What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heavy Equipment Operator position at RES COAL?
RES Coal is hiring Heavy Equipment Operators to run mining-class equipment across our surface mine operations in Clearfield, Cambria, Centre, Blair, & Armstrong Counties. This is steady, year-round work with predictable schedules, modern equipment, and a company culture built on experience, respect, and internal promotion.
We operate one of the largest mining fleets in Pennsylvania, including CAT 777 haul trucks, CAT D11 dozers, CAT 992 loaders, CAT 980 loaders, and shot-hole drills.
WHY WORK HERE
- Stable year-round operation — if the roads are open, we’re running
- Predictable schedules and home every night
- Operators are placed at sites within ~45 minutes of home whenever possible
- We maintain consistent crews and experienced leadership so operators know what to expect every day
- Privately owned, diversified, and stable even when the coal market cycles
- Spare equipment kept on-site so operators stay productive and minimize downtime
- Modern, well-maintained fleet — A/C and heat must work
- Mechanics and lube techs on-site
- Low-stress environment — no micromanagement
- Internal skill progression encouraged
- Annual bonuses paid every year, even during COVID
In short – we treat operators like professionals and give them the equipment, support, and stability to do the job right.
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL OPERATE
- CAT 777 haul trucks
- CAT D11 dozers
- CAT 992 loaders
- CAT 980 loaders
- Shot-hole drills (various makes/models)
- Water trucks (as needed)
- Excavators (as needed)
- Pickup or fuel trucks for travel between equipment
TRAINING & SKILL PROGRESSION
New operators typically start on CAT 777 haul trucks to learn the mine flow and production sequence. From there, operators can train on loaders, dozers, drills, or other equipment based on skill, interest, and operational needs.
SCHEDULE
TYPICAL MARKET (Most of the Year)
- Standard schedule: 50 hours/week (Monday–Friday)
- Day shift: 5 AM – 3 PM
- Night shift: 3 PM – 1 AM
- Most two-shift sites rotate every other week between day and night
- One-shift sites stay on steady day shift
- All operators are home every night
SLOW MARKET (Coal Downturns)
- 45-hour week average
- Every other Friday off on one-shift sites
- Every Friday night off on two-shift sites
- All adjustments scheduled weeks in advance
HIGH-PRODUCTION MARKET (Strong Demand)
- Mandatory Saturdays and/or extended hours
- Always scheduled in advance
- Never last-minute or day-before scheduling
- May include 8-hour Saturday shifts or 11-hour weekdays
PAY STRUCTURE (Based on Years of Service with RES)
- $26/hr — Years 0–3
- $27/hr — Years 3–5
- $28/hr — 5 years
Add-ons:
- $1/hr — Lead Man (Foreman’s Card)
- $1/hr — Drillers with a CDL
BONUSES
- Annual performance-based bonus (paid every year historically)
- Mid-year bonuses in strong markets
- Bonuses have reached ~$8,000/year
A TYPICAL DAY
- Arrive on site and complete preshift inspection
- Identify and report any safety or mechanical defects immediately
- Tag out unsafe equipment and move to another available machine
- Receive tasks from experienced, low-stress foremen
- Operate assigned machine for production:
– Haul overburden or coal in 777s
– Push overburden with D11s
– Load 777s with 992s
– Clean coal and load triaxles with 980s
– Operate shot-hole drills as needed
– Operate water trucks as needed
– Operate excavators as needed
- Follow safe pit communication and haul road rules
- Perform light maintenance: greasing, cleaning tracks, fueling
- Lube techs handle all major servicing
- Mechanics are on-site for repairs
- Spare equipment is available to minimize downtime
- Complete post-shift inspection and debrief
LIGHT MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Greasing
- Shoveling tracks
- Fueling equipment
- Preshift & postshift inspections
- Cab housekeeping
- Reporting any issues immediately
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Heavy equipment operating experience (mining or construction)
- Ability to work safely in an active mine environment
- Ability to complete inspections and basic maintenance
- Reliable transportation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience on mining-class equipment
- MSHA Part 48 Surface Coal — Preferred, not required
- CDL is a plus
- Will train the right candidates with strong attitude and work ethic
INTERNAL SKILL PROGRESSION:
All operators hold the same job title (HEO), but high performers can grow their skills and take on added responsibilities over time.
- Operating loaders (980 / 992)
- Operating dozers (D11/D10)
- Operating shot-hole drills (with CDL premium)
- Lead Man (Foreman’s Card – assists with crew direction when the foreman is off-site)
- Foreman (internal promotion focus)
BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Annual performance bonus
- Tuition assistance
- Minimum two weeks of PTO
ABOUT RES COAL LLC
RES Coal LLC, a subsidiary of Robindale Energy, operates multiple surface mines and a central preparation plant producing premium mid-volatile coking coal. Founded in 2008, RES has grown through continuous investment in equipment, infrastructure, and people. The company is privately owned, financially stable, and committed to long-term operations in Pennsylvania.
Apply through really or email info@resfuel.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour
Expected hours: 45 – 55 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $8,000