Plant Loader Operator

00002 Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. is seeking an Equipment Operator II to safely operate heavy mobile equipment essential to asphalt production.

You will manage raw material stockpiles, feed cold bins with precision, and ensure continuous production flow, while adhering to Guardian Angel safety culture. The role requires 2–4 years in heavy equipment operation within asphalt plants, mechanical aptitude, and ability to troubleshoot equipment and assist in plant maintenance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or relevant experience.
• CDL Class A or B is a significant plus.
• 2–4 years of experience operating heavy equipment, specifically in an asphalt plant environment.
• Mechanical aptitude; Computer literacy; Troubleshooting; Safety focus (OSHA).

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy front-end loaders (Cat 980/988) to feed cold feed bins and maintain stockpiles.
• Monitor conveyor speeds, temperature gauges, and asphalt oil flow to ensure DOT specs.
• Identify and diagnose early signs of mechanical failure in conveyors, screens, and crushers.
• Perform minor field repairs and assist maintenance during shutdowns; inspect and document fluid levels and tire pressures.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Troubleshooting

Communication

OSHA knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

CDL Class A or B

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. CDL Class A or B is significant plus.

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.

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.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

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.

Every member of our ONE Martin Marietta team is driven by our shared values of safety, integrity, excellence, community and stewardship. We are a member of the S&P 500 Index and a leading supplier of aggregates and heavy building materials. Through a network of operations spanning 29 states, Canada and the Bahamas, our teammates supply the foundational resources on which our communities thrive and grow. Our Specialties business provides high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications. In a world that's focused on the power of many, we believe in the power of ONE – the magic of bringing together our unique perspectives, experiences and talents to evolve a shared vision and future. Our backgrounds may vary, but our voices come together in support of the same goals. We want to build legacies for ourselves and our loved ones, strengthen our communities and safely and responsibly engage in work we know will make a difference.