Mobile Equipment Operator 1 - Heavy

DAF-Agriculture and Forestry; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-funded EAP

Premium pay $1.00/hour for CDL Class A

Job summary

Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry seeks a Mobile Equipment Operator in Baton Rouge, LA. The role involves operating state‑assigned refrigerated trailers (18-wheeler) to deliver USDA donated bulk commodities to multiple recipient agencies monthly.

Responsibilities include scheduling deliveries, verifying inbound/outbound documents, inspecting fleet, and transferring food between warehouses. There is disaster on-call duties and occasional forklift use.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in mobile equipment operations.
• Willing and able to drive a forklift to load and unload tractor-trailers.

Responsibilities

• Operate State-assigned refrigerated trailer combinations (18-wheeler) to deliver USDA donated bulk commodities to recipient agencies monthly.
• Schedule delivery appointments to assigned recipient agencies.
• Schedule appointments with vendors bringing bulk material to the warehouse as needed.
• Review Bills of Lading for inbound shipments for accuracy of material received, quantity, and temperature.
• Review pick tickets for outbound shipments for accuracy of material delivered and temperature.
• Inspect assigned fleet daily and report maintenance needs to Warehouse Director.
• Transfer food between state warehouses.
• Be on call during federally declared disasters such as hurricanes and flooding.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Mobile equipment operation

Forklift operation

CDL Class A license

Tools

Forklift

18-wheeler operation

Job description

Job #AHFS-41826-8.25.26-TW This position is located within the Office of Animal Health in Food Distribution, Baton Rouge, LA.

Ready to make a meaningful impact on Louisiana’s workforce and organizational culture? Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as a Mobile Equipment Operator!

Grow your career with opportunities in leadership, professional development, and specialized promotional opportunities.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborate with passionate teams in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment

• Enjoy autonomy, visibility, and the chance to make real impact

• Play a key role in building a strong, inclusive, and high-performance culture

LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees! We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and at home. The EAP is also free for all members of your household.

Two years of experience in mobile equipment operations.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Responsible for operating State-assigned refrigerated trailer combinations (18-wheeler) to deliver USDA donated bulk commodities to various recipient agencies each month in the assigned area. Currently has approximately 15 assigned schools to make monthly deliveries. Recipient agencies also include correctional facilities and residential agencies.

• Schedule delivery appointments to assigned recipient agencies.

• Schedule appointments, as needed in the absence of the warehouse manager, with vendors bringing bulk material to the warehouse.

• Review Bills of Lading, in the absence of the warehouse manager, for receipt of inbound shipments for accuracy of material received, quantity received, condition of food, and temperature.

• Review pick tickets for deliveries of outbound shipments from the warehouse for accuracy of material being delivered, quantity shipped, condition of food, and temperature.

• Inspects assigned fleet property daily for wear and reports issues/preventive maintenance to Warehouse Director for immediate attention.

• Transfers food between state-owned and state-contracted warehouses throughout the State of Louisiana.

• Incumbent is “on call” during federally declared disasters such as hurricanes and flooding.

• Must be willing and able to drive a forklift to load and unload tractor-trailers in the absence of a Warehouse Technician.

• Must accept other work-related assignments from the Agriculture Assistant Division Director or Warehouse Director to ensure the Food Distribution Program meets its objective.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Functional Requirements:

• Moderate light lifting, 30 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds
• Reaching above the shoulders
• Occasional bending or kneeling
• Sitting over a long period of time at a workstation or in a vehicle for travel
• Occasional demands may be required for moderately strenuous activities in emergencies over long periods of time
• Climbing on and off transport and tractor

Environmental Factors:

• Occasional excessive heat and humidity
• May be required to wear appropriate safety protection
• Working indoors and outdoors

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment type: Full-time. This position may be filled by probation or by the promotion of a classified employee of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry serving with permanent status.

Applicants who are not permanent employees of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry will be required to serve a probationary period up to 24 months.

Compensation: The salary will be determined by qualifications and experience.

*** This position qualifies for premium pay of $1.00/hour, per actual hour worked, for candidates who have a Class A CDL license.

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Tiffany Waddell- HR Analyst

Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry

5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

[e-mail]