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Coal Loader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operate, inspect, maintain, and lubricate such coal handling equipment as conveyors, trippers, crushers, feeders, breakers, screens, stackers, and loaders, ash and slag handling equipment, dust ...

Operate, inspect, maintain, and lubricate such coal handling equipment as conveyors, trippers, crushers, feeders, breakers, screens, stackers, and loaders, ash and slag handling equipment, dust ...

Ensure proper material and weight is loaded for each shipment. RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS ... Regulate coal yard to ensure placement and distribution of appropriate fuel types. * Responsible ...

Ensure proper material and weight is loaded for each shipment. RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS ... Regulate coal yard to ensure placement and distribution of appropriate fuel types. * Responsible ...

Ensure proper material and weight is loaded for each shipment. Responsibilities & Expectations ... Regulate coal yard to ensure placement and distribution of appropriate fuel types. * Responsible ...

Ensure proper material and weight is loaded for each shipment. RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS ... Regulate coal yard to ensure placement and distribution of appropriate fuel types. * Responsible ...

Ensure proper material and weight is loaded for each shipment. RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS ... Regulate coal yard to ensure placement and distribution of appropriate fuel types. * Responsible ...

Ensure proper material and weight is loaded for each shipment. RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS ... Regulate coal yard to ensure placement and distribution of appropriate fuel types. * Responsible ...

Ensure proper material and weight is loaded for each shipment. RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS ... Regulate coal yard to ensure placement and distribution of appropriate fuel types. * Responsible ...

Move and/or load material on stockpiles, trucks, and feeder hoppers (ROM, Clean Coal, Train, and Barge Loadout Areas). * Bulldozers (D11 and smaller) Frontend Loaders (WA600, WA500) Load and unload ...

Truck Bulk Loader - 12 Hr Rotating Shifts

Rapid City, SD · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

Load bulk trucks per instruction from truck driver. * Weigh bulk trucks and process weight tickets ... Weigh incoming coal trucks, if needed. * Obtain mill analysis for customer from quality control ...

Move and/or load material on stockpiles, trucks, and feeder hoppers (ROM, Clean Coal, Train, and Barge Loadout Areas). * Bulldozers (D11 and smaller) * Frontend Loaders (WA600, WA500) * Load and ...

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Coal Loader information

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$11

$19

$28

How much do coal loader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for coal loader in the United States is $19.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a coal loader?

Coal loaders are workers responsible for loading coal onto transport vehicles such as trains, ships, or trucks at mining sites, power plants, or ports. They operate machinery to move coal from storage areas to conveyances and may also be involved in monitoring equipment, ensuring safety protocols, and maintaining proper documentation of shipments. Coal loaders play a crucial role in the coal supply chain by ensuring efficient and safe handling of coal during the loading process.

What are typical safety measures and challenges faced by coal loaders on the job?

Coal Loaders often work in environments with heavy machinery and moving equipment, so strict adherence to safety protocols is essential. Common challenges include exposure to dust, noise, and variable weather conditions, which require proper use of personal protective equipment and regular training. Effective communication with team members is also crucial to coordinate loading schedules and manage unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or material blockages. Safety briefings and ongoing maintenance checks are routine practices to ensure a safe and efficient workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a coal loader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coal Loader, you need good physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with conveyor belts, loaders, safety equipment, and sometimes forklift certification are typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are critical for ensuring workplace safety, maintaining efficient operations, and minimizing downtime in industrial settings.

What is the difference between Coal Loader vs Coal Miner?

AspectCoal LoaderCoal Miner
Primary RoleLoading and unloading coal at facilities or portsExtracting coal from underground or surface mines
Work EnvironmentPorts, terminals, loading sitesMining sites, underground or open-pit mines
Required CertificationsBasic safety training, equipment operationMining certifications, safety training
Industry UsageUsed in logistics and transportation sectorsUsed in extraction and resource industries

While both roles involve working with coal, a Coal Loader primarily handles the logistics of moving coal at loading sites, whereas a Coal Miner is involved in the extraction process from mines. The roles differ in work environment, certifications, and industry focus, but both are essential in the coal supply chain.

More about Coal Loader jobs

What states have the most Coal Loader jobs?

