Operator - Load Crew

Austin Powder; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder is hiring a Load Crew Operator to safely load/unload trucks, operate manufacturing vehicles, and support site preparation for deliveries. You will work outdoors in all weather, following strict safety protocols and company procedures, with emphasis on accuracy and teamwork.

The role requires a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to meet ATF explosive handling requirements. Flexibility for shifts and overtime is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Must meet all state and federal explosive handling requirements.
• Qualified as ATF explosive processor or able to obtain qualification.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to read and maintain accurate documentation.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work various shifts and overtime on short notice.
• Able to work in loud outdoor environments with hearing protection.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and transport packaged explosive products.
• Operate manufacturing vehicles and load box trucks for job site deliveries.
• Load and unload trucks in compliance with safety procedures.
• Perform general and preventative maintenance on trucks and equipment.
• Inspect product bins, maintain inventory records, and document activities.
• Assist with site preparation and equipment setup.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Skills

Safety awareness

Manual dexterity

Communication

Teamwork

Reading docs

Basic math

Independent worker

Physical stamina

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

ATF explosive processor qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

Vehicle maintenance tools

Compliance systems

Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.

Job Summary

As a Load Crew Operator, you will play a key role in handling packaged explosive products, operating manufacturing vehicles, and load box trucks for delivery. This position requires strict adherence to safety protocols and company procedures while working in a physically demanding, outdoor environment. You will be responsible for loading/unloading trucks, performing equipment maintenance, and supporting site preparation activities.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Safely handle and transport packaged explosive products.
• Operate manufacturing vehicles and load box trucks for job site deliveries.
• Load and unload trucks in compliance with safety and operational procedures.
• Perform general and preventative maintenance on trucks and equipment.
• Inspect product bins, maintain inventory records, and complete required documentation.
• Assist with site preparation and equipment setup.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Lift and carry materials weighing 23+ kg (50+ lbs) regularly.
• Frequently squat, bend, and walk/stand for extended periods (up to 10 hours/day).
• Maintain effective communication and demonstrate teamwork.
• Wear always required PPE and company-issued uniform.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Basic math and counting skills.
• Ability to read and maintain accurate documentation.
• Must meet all state and federal explosive handling requirements and qualify as an ATF explosive processor.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Willingness to work various shifts and overtime on short notice.
• Ability to work in loud environments (50–90 decibels); hearing protection required in designated areas.
• High manual dexterity and physical stamina.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong attention to safety and detail.
• Basic math and counting skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• High manual dexterity and physical stamina.
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability to changing tasks and schedules.
• Ability to read and maintain accurate documentation.
• Mechanical aptitude for equipment maintenance.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Basic computer proficiency (Microsoft Office: Excel, Word).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Adaptability to change priorities and schedules.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Familiarity with safety protocols and compliance standards.

Work Environment

Outdoor industrial setting with exposure to varying weather conditions (hot, cold, wet). Loud work environment (50–90 decibels); hearing protection required in designated areas. Physically demanding role requiring frequent lifting, bending, and walking. Fast-paced and safety-focused team environment. Required to wear PPE including hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, and uniform.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify. This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Company History

SINCE 1833, IMPROVING THE WORLD WE LIVE IN. Austin Powder has been making explosives for over 190 years and we take great pride in improving the world we live in. In 1833, the Austin family created the company to produce black powder that would help break the rock, mine the minerals and build the canals and railroads to develop the frontier. Initially along the banks of the Cuyahoga River near Akron, Ohio, we grew as the country grew. Today, Austin Powder is a world leader in the industrial explosives industry with a passionate commitment towards safety, a relentless customer focus, a family culture work environment, and a demonstration of respect of towards all. As in our early years, our mission continues to be to improve the world we live in through the safe and responsible use of explosives. Our success has been based on our core values and this has proven to be universally true around the globe as the company has expanded to be one of the leading providers of industrial explosives and blasting services in the world.