Wheel Loader Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Build Your Career. Build America's Future.

Vulcan Materials Company is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. When you join Vulcan, it's more than starting an exciting career – you get to make a difference for millions of people every day across the country.

When you join Vulcan, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded and diversity is valued. No matter the role or the location across the country, every member of the Vulcan team lives through the Vulcan Way: doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.

The Pit/Production Loader Operator is responsible for efficiently and safely operating a loader to load materials, such as rock, and gravel into haul trucks or feeder. The role requires a skilled operator who can maneuver heavy machinery in a mining environment while adhering to safety guidelines and maintaining productivity targets.

1. Equipment Operation

• Operate and control the pit loader to load and move materials within the pit area.
• Excavates quarry to maintain desired face, ramp and floor conditions including the construction and maintenance of safety berms.
• Utilize the loader's controls to lift, tilt, and dump materials into designated areas or onto trucks/conveyors.
• Handle attachments (buckets, forks, etc.) as needed for various tasks.
• Ensure the safe operation of the loader and perform routine equipment maintenance checks.

2. Material Handling

• Load materials efficiently, maintaining appropriate weight distribution and stability.
• Follow loading instructions provided by supervisors or production plans to meet required tonnage targets.
• Handle materials with care to prevent spills, waste, or damage to equipment and surrounding infrastructure.

3. Safety and Compliance

• Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain awareness of surroundings, equipment, and personnel to prevent accidents or hazards.
• Report any safety concerns, incidents, or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor promptly.
• Contribute to a culture of safety awareness.

4. Production Targets

• Collaborate with the production team to ensure materials are loaded according to schedule and production goals.
• Optimize loading processes to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Communicate with truck drivers or conveyor operators to coordinate loading activities.

5. Equipment Maintenance

• Perform thorough pre and post operation checks of the pit loader to identify safety or mechanical defects.
• Report any maintenance needs or equipment issues to the maintenance department.

6. Documentation

• Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and unloaded.
• Complete log sheets, work orders, and other documentation as required.

7. May direct and train others to operate and maintain the loader as required.

8. Other duties as assigned.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is preferred. Trade school diploma or certificate in equipment operation is desired.

Experience: Previous experience in operating large loaders is preferred.

Certifications/Licenses: A valid driver's license is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven experience as a pit/plant loader operator in a mining/quarry environment.
• Familiarity with equipment controls and operation techniques.
• A strong commitment to safety protocols and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential hazards.
• Mechanical aptitude to complete a thorough safety and mechanical inspection.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact and coordinate with team members and supervisors.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing work environments.
• Strong sense of spatial awareness to maneuver the loader in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in congested work areas.

Other Requirements:

• This position requires knowledge and awareness of mining and construction site hazards.
• Physical ability to sit for extended periods, withstand vibrations, and operate controls with precision.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must have the ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact and sit for long periods of time.

Critical Competencies:

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating large loaders, including understanding the controls, gauges, and indicators. Ability to manipulate the loader accurately and smoothly for various tasks, such as loading, dumping, and transporting materials. Skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications.
• Safety Awareness: Thorough understanding of Vulcan's safety protocols and MSHA/OSHA regulations related to heavy equipment operation. Ability to identify potential hazards and take preventive actions to ensure a safe working environment. Diligent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety guidelines at all times.
• Technical Expertise: Solid mechanical understanding of draglines, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them to the maintenance team.
• Material Handling: Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, or other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution. Ability to estimate weights and volumes for optimal loading and transportation efficiency.
• Problem Solving: Ability to assess loading challenges, such as uneven terrain or awkwardly shaped materials, and adapt loading techniques accordingly. Quick decision-making in response to unexpected situations or changes in the work environment.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, coordinating with other operators and ground personnel.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing work conditions, tasks, and schedules.

Hourly Range: the hourly range for this role is between $22.79 - $29.13. This range is not inclusive of our discretionary bonus or equity package. When determining a candidate's compensation, we consider a number of factors, including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data.

Great Company Culture. Our people share a competitive drive for excellence in an environment of trust, teamwork, open-mindedness, and communication.

Safe. The industry leader in health and safety standards. We are committed to creating a safe work environment and protecting all employees and customers.

Meaningful Work. What sets us apart is the work we do impacts our daily lives – and every employee contributes. Our aggregates produced are used to build roads, schools, hospitals, airports, and housing throughout the United States.

Health Benefits. Medical, Dental, and Vision programs, plus much more.

Rest and Relaxation. Paid vacation, personal floating days, and paid holidays.

Prepare for the Future. 401(k) with company match and contribution.

Training and Development. We see our development programs and helping our employees meet their goals as a key part of our business.

Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.

• Job Identification 260001C3_C
• Job Category Landfill Operations
• Degree Level High School Graduate
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 800 Constitution Ave, Portsmouth, VA, 23704, US (On-site)