States with the most job openings for Coal Loader jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Coal Loader jobs?

For Coal Loader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Coal Loader job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,188 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Coal Plant Operator

Pekin, IL • On-site

NRG Energy
Oil and Coal Products Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate, inspect, maintain, and lubricate coal handling equipment such as conveyors, crushers, feeders, breakers, screens, stackers, loaders, ash and slag handling equipment, dust control equipment, and bag houses.

  • Shift barges and railroad cars by operating pullers, manipulating cables, and managing related railroad car activities, including inventory and preparation of locomotives.

  • Perform equipment troubleshooting, repairs, adjustments, and record-keeping related to coal handling operations.


Job description

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we're all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers' lives easier-helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Job Purpose

Working together under general supervision coordinate, instruct, train, and check the work of employees responsible for coal handling activities; operate locomotives and railroad cars; operate, inspect and service coal handling equipment; operate car dumpers and their auxiliary equipment; operate ash handling cranes; shift barges and railroad cars; lubricate equipment; operate ash and slag handling equipment; is a member of the station's fire brigade or acts as station fire guide for outside fire departments; perform all activities in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards; utilize computer and other technology based work management systems as may be required in performing work duties; perform all activities in a high quality manner to achieve best industry practice; perform general cleaning and housekeeping duties;  interact with station personnel, contractors, and others to perform coal plant operator functions; respond to overtime requests as needed; handle special assignments; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Operate, inspect, maintain, and lubricate such coal handling equipment as conveyors, trippers, crushers, feeders, breakers, screens, stackers, and loaders, ash and slag handling equipment, dust control equipment and bag houses.
  • Shift barges and railroad cars by operating pullers and manipulating cables; operate car heating equipment; inventory railroad cars; act as a weigh master; prepare locomotives for operation and standby, and other related railroad car activities.
  • Read, interpret, and implement technical information found in manufacturers' and OEM technical manuals, electrical and mechanical P &IDs, and operating and maintenance procedures.
  • Operate, inspect, and lubricate ash handling cranes, car dumpers and auxiliary equipment, locomotive and gantry cranes, barge unloaders, fuel handling mobile equipment such as tractor-bulldozer-scraper combinations, vacuum trucks, street sweepers, water wagons, backhoes and other mobile equipment.
  • Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment under the control of the Coal Operator.
  • Inspect, repair, adjust, service, and troubleshoot equipment.
  • Maintain records of coal cars, barge movements, and tonnages and input information into computerized system.
  • Write work orders and input data into work history file.
  • Maintain equipment and working area in a clean condition including shoveling, vacuuming, degreasing, washing, sweeping, and utilize other various cleaning methods.
  • Perform electrical disconnect switching and grounding; perform electrical and mechanical operations to place equipment in and out of service safely, for permit work.
  • Perform maintenance activity as required in support of the overall maintenance of the plant.
  • Assist in the planning and layout of jobs including parts identification and ordering of equipment needed to complete the job.
  • Conduct shift change by briefing the incoming Coal Plant Operators of current plant status and issues.
  • Adjust belt scrapers, seals, and side skirting; align feeder belts.
  • Perform routine equipment testing and maintain environmental logs.
  • Monitor equipment condition utilizing control room indication, field devices, and portable test equipment.
  • Utilize computer-based management systems as made available for operational and management requirements.
  • Assist other job classifications as may be required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

 

Required:

  • High School degree, or equivalent education
  • Valid Drivers License

 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must have knowledge of job safety requirements, strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills and possess a demonstrated ability to learn. Three years of previous experience related to power plant operation, maintenance and operating coal handling equipment is strongly preferred.

 

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

This position is exposed to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, cold and hot temperatures and moderate to high noise levels. The position requires a person to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, walk, sit, stand and climb. 

(Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.)

Please Note:  Salary offered will be commensurate with the successful candidate's education and/or experience and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement covering this position.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.  

Official description on file with Talent.

We support the use of AI tools to help you prepare for your interview (e.g., practicing responses, researching the role, or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to reflect your own thinking, experience, and communication. Use of AI to generate or read answers in real time, complete assessments, or misrepresent your qualifications is not permitted and may impact your candidacy.


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About NRG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At NRG, we're bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Industry

Oil and coal products manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US