrimination and all unlawful harassment (including sexual harassment) in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, or veteran status. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination where we do business.

Federal law requires the W.C. Bradley Co. to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. If you are interested in applying for employment with the W.C. Bradley Co. and require special assistance or accommodation to complete any part of the application and pre-employment process, please contact our Human Resources Office