The Walnut Creek Coal Mine is a prominent surface coal mine featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including an 80-cubic-yard dragline, a 29-cubic-yard mass excavator, a 24-cubic-yard hydraulic backhoe, and a fleet of 150-ton end-dump trucks. The Walnut Creek Mine is a captive lignite operation with an impressive capacity, producing over 2 million tons of lignite annually. Additionally, the mine operates a blending program to ensure consistent quality lignite for fueling a 308-megawatt power plant.

This is a temporary opportunity, however there may be consideration for fulltime employment status at a later time.

Opportunity Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operator will be responsible for operating a variety of heavy mining equipment, conduct preventive maintenance, and actively participate in hazard analysis to identify and mitigate potential risks. Additionally, the operator will collaborate with team members, and engage in ongoing training to maintain industry best practices, ultimately contributing to the efficient and safe mining operations while conserving resources and maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Primary Duties

Operational Safety: Perform all tasks in strict compliance with the Walnut Creek Mining Company Safety Handbook, prioritizing safety above all else. Equipment Operation: Skillfully operate a range of heavy mining equipment, including haul trucks, water trucks, track-type dozers, excavators, and motor graders, on mine roads and in pit areas. Preventive Maintenance: Conduct thorough walkaround inspections of equipment before operation, complete associated paperwork, and identify maintenance needs promptly to minimize downtime. Hazard Analysis: Participate in Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) to assess pit and road conditions, identifying and mitigating potential risks before commencing work. Housekeeping: Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organization in equipment to ensure optimal functionality and safety. Effective Communication: Utilize radio communication systems in compliance with FCC and Walnut Creek Mining Company regulations to facilitate coordination and information sharing with other team members. Mechanical Assistance: When necessary, provide support to the mechanic during critical equipment repairs, and acquire proficiency in certain maintenance tasks as part of the skills development program. Adherence to Instructions: Carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form, maintaining a high level of precision and attention to detail. Documentation and Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of equipment operation, fuel consumption, maintenance activities, and safety incidents in accordance with established guidelines. Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to emergency situations and follow established emergency procedures, contributing to a safe working environment. Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with other mine personnel, geologists, engineