Front End Loader Operator/Production Team Member in at Wedgworths INC

The Entry Level Production Team Member is responsible for supporting daily operations within a dry fertilizer manufacturing and blending facility. This position performs a variety of production-related tasks, including operating a yard truck and front-end loader, assisting with material handling, supporting bagging and blending operations, and maintaining a safe and organized work environment. The role is designed for individuals who are willing to learn plant operations, safely operate mobile equipment, and grow within the company.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate a yard truck to move trailers safely within the facility yard in support of production and shipping operations.
• Operate a front-end loader to safely load, move, stage, and handle fertilizer materials and other bulk products throughout the facility.
• Load and unload bulk fertilizer materials using a front-end loader and other assigned equipment.
• Maintain proper awareness of surroundings while operating mobile equipment around employees, trucks, trailers, rail cars, and other plant equipment.
• Perform pre-operation inspections of the front-end loader, yard truck, and other assigned equipment and report mechanical issues, damage, or safety concerns immediately.
• Operate equipment in accordance with company procedures, manufacturer recommendations, and established safe operating practices.
• Assist with blending line operations, including material feeding, stacking, palletizing, and packaging tasks.
• Assist with loading and unloading bulk fertilizer materials and finished products.
• Perform general production duties as assigned to support shift operations and production flow.
• Assist with material handling, staging, and movement of raw materials and finished products.
• Maintain proper material identification and placement to support inventory accuracy.
• Monitor equipment and production processes and notify the supervisor of operational issues or material concerns.
• Perform routine housekeeping around equipment, loading areas, production areas, and the plant yard.
• Follow all safety policies, procedures, traffic rules, and PPE requirements at all times.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members regarding production needs, equipment conditions, and safety concerns.
• Participate in safety training, meetings, equipment training, and continuous improvement activities.
• Assist with basic plant operations under supervision, including equipment monitoring and process support.
• Report all incidents, near misses, equipment damage, spills, and unsafe conditions immediately.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support safe and efficient plant operations.

Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience operating a front-end loader, skid steer, forklift, yard truck, or other heavy/mobile equipment is preferred but not required.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, warehouse, agriculture, construction, or industrial settings is helpful but not required.
• Ability and willingness to learn safe operation of a front-end loader and yard truck; training may be provided.
• Ability to safely operate mobile equipment in an active industrial environment.
• Strong commitment to safety and following instructions.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changing work conditions and potential hazards.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn equipment operation and maintenance requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Good communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently once properly trained and demonstrate safe equipment operation.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

This position works in a dry fertilizer plant environment with exposure to dust, noise, heat, cold, and outdoor conditions. The employee must be able to:

• Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and up to 75–100 pounds occasionally.
• Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the shift.
• Safely enter and exit mobile equipment using designated steps and handrails.
• Sit for extended periods while operating a front-end loader or yard truck.
• Operate equipment over uneven surfaces and in varying outdoor conditions.
• Operate in dusty, humid, noisy, and non-climate-controlled industrial environments.
• Work around moving equipment, forklifts, front-end loaders, yard trucks, trailers, rail cars, and other industrial equipment in a safety-sensitive environment.
• Maintain visual and auditory awareness of surrounding employees, vehicles, equipment, and hazards while operating mobile equipment.
• Wear required PPE, which may include safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, steel-toe footwear, high-visibility clothing, and respirators as required.
• Work extended shifts, weekends, and overtime as needed based on production demands.
• Communicate clearly in English for safety and operational instructions.

Compliance Statement

This position is responsible for working in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and company policies, including OSHA, EPA, DEP, FMCSA, DOT, and FDACS requirements related to fertilizer manufacturing, transportation, environmental compliance, and workplace safety.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of personnel in this classification. This description does not constitute an employment contract and is subject to modification at the discretion of the employer. Wedgworth’s, Inc. maintains a drug-free workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.