Mining Equipment Operator

Oil--dri-Corporation-of-Americ; Taft (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Paid parental leave

PTO and holidays

Health and dental coverage

Fitness and wellness reimbursement

Annual merit increase opportunity

Job summary

Taft Production Company in Taft, California, is seeking a Mine Equipment Operator to join a 3-person crew. You will rotate between mining and milling operations, ensuring quality specs are met and equipment runs smoothly on site.

The role requires reading/writing English, basic computer skills, and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Base pay starts at $29.00/hr with a top out at $29.81/hr after 90 days, plus benefits and retirement contributions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Desirable to have 6 months experience operating mining equipment.
• Must read and write English and follow directions.
• Proficient with computers and basic mechanical skills.
• Ability to operate mining equipment independently with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Complete process quality specs as mandated.
• Operate milling and screening when not mining and assist with elevators/baghouses.
• Monitor waterflow and record necessary data.
• Perform lockout/tagout and confined space procedures; troubleshoot milling issues.
• Run samples to maintain product specs and adjust processes accordingly.
• Operate machinery including loaders, haul trucks, graders, excavators, water trucks, tractors.
• Work any shift; assist with vacation coverage and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mine equipment operation

English reading/writing

Computer basics

Strong communication

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Front-end loader

HM400 haul truck

Graders

Excavators

Water trucks

Tractors

Job description

Taft Production Company, PO Box 1277, Taft, California, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 7:00 AM

Job Title: Mine Equipment Operator

Location: Taft

Department: P rocessing

Reports To: Processing Supervisor

Job Overview

The M ine/ E quipment O perator will be responsible for the mining and processing of material in preparation for hauling it to our processing plant. Of a 3-man crew, you will rotate between mining and running the milling process.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for completing process quality specs mandated.
• Occasionally Operates the milling and screening processes and assists in maintaining all elevators baghouses and screens.
• Occasionally Operates the milling operation when you are not mining.
• Understands waterflow throughout the plant and monitors and records as necessary
• Knows and performs lockout tagout procedures and confined space entry including knowledge of alarm system and how to troubleshoot mechanical problems in the milling area.
• Understands product specifications and how to modify process to meet specs. Responsible for running samples on product to maintain quality
• Operates front-end loader, HM400 haul truck, graders, excavators, water trucks, tractors.
• Must be able to work any shift, help cover vacation days and perform other duties as assigned .

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills .
• Desirable to have 6-months experience operating the necessary mining equipment. (loaders, excavators, haul trucks, water trucks etc.)
• Must be able to read and write in English and follow directions
• Proficient on a computer
• Must have strong communication skills
• Must have basic mechanical skills
• Must be able to operate mining equipment independently with little supervision.
• This position requires presence on the production floor. Proper PPE is required when working in these areas.
• Must be able to function while using the appropriate PPE including, but not limited to:
• Safety Glasses
• Hard Hat
• Hearing Protection
• Dust Mask
• Gloves
• Protective clothing/Harness
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently
• Must be able to hear radio and telephone communication
• Must be able to stand for the duration of the shift
• Must be able to climb ladders up to 100 feet.
• Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions
• Must be able to work in a dusty environment

Compensation and Benefits

• Base Pay Rate:$29.00/hr
• Top Out Rate: $29.81/hr (after 90 day probationary period)
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Paid parental leave, PTO, and holidays
• Employer-supported health and dental coverage
• Fitness and wellness reimbursement
• Annual merit increase opportunity

Career growth through operational exposure and leadership visibility

Taft Production Company, PO Box 1277, Taft, California, United States of America