Plant Loader Operator

Lhoist Group; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Employer match

Educational assistance

Job summary

Lhoist North America seeks a Plant Loader Operator to load the dryer hopper with crushed stone using a rubber tire front end loader, safely and efficiently. You will maintain housekeeping, transport material from storage to the dryer hopper, monitor for build‑up, and keep fuel and grease at proper levels while upholding safety policies and SQF standards.

Required: a High School diploma or GED; 1–3 years of heavy equipment/mining experience; technical training or AA degree preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years of heavy equipment/mining experience preferred.
• Technical training or AA degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Load the dryer hopper with crushed stone using a rubber tire front end loader.
• Maintain housekeeping standards on loader and plant area.
• Transport crushed stone from storage to the dryer hopper.
• Monitor the dryer hopper and feeder pan for build‑up.
• Maintain fuel and grease levels on the loader.
• Report safety or equipment defects on pre-shift inspections.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Mechanical knowledge

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Technical training or AA degree

Tools

Front end loader

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Plant Loader Operator’s primary function is to load the dryer hopper safely and efficiently with crushed stone using a rubber tire front end loader.

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

• Production Maintain high standards of housekeeping on loader and in dryer/plant area systems.
• Transport crushed stone from storage shed to dryer hopper.
• Monitor the dryer hopper and feeder pan for build‑up.
• Maintain fuel and grease levels on front end loader.
• Reporting Complete workplace exams and equipment pre‑shift inspections noting any safety or equipment defects.
• Report any defects with dryer hopper and/or feeder pan to Plant Operators.
• Safety Attend scheduled safety meetings.
• Enforce all applicable safety policies.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment.
• Promote safety among co‑workers.
• Participate in Behavior Based Safety program.
• Backup to any qualified position as assigned by supervisor.
• Be backed up by any qualified team member as assigned by supervisor.
• Safe Quality Food (SQF) Ensure a SQF workplace and follow regulatory compliance with Federal FDA – Food Modernization Safety Act (CFR Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Part 507).
• Support Environmental Health and Safety, as well as SQF initiatives and awareness programs.
• Be a leader and promoter of employee safety and SQF culture.
• Following completion of SQF training, demonstrate understanding of expected safety, SQF performance and Food Safety Culture.
• Complete periodic SQF training(s).
• Each site location will ensure training is conducted for new employees and continued for existing employees.
• Employees will actively participate in audits for regulatory, safety, SQF and environmental compliance at the site.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ATTRIBUTES

• Problem Solving – uses logic and methods to help solve plant operating problems.
• Communication Skills – clear written and verbal instructions and notes are essential.
• Working Knowledge – must understand the mechanics of the mobile equipment.
• Must be capable of working any shift, overtime, be on‑call, or work seven days a week, if needed.
• Must be able to multiple tasks with a strong sense of urgency to meet the customer needs.
• Must be able to work well within a team environment and take instructions from management and co‑workers.
• Must be a self‑starter with the ability to work independently.
• Must possess basic reading and math skills.
• Must have good written and verbal communicate skills.
• Strong record of attendance reliability.
• Safety oriented with the ability to work well within a team environment.
• Must be capable of performing the essential job duties required of this job.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO

• Must be physically able to perform work assigned.
• Must be physically capable of accessing all plant locations.
• Access all areas within a site which could include heights of 120 feet, confined spaces, climbing ladders or stairs, and accessing tunnels.
• Will be working at times in covered environment but mainly in a mining environment.
• The employee will be exposed to the following working conditions: Extreme Heat and Cold, Noise, Vibration, Oils, and Atmospheric Conditions such as Dust, Fumes, and Mineral Particles.
• The employee will be required to perform the following actions (from time to time): Standing, walking, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, seeing, hearing and sitting.
• Ability to consistently lift over 20 pounds as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.

PREFFERED EDUCATION

Technical training or AA degree in technical related field is desired.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Previous heavy equipment and/or mining experience is highly preferred. Must have at least one (1) to three (3) years of work experience.

PREFFERED EXPERIENCE

Three (3) plus years of experience.

BENEFITS

• comprehensive medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• life insurance
• disability insurance
• paid vacation
• paid sick time
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• generous Employer Match
• Supplemental Contribution based on Years of Service
• educational assistance to encourage continued learning and professional development

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Lhoist North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering a workplace that values inclusion, respect, and diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment strengthens our teams and drives innovation. That’s why we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply and strive to ensure every employee feels respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. At Lhoist North America, inclusion isn’t just a policy, it’s a core part of who we are.

If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The Lhoist Group is a family-owned business and one of the world’s leading lime, dolime, and mineral solutions producers. Our people are at the heart of our operations. The company’s global success comes from our teams’ continuous efforts to innovate and seek out new opportunities, at every level of the business.

Curious to learn more about us? Visit lhoist.com