Loader Operator

Job Description

Reports To: Transportation/Production Supervisor or Manager (depends on location)

Compensation: Hourly/Non-Exempt – Full time employees are eligible for benefits.

SUMMARY

This position assists Pacific Ag (PA) with its services, values, and mission to growers, customers, and the community. The Loader Operator is responsible for directing loading zone operations in assigned locations, while loading and unloading baled product. The main objective in this role is guiding trucks, drivers, and any other people or vehicles to ensure safety and efficiency. The work will include routine (daily and weekly) activities.

A Loader Operator is regionally based and, generally, works a Monday-Friday schedule, year-round. During peak harvest season, a Loader Operator is often required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Practice and promote safe acts and behaviors in support of PA’s goal of zero recordable injuries (Goal ZERO) and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
• Hauling loader to assigned locations (usually field stacks and customer delivery locations), driving a semi-truck and trailer.
• Loading and unloading trailers with baled product scheduled for delivery to customers, or inventory management purposes, while leading loading/unloading zones by directing trucks, truck drivers, and others in the area to ensure safety and efficiency of assigned loading/unloading operation.
• Complete required paperwork accurately, legibly, and turn it in by required deadlines.
• Ensure truck drivers have correct information to complete their required load/delivery paperwork.
• Assist with strapping, securing, or otherwise fastening loads, stacks/inventory (including refastening tarps), equipment as needed.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized stacks, loading/unloading zones, vehicles, equipment, shop, and other assigned work areas.
• Keep assigned vehicle, equipment, machinery, and tools maintained and in optimal working order, and notify the shop and/or supervisor when repairs are needed.
• Coordinate with various personnel in a cooperative and professional manner to maintain consistent and timely communication, information, and documentation, such as operations, administration, and management.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• Valid driver license and acceptable driving record per company insurance carrier.
• Minimum two year’s professional experience operating loading equipment including forklifts and/or loaders. 

PREFERRED 

• Class A commercial driver license (CDL) with doubles/triples endorsement.
• CDL and/or farm plated hauling experience.
• General knowledge of and/or experience in agriculture, especially with baled products.
• Knowledge and/or experience with mobile based mapping software.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Able to read, follow, and understand maps and physical directions.
• Ability to manage time effectively factoring in logistics.
• Equipment troubleshooting skills and resourcefulness.
• Adaptive learner who can work well in a team with different personalities, but self-driven and able to work independently with minimal supervision.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to communicate effectively, including understanding English enough to complete required essential job functions satisfactorily.
  • Able to read, write, speak, and understand English fluently preferred, bilingual English/Spanish, a plus.
• Driving/sitting (manual transmissions) 70% of the time, standing, walking, lifting/carrying, climbing, grasping, kneeling/bending, and using hand tools with force occasionally to frequent. Maximum lifting/carrying without assistance is 50 lbs. per company policy.
• Various body postures required to complete basic maintenance (i.e., tire, oil, wiper, fuse changes) on assigned vehicle, equipment, or machinery.
• Mostly work outdoors in or near grower fields with frequent exposure to weather, such as wind, dust, and variable temperatures, although loading equipment has enclosed cabs with air conditioning and heat.
• Punctual and consistent attendance required.

Other duties may be assigned but would be of similar nature to the responsibilities in this job description. This does not preclude management from assigning additional, though unrelated, duties.