Ship Loader Operator

Greys Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Greys Recruitment seeks a Ship Loader Operator to operate and monitor ship loading equipment safely and efficiently to load bulk materials onto vessels. You will handle coal, minerals, iron ore, grain, or other designated cargos per terminal needs.

Responsibilities include monitoring conveyors and loading systems, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Shift work, including nights and holidays, may be required.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Matric preferred.
• Experience operating ship loaders or bulk handling equipment.
• 12 months operating similar machinery in a similar environment.
• Experience in port/shipping or bulk terminal advantageous.
• Basic understanding of conveyor systems and loading procedures.
• Good health and safety understanding.
• Ability to follow procedures and instructions accurately.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Physically fit for industrial outdoor environments.
• Willingness to work shifts and overtime.

Responsibilities

• Operate ship loaders and bulk material handling equipment to load cargo onto vessels.
• Load bulk materials such as coal, minerals, iron ore, grain per terminal operations.
• Monitor conveyors, chutes, hoppers and loading systems during operations.
• Ensure cargo distribution aligns with loading instructions.
• Report faults, blockages or irregularities immediately.
• Conduct pre-start inspections and routine checks on machinery.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and port procedures.
• Communicate with control-room operators and vessel personnel.
• Maintain records of loading progress and inspections.
• Assist with housekeeping and keep area clean and safe.
• Participate in toolbox talks and safety drills.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures before maintenance.
• Work shifts including nights, weekends, holidays.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Procedural compliance

Education

Grade 12 / Matric

Machine Operators Licence/NQF 1

Occupational Safety and Health NQF 1

Job description

We are currently looking for a Ship Loader Operator to operate and monitor ship‑loading equipment safely and efficiently to load bulk materials onto vessels.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric preferred.
• Previous experience operating a ship loader or similar bulk material‑handling equipment.
• 12months operating similar machinery in a similar work environment
• Experience in a port, harbour, bulk terminal, mining, shipping, or industrial environment will be advantageous.
• Basic understanding of conveyor systems, material flow, and bulk cargo‑loading procedures.
• Good understanding of workplace health and safety requirements.
• Ability to follow operating procedures and instructions accurately.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Physically fit and comfortable working in an industrial, outdoor, and potentially dusty environment.
• Willingness to work shifts and overtime when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate ship loaders and associated bulk material‑handling equipment to load cargo onto vessels.
• Load bulk materials such as coal, minerals, iron ore, grain or other designated commodities, depending on the terminal’s operations.
• Monitor conveyor belts, chutes, hoppers and loading systems during operations.
• Ensure cargo is distributed correctly into the designated vessel holds according to loading instructions.
• Monitor equipment performance and report mechanical faults, blockages or operational irregularities immediately.
• Conduct pre‑start inspections and routine operational checks on machinery.
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, port procedures and company policies.
• Communicate effectively with control‑room operators, vessel personnel, supervisors and other operational teams.
• Monitor material flow and prevent overloading, spillage and unnecessary material wastage.
• Maintain accurate operational records, including loading progress, equipment inspections and shift reports.
• Assist with housekeeping around the loading area and ensure the work environment remains clean and safe.
• Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings and emergency drills.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures and ensure equipment is isolated before authorised maintenance or cleaning activities.
• Work shifts, including night shifts, weekends and public holidays when required.
• Perform other reasonable operational duties related to bulk cargo handling as assigned by management.
• Communicate effectively with the ship’s stevedore
• Switch on the belt and monitor the even flow of coal into the hatch of the ship
• Deal with emergencies according to operational procedures and legal requirements
• Machine Operators Licence/s NQF 1
• Occupational Safety and Health NQF 1