Plant Loader Operator
Martin Marietta Materials, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
Equipment Operator II
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 include:
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 include:
High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience
CDL Class A or B is significant plus
2
4 years of experience operating heavy equipment, specifically in an asphalt plant environment.
Mechanical aptitude
Computer literacy
Troubleshooting
Critical thinking
Safety focused (OSHA)
Regulatory compliance
Effective communication (written and spoken)
Time management
Physical requirements include:
Ability to lift and carry up to 5075 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 between different plants or job sites.
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 lbs.
In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:
Medical
Prescription Drug
Dental
Vision
Health Care Reimbursement Account
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Wellness Programs
Employee Assistance Plan
Paid Holidays and Vacation
401(k) with Company matching
Pension
Salary Continuation
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability Options
Employee Life Insurance
Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
Business Travel Accident Insurance
Direct Deposit Payroll
Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
College Scholarship Program
for dependent children
Matching Gift Program
New Auto Purchase Discount Plans
At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
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 include:
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 include:
High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience
CDL Class A or B is significant plus
2
4 years of experience operating heavy equipment, specifically in an asphalt plant environment.
Mechanical aptitude
Computer literacy
Troubleshooting
Critical thinking
Safety focused (OSHA)
Regulatory compliance
Effective communication (written and spoken)
Time management
Physical requirements include:
Ability to lift and carry up to 5075 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 between different plants or job sites.
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 lbs.
In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:
Medical
Prescription Drug
Dental
Vision
Health Care Reimbursement Account
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
Wellness Programs
Employee Assistance Plan
Paid Holidays and Vacation
401(k) with Company matching
Pension
Salary Continuation
Short-Term Disability
Long-Term Disability Options
Employee Life Insurance
Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
Business Travel Accident Insurance
Direct Deposit Payroll
Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
College Scholarship Program
for dependent children
Matching Gift Program
New Auto Purchase Discount Plans
At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.