Plant Loader Operator

Martin Marietta; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Martin Marietta is seeking an Equipment Operator II in Colorado Springs to safely operate heavy equipment, manage raw material stockpiles, and feed the asphalt plant with precision to maintain mix integrity. You will balance yard capacity with production needs, working with front-end loaders, skid steers, and support gear while following Guardian Angel safety culture.

The role requires 2–4 years of heavy equipment experience in asphalt environments, strong mechanical aptitude, and a commitment

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience operating heavy equipment, specifically in an asphalt plant environment.
• High school diploma or GED or relevant experience.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50–75 lbs regularly.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy front-end loaders (e.g., Cat 980 or 988 series) to feed cold feed bins.
• Organize and maintain stockpiles to prevent segregation and moisture buildup; manage the 'pushing up' of materials to maximize yard space.
• Skillfully operate skid steers, water trucks for dust control, backhoes, and man-lifts as required for plant maintenance and site cleanliness.
• Monitor and report on raw material quality (e.g., excessive moisture or oversized rock) before it enters the production stream.
• Assist the Plant Operator in monitoring conveyor speeds, temperature gauges, and asphalt oil flow to ensure the final product meets DOT specifications.
• Identify and diagnose early signs of mechanical failure in conveyors, screens, and crushers. Perform minor field repairs such as replacing idlers, adjusting belt tracking, or clearing blockages.
• Function as a relief or secondary operator for the scale house, weighing out trucks and generating load tickets using specialized plant software.
• Perform daily 'walk-around' inspections and document fluid levels, tire pressures, and grease points.
• Assist the maintenance crew during 'shutdowns' with tasks including liner replacements, baghouse filter changes, and welding/cutting (if certified).
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by removing 'spill' buildup under conveyors and around the drum using shovels and skid steers.
• Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, including the proper use of PPE and Fall Protection.
• Perform Pre-Shift Inspections (PSI). Identify and mitigate site hazards through the Near-Miss reporting system.
• Monitor for oil leaks or spills and follow company protocols for containment and cleanup to protect the local environment.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Computer literacy

Troubleshooting

Critical thinking

Safety oriented (OSHA)

Regulatory compliance

Effective communication

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Under the immediate direction of the Lead person or Supervisor, the Equipment Operator is responsible for operating mobile equipment while moving raw materials from train to stockpile and loading finished products. Additional responsibilities include maintaining roadways and loading areas for designated business unit.

Job Summary

The Equipment Operator II is a mid-level role responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy mobile equipment and stationary plant machinery essential to asphalt production. The Equipment Operator II is expected to possess a higher degree of technical proficiency, performing complex maneuvers and assisting in the mechanical troubleshooting of the plant. The primary objective of this role is to manage raw material stockpiles, feed the plant 'cold bins' with precision to maintain mix integrity, and ensure the continuous flow of production. This individual serves as a critical link between the yard and the high-heat production environment, maintaining a commitment to Martin Marietta’s Guardian Angel safety culture.

Key Duties And Responsibilities

• Operate heavy front-end loaders (e.g., Cat 980 or 988 series) to feed cold feed bins
• Organize and maintain stockpiles to prevent segregation and moisture buildup; manage the 'pushing up' of materials to maximize yard space.
• Skillfully operate skid steers, water trucks for dust control, backhoes, and man-lifts as required for plant maintenance and site cleanliness.
• Monitor and report on raw material quality (e.g., excessive moisture or oversized rock) before it enters the production stream.
• Assist the Plant Operator in monitoring conveyor speeds, temperature gauges, and asphalt oil flow to ensure the final product meets DOT specifications.
• identify and diagnose early signs of mechanical failure in conveyors, screens, and crushers. Perform minor field repairs such as replacing idlers, adjusting belt tracking, or clearing blockages.
• Function as a relief or secondary operator for the scale house, weighing out trucks and generating load tickets using specialized plant software.
• Perform daily 'walk-around' inspections and document fluid levels, tire pressures, and grease points.
• Assist the maintenance crew during 'shutdowns' with tasks including liner replacements, baghouse filter changes, and welding/cutting (if certified).
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment by removing 'spill' buildup under conveyors and around the drum using shovels and skid steers.
• Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, including the proper use of PPE and Fall Protection.
• Perform Pre-Shift Inspections (PSI). Identify and mitigate site hazards through the Near-Miss reporting system.
• Monitor for oil leaks or spills and follow company protocols for containment and cleanup to protect the local environment.

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Work Experience

2 – 4 years of experience operating heavy equipment, specifically in an asphalt plant environment

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Mechanical aptitude
• Computer literacy
• Troubleshooting
• Critical thinking
• Safety focused (OSHA)
• Regulatory compliance
• Effective communication (written and spoken)
• Time management

Additional Details

Physical Requirements

You must be able to lift and carry up to 50–75 lbs regularly. This includes handling heavy tools, equipment parts, or materials. Climb on and off large machinery frequently. Walk across steep, rough, or uneven terrain. Bend, stoop, squat, and reach into tight spaces for equipment inspections and minor repairs. Climb stairs or ladders to heights up to 100 feet (for plant maintenance).

Travel

You are often required to travel between different plants or job sites.

Working Conditions

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

The hiring range for this position is $27 -$31 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position. In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more. Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.