Pit/Production Loader

Vulcan Materials Company; Lithonia (GA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 38,572; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Materials Company in Lithonia, GA, is seeking a Pit/Production Loader Operator to efficiently load materials such as rock and gravel into haul trucks. You will operate a loader in a mining environment while following safety guidelines and meeting production targets.

The role requires strong hand-eye coordination, good communication with the production team, and the ability to perform routine maintenance checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; valid driver’s license.
• Experience operating large loaders in mining/quarry environment.
• Commitment to safety protocols and ability to work in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Operate pit loader to load and move materials within the pit.
• Maintain load stability and follow production plans.
• Perform pre/post operation checks and report issues.
• Coordinate with truck drivers and conveyors.
• Train others to operate and maintain the loader.

Skills

Equipment Operation

Safety Awareness

Technical Skills

Material Handling

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Driver's license

Trade school certificate

Tools

Maintenance checks

Safety equipment checks

Job description

Job Description

The Pit/Production Loader Operator is responsible for efficiently and safely operating a loader to load materials, such as rock, and gravel into haul trucks or feeders. The role requires a skilled operator who can maneuver heavy machinery in a mining environment while adhering to safety guidelines and maintaining productivity targets.

Essential Functions

• Operate and control the pit loader to load and move materials within the pit area.
• Excavate quarry to maintain desired face, ramp and floor conditions including the construction and maintenance of safety berms.
• Utilize the loader's controls to lift, tilt, and dump materials into designated areas or onto trucks/conveyors.
• Handle attachments (buckets, forks, etc.) as needed for various tasks.
• Ensure the safe operation of the loader and perform routine equipment maintenance checks.
• Load materials efficiently, maintaining appropriate weight distribution and stability.
• Follow loading instructions provided by supervisors or production plans to meet required tonnage targets.
• Handle materials with care to prevent spills, waste, or damage to equipment and surrounding infrastructure.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain awareness of surroundings, equipment, and personnel to prevent accidents or hazards.
• Report any safety concerns, incidents, or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor promptly.
• Contribute to a culture of safety awareness.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure materials are loaded according to schedule and production goals.
• Optimize loading processes to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Communicate with truck drivers or conveyor operators to coordinate loading activities.
• Perform thorough pre and post operation checks of the pit loader to identify safety or mechanical defects.
• Report any maintenance needs or equipment issues to the maintenance department.
• Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and unloaded.
• Complete log sheets, work orders, and other documentation as required.
• May direct and train others to operate and maintain the loader as required.

Critical Competencies

• Equipment Operation – Proficiency in operating large equipment, including understanding the controls, gauges, and indicators. Ability to manipulate equipment accurately and smoothly for various tasks. Skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications.
• Safety Awareness – Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
• Technical Expertise – Solid mechanical understanding of mobile equipment, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them to the maintenance team.
• Material Handling – Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, or other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution. Ability to estimate weights and volumes for optimal loading and transportation efficiency.
• Problem Solving – Identify, analyze, and resolve work-related issues efficiently and effectively using practical knowledge, experience, and hands‑on skills. This involves identifying the problem, diagnosing the cause, finding practical solutions, implementing fixes, and adapting to unexpected challenges.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with others to achieve common goals; contributes positively to group efforts, sharing knowledge, and being open‑to others' ideas and feedback.
• Adaptability – Adapts to new conditions, is flexible and open‑minded when facing challenges, and maintains high performance during change.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Trade school diploma or certificate in equipment operation is desired.
• Certifications/Licenses: A valid driver’s license is required.

Experience

• Previous experience operating large loaders is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Proven experience as a pit/plant loader operator in a mining/quarry environment.
• Familiarity with equipment controls and operation techniques.
• A strong commitment to safety protocols and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
• Mechanical aptitude to complete a thorough safety and mechanical inspection.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact and coordinate with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing work environments.
• Strong sense of spatial awareness to maneuver the loader in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in congested work areas.

Other Requirements

• This position requires knowledge and awareness of mining and construction site hazards.
• Physical ability to sit for extended periods, withstand vibrations, and operate controls with precision.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must have the ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact and sit for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 lbs.
• Knowledge and understanding of MSHA and OSHA rules and regulations.

Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.