Job Summary  Employees in this role help keep production running smoothly by supporting production activities, monitoring work areas and materials for quality, assisting coworkers as needed, and helping maintain a safe, clean, and efficient plant environment. Team members operate front-end loaders and other mobile equipment to move raw materials such as clay, sand, and other production materials used in the brick manufacturing process. Loader Operators play a critical role in maintaining a consistent supply of materials to support continuous plant operations and loading trucks as required.  Essential Job Functions  * Operate front-end loaders and other material handling equipment safely and efficiently.  * Load raw materials into hoppers, feeders, bins, and storage areas according to production requirements.  * Load customer and company trucks with raw materials while ensuring proper material type and load quantity.  * Move materials from stockpiles to processing areas within the mixing plant.  * Maintain a steady supply of raw materials to support uninterrupted plant operations.  * Conduct daily equipment inspections and report maintenance concerns.  * Grease mobile equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance as required.  * Fuel mobile equipment using proper fueling procedures and designated fuel sources.  * Assist with manual material handling tasks, including shoveling raw materials and cleaning material buildup as needed.  * Handle hammer mill materials and other production materials weighing up to 50 pounds; team lifting or mechanical assistance may be utilized for heavier loads.  * Maintain accurate records of material movement, equipment inspections, maintenance activities, and production documentation.  * Maintain a clean and organized work area within the Mixing Plant.  * Perform other duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.  Physical Requirements  * Sitting for extended periods of time while operating mobile equipment.  * Frequent climbing on and off mobile equipment.  * Frequent turning, twisting, and rotating the neck and upper body to monitor surroundings, stockpiles, equipment, truck loading operations, and material placement while operating equipment.  * Occasional standing and walking throughout the work area.  * Occasional bending, stooping, reaching, and shoveling.  * Lifting and carrying materials up to 50 pounds occasionally.  * Team lifting or mechanical assistance may be utilized for heavier loads.  * Climbing stairs and ladders as needed.  * Repetitive hand, arm, and foot movements while operating equipment controls.  * Ability to work in environments with elevated temperatures.  Work Environment  * Industrial manufacturing environment.  * Exposure to dust, heat, and noise.  * Exposure to moving mechanical equipment.  * Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toe boots.  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  * Ability to read, write, and understand written instructions, safety procedures, and production documentation.  * Basic mechanical aptitude.  * Ability to perform routine equipment inspections, fueling, greasing, and preventative maintenance activities.  * Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  * Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and coworkers.  * Ability to maintain attention to safety and quality standards.  Education and Experience  * Previous experience operating front-end loaders, heavy equipment, or similar equipment preferred.  Schedule  * Day Shift: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM  * Night Shift: Monday–Thursday, 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM  * May be required to work weekends or holidays based on production needs.  * Night shift employees may be required to work Fridays, as needed  * Overtime may be required based on production demands.  * Start times may vary depending on department, assignment, or location.  Safety Requirements  * Must follow all company safety policies and procedures.  * Must complete and pass all required safety training.  * Must wear required PPE while performing job duties.  * Must immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, or injuries.  * Must participate in safety meetings.  Essential Functions and Reasonable Accommodation  Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Employees who require accommodation should notify Human Resources.  Disclaimer  This job description describes the general nature of the work performed and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change as business needs require.  Equal Opportunity Employer Statement  Cherokee Brick & Tile Company is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.