Asphalt Plant Loader Operator

Job Summary

The Asphalt Plant Loader Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating front-end loaders and related equipment to load, move, stockpile, and transport materials at the Barrett Paving Materials plant located at MWC. This role supports continual plant operations, ensures material quality and inventory accuracy, and contributes to a safe work environment through adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.

Main Responsibilities

• Operate front-end loaders and auxiliary equipment (e.g., skid-steer, wheel loaders, yard dogs) to load aggregates, asphalt products, sand, gravel, and other raw materials into trucks, hoppers, stockpiles, or processing equipment.
• Perform daily pre-shift inspections of machinery, report and document any mechanical issues, and coordinate maintenance needs with the maintenance team.
• Load materials to meet production schedules and customer/transport requirements while optimizing fuel efficiency and minimizing material waste.
• Move raw materials within yard, stockpile materials to maintain balanced inventory and ensure accessibility for production lines.
• Assist with ground conditions, compaction tests, and material sampling as required under supervision and in accordance with QA/QC procedures.
• Maintain accurate material counts and inventory records; update computerized systems or manual logs for inbound/outbound materials.
• Operate in a safe manner following Barrett Paving Materials safety policies, PPE requirements, and OSHA regulations; practice lockout/tagout where applicable.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area; perform light maintenance tasks such as checking fluids, tire pressures, and lubrication as trained.
• Communicate with dispatch, supervisors, and fellow team members to coordinate movements and ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Adhere to all environmental controls and spill prevention measures; report any spills or hazardous conditions immediately.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying process inefficiencies and safety concerns and suggesting solutions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; preferred but not required.
• Valid driver’s license; clean driving record.
• Prior experience operating front-end loaders or similar heavy equipment in a quarry, asphalt plant, concrete plant, construction yard, or mining environment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret production schedules, safety instructions, and basic measurement/quantity indicators.
• Basic mechanical aptitude; willingness to perform routine equipment checks and basic light maintenance.
• Physical ability to lift, carry, push/pull heavy materials; ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions; ability to stand, walk, bend, squat for extended periods.
• Strong mechanical and operational focus with attention to safety, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to comply with company policies, safety standards, and to participate in ongoing training

Work Environment

• Outdoor facility with exposure to dust, noise, heat, cold, and moving equipment.
• Exposure to asphalt, concrete, and aggregate materials.
• Shift-based work; may require overtime, weekends, or holidays as production demands.
• Use of PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, gloves, steel-toe boots.

Equipment/Tools Used:

• Front-end loaders (e.g., wheel loader models appropriate to plant)
• Skid steer loaders
• Forklift or yard equipment as needed
• Communication devices (radios, tablets)
• Basic hand tools for light maintenance

Performance Metrics

• Equipment uptime and reliability
• Accuracy of material inventory and loading
• Adherence to production schedules and delivery timelines
• Safety incident rate and near-miss reporting
• Housekeeping and organization of work area
• Fuel efficiency and waste reduction

Physical Demands

• Regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly; occasional heavier lifting with assistance
• Ability to work in inclement weather and adverse conditions
• Hearing and vision adequate to operate equipment and read safety/QA/QC information

Safety and Compliance

• Must follow Barrett Paving Materials safety policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Participate in safety training and toolbox talks.
• Immediate reporting of all accidents, injuries, or near-misses.
• Compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour Construction safety certification
• Equipment-specific operator training certificates

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage and overtime opportunities
• Health, dental, vision, life insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Training and development opportunities