Loading Shovel Operator

Job Overview

We are seeking a skilled operator to manage large articulated loading shovels tasked with moving, loading, and stockpiling mushroom substrate and essential raw materials. The role demands commitment to safe operation, product quality, and maintaining biosecurity and housekeeping standards within a fast-paced production environment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate Volvo L110, L120, and L150 articulated loading shovels safely and efficiently following company policies.
• Unload delivery vehicles promptly to minimize delays and clear site obstructions.
• Handle loading, transportation, and positioning of raw materials supporting production workflows.
• Transfer mushroom substrate into hoppers connected to conveyor systems.
• Conduct daily pre-start inspections, reporting equipment defects immediately and maintaining inspection logs.
• Keep work areas, stockpiles, and traffic routes tidy, organized, and safe.
• Adhere strictly to health, safety, environmental, quality, and biosecurity standards.
• Assist with yard duties and broader operational activities as needed.
• Collaborate with production and yard teams to meet operational targets.

Health and Safety Expectations

• Comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and related procedures and risk assessments.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required and follow site traffic management rules.
• Operate plant equipment cautiously to protect people, products, and machinery.
• Maintain situational awareness of pedestrians, vehicles, and production surroundings.
• Observe all environmental, hygiene, and biosecurity protocols in place.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience operating large loading shovels or similar heavy mobile plant machinery.
• Previous work background in agricultural, manufacturing, quarrying, recycling, or industrial settings.
• Strong knowledge of safe plant operation and routine equipment inspections.
• High commitment to health and safety practices and reliability in autonomous work.
• Physical capability to work outdoors under diverse weather conditions.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Licenses and Training

• No formal loading shovel license is mandated as machinery operates strictly on private property, not on public roads.
• Candidates must demonstrate prior experience with similar heavy plant machinery.
• Site-specific induction and on-the-job training will be provided upon employment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in agriculture, composting, manufacturing, or waste management sectors.
• Understanding of biosecurity, contamination controls, and quality assurance processes.
• Forklift or telehandler operation experience.
• Basic mechanical aptitude to identify equipment faults.

Work Environment and Conditions

• Outdoor role involving exposure to all weather conditions.
• Dynamic production area with considerable vehicle and machinery movement.
• Standard shift patterns typically run Monday to Friday from early morning to late afternoon, with some evening shifts available.
• Flexible scheduling required to meet operational needs, including working 5 days out of 7 as per production demand.

Compensation and Overtime

• Hourly pay of €15 for up to 40 hours weekly.
• Overtime compensated at 1.33 times the regular rate (€19.95/hour) for hours beyond 40 per week.
• Sunday work paid at double time (€30/hour).
• Public and bank holiday hours remunerated at 1.5 times base pay (€22.50/hour).

Key Competencies

• Strong safety orientation.
• Effective communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and manage time effectively.
• Reliable under pressure and committed to meeting deadlines.