Position Summary

The main responsibility of the Loader Operator position is to safely and effectively operate and maintain forage and farm equipment, safely, effectively, and in a timely manner, during applicable seasons. The Loader Operator conducts all duties as assigned by the supervisor and may carry out other general labor tasks as necessary or assigned. This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be required by his/her supervisor.

Key Performance Areas (Essential Functions of the Position) 

• Operates heavy equipment effectively and safely.
• Picks up, moves, or loads bales of hay for storage and production.
• Proactively performs preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Communicates challenges or concerns to supervisor in a timely manner.
• Diagnoses and communicates any problems or concerns with equipment to management.
• Performs manual labor in various areas as necessary or as assigned.
• Performs occasional assignments in other departments, as assigned or as necessary.

Key Success Factors for Position 

• Communicates clearly and effectively (verbally, and at times, written) with co-workers and members of management.
• Promotes teamwork.
• Produces high quality work.
• Supports changes without qualification and willingly performs duties as assigned.
• Communicates, proactively and assertively, any concerns or suggestions for change with supervisor.
• Shares responsibility for completing tasks.
• Produces high quality work. Helps co-workers to promote quality work in order to achieve production goals.
• Communicates with co-workers and managers in a direct and respectful manner.
• Engages in constructive problem solving with others.
• Establishes trust and credibility with others.
• Strong attention to detail

Business Impact 

• Handles equipment valued in excess of $5M.

Experiences / Education Requirements 

• Experience operating heavy equipment safely
• High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English.

Working Conditions

General Manufacturing Environment:

Work is regularly performed inside the plant and occasionally in the surrounding grounds and facilities. Because of this, employees are frequently exposed to adverse weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow. Lighting varies based on the season, weather, and conditions in the plant. Employees regularly work near moving mechanical parts, material handling equipment and are exposed to ergonomic hazards, noise, and dust.

Physical Requirements:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Work is fast paced, and employees are expected to perform a variety of tasks involving strenuous manual labor, therefore they must have excellent stamina, be in good physical condition and capable of handling objects up to 75 lbs. in weight. Individuals must also have good eyesight, hearing and better than average coordination to keep up with production equipment. In addition to these requirements employees are regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time, reach, bend, climb, and walk about the facility and production areas.