Heavy Equipment Operator – Frac Sand Mine Site
Summary Operate and maintain heavy machinery used in the extraction, processing, loading, and transportation of frac sand. Ensure safe, efficient, and continuous production in a high-volume mining environment.
Key Responsibilities
· Operate heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, excavators, haul trucks, dozers, and telehandlers to move raw sand, overburden, and finished product.
· Load and unload material into hoppers and conveyors while maintaining proper feed rates.
· Maintain stockpiles by building, shaping, and organizing sand piles to meet production and quality requirements.
· Perform pre-shift equipment inspections including fluid checks, tire/track condition, hydraulic systems, and safety components.
· Report mechanical issues promptly and coordinate with maintenance teams to minimize downtime.
· Follow mine plans and instructions from supervisors to support daily production targets.
· Monitor site conditions for hazards such as soft ground, highwalls, unstable piles, or equipment congestion.
· Assist with plant operations when needed, including conveyor cleanup, screen changes, and general labor tasks.
· Adhere to all safety protocols including PPE use, lockout/tagout, traffic control, and MSHA regulations.
· Complete logs and documentation for loads, hours, inspections, and production data.
Required Skills & Qualifications
· 1-2yrs experience operating heavy equipment.
· Ability to safely maneuver equipment in tight or high-traffic areas.
· Understanding of basic mechanical systems and ability to identify equipment issues.
· Ability to work in outdoor conditions including heat, dust, noise, and uneven terrain.
· Strong communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
· Physical ability to climb equipment, lift up to 50 lbs, and work long shifts.
Work Environment
· 12-hour shifts on days.
· Fast-paced production environment with strict safety standards.
· Exposure to dust, vibration, heavy machinery, and weather conditions.
· Team-oriented environment with close coordination between operators, plant crews, and truck drivers.