Loader Operator - Pellet Mills

Job Summary

TheLoader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of front-end loaders and other rolling stock in the wood yard of the pellet mill. This position ensures that fiber materials are inventoried, blended according to recipe plans, and delivered as needed to feed production processes. The operator plays a vital role in maintaining continuous material flow, supporting mill uptime, and ensuring quality input to the pelletizing process.

Duties and Responsibilities

Material Handling & Loader Operations

• Operate front-end loaders and mobile equipment to manage fiber piles, hoppers, and staging areas.
• Blend and prepare fiber materials based on defined recipes, moisture targets, and operational instructions.
• Maintain accurate inventory by moving and tracking fiber volumes between receiving, blending, and usage areas.
• Ensure consistent feed of raw fiber to production systems to support uninterrupted mill operation.
• Keep wood yard work areas clean and organized for safety, efficiency, and accessibility.

Safety & Equipment Maintenance

• Perform pre-operational inspections and daily checks of loader equipment for safety and performance.
• Follow all PPE, Lockout/Tagout, and operational safety procedures when operating rolling stock.
• Report equipment damage or malfunction to maintenance immediately and assist with minor repairs as able.
• Comply with all traffic, environmental, and safety protocols in the yard and mill site.

Production Support

• Communicate with shift supervisors regarding fiber levels, quality concerns, and recipe adherence.
• Coordinate with logistics or truck drivers to support timely offloading of raw fiber materials.
• Assist with downtime cleanup or yard reorganization during maintenance shutdowns or rainouts.
• Document fiber movements and provide input into yard activity logs or material tracking systems.

Qualification Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required- 1–2 years of experience operating front-end loaders or similar heavy equipment in an industrial environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of material blending, bulk handling, or feedstock logistics a plus.
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions year-round and support rotating shift schedules.
• Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions and communicate effectively with shift leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of loader operation, controls, and safe maneuvering practices.
• Basic understanding of fiber quality and recipe-based material blending.
• Attention to safety, site awareness, and traffic control around active production areas.
• Good judgment and ability to respond to production needs with urgency.
• Team-oriented and dependable with a proactive work ethic.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit, climb, and enter/exit large equipment throughout the shift.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and work on uneven terrain outdoors.
• Must tolerate exposure to wood dust, noise, weather elements, and vibration from machinery.
• Must be able to wear required PPE including steel-toed boots, gloves, hearing and eye protection, and hard hat.