LOADER OPERATOR - (SEASONAL)

Knife River Corporation; Detroit Lakes (MN); On-site; USD 24,796 - 35,817; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Profit Sharing

8 Paid Holidays

Job summary

Knife River Corporation is seeking a seasonal Loader Operator in Minnesota. You will safely operate a loader to feed conveyors and load trucks, delivering quality aggregates while maintaining a professional attitude with customers and teammates.

The role typically runs Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM, with Saturdays as needed; hours may vary by weather and demand. Prior loader experience and a commitment to safety are valued, and benefits continue year-round.

Qualifications

• GED or high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to hold and maintain proper licensure per DOT regulations.
• Knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including some Saturdays.

Responsibilities

• Operate loader to feed conveyors, hoppers, or load trucks safely.
• Perform daily inspections and maintenance to ensure safe operation.
• Communicate effectively with drivers and team members to ensure safe loading.

Skills

Loader operation

Safety compliance

Team communication

Equipment maintenance

Education

GED / HS Diploma

Job description

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

Role Overview

This is a seasonal position; you can use your winters off to travel, hunt, fish, or for other activities you enjoy while your benefits continue year‑round.

This position is responsible for safely and properly operating a loader to feed conveyors, hoppers or load trucks. You will need to display a professional and courteous attitude with customers and team members.

Typical schedule is Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; Saturday as needed. Hours may vary depending on weather and customer demand.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform daily equipment, walk‑around and site inspections to identify and correct unsafe conditions and keep equipment properly maintained.
• Safely perform maintenance (lubricating, fueling, cleaning) on loader and maintain 3‑point contact at all times while performing maintenance activities.
• Safely operate loader and ensure bucket/attachments are lowered to ground whenever leaving the equipment.
• Load trucks with driver in sight to communicate and ensure safe loading procedure.
• Load trucks up to legal hauling weight limit.
• Identify appropriate material to produce quality aggregate material per job specifications and communicate with other personnel to adjust material blends.
• Maintain smooth, level haul roads.
• Maintain contaminant‑free aggregate piles.
• Inspect material—check gradation quality, oversize rocks, contaminants.
• Keep pit floor smooth and haul roads maintained.
• May help keep concrete plant fed for maximum production.
• Check for spillage on plant floor and clean up daily (assist with shoveling spillage).
• Check for worn out flashing on plant that could lead to spillage.
• May maintain the leftover concrete that is dumped out at the plant.
• Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with people under high‑stress situations.
• Be self‑motivated, a team‑player with good interpersonal skills; maintain positive customer relations and act courteous/respectful of others.
• Troubleshoot and problem‑solve situations/problems (material quality, equipment operation/repair, etc.). Monitor and discuss production problems with co‑workers and managers/supervisors.
• Ensure OSHA, MSHA, EPA, DNR, lockout/tagout, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• General education, grammar and arithmetic: GED or high school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to hold and maintain proper licensure in accordance with all state and federal DOT/FMCSA regulations.
• Knowledge of equipment operation and maintenance.
• Ability to work flexible shifts, including overtime and some Saturdays.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short‑term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Years of Service RecognitionVoluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
• Critical Illness Plan
• Accident Coverage Plan
• Hospital Indemnity

Additional Information

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background checks.

All applications are completed online. If you’re having issues completing the application, you can stop at our office for assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.