Hot Pit Loader Operator

Position Title: Hot Pit Loader (Temporary with Potential for Hire)          

Reports To: General Manager                           

Overview of Position: 

This is a temporary assignment with the potential to transition into a full-time role. 

The Hot Pit Loader Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities. This role requires strict adherence to all safety protocols, including performing pre-shift equipment inspections and conducting a 360-degree walk-around visual inspection before operation. Duties include coordinating with pot carriers to control dumping, overseeing the de-skulling process, managing quenching pits, and following correct digging techniques to prevent hazards. The Hot Pit Loader plays a critical role in supporting production while upholding the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and teamwork.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Safely operate loaders during slag pit digging, quenching, and maintenance activities
• Perform pre-shift equipment inspections and conduct a 360 degree walk-around visual inspection of the hot pit loader
• Inspect pits for proper grading, dryness, and berms, and maintain safety equipment in working order
• Coordinate with pot carriers, control dumping, oversee de-skulling, manage quenching pits, and follow proper digging techniques to prevent hazards
•  Pad pots with the correct amount of slag depending on type
• Load haul trucks safely without overloading or spilling
• Monitor for water intrusion, stop work if steam or moisture is detected, and implement water abatement measures
• Climb in and out of the loader, maintaining 3 points of contact during ingress and egress (2 hands, 1 foot or 2 feet, 1 hand) in contact with grab rails or stair treads
• Must be able to activate fire suppression system in case of fire on or in loader

• Maintain all required certifications required by OSHA and the company safety programs
• Perform any other tasks assigned to support and improve the overall team operations

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:

• Teamwork
• Communication
• Time management
• Problem solving

Work Environment:

This job takes place in a Steel Mill setting, requiring a sense of high-level safety reverence using the required PPE for the environment.

Physical Demand:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen in potentially noisy indoor and outdoor environments. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on both flat and uneven surfaces, sit, climb stairs, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. This job requires the employee to lift at least 50 pounds on a regular basis.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Driver’s License  
• Willingness to work in a Steel Mill
• Experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting preferred but not required
• Vocational training as a Hot Pit Loader

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with notice.

AAP/EEO Statement: 

Phoenix Global provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits: 

• 401(k)
• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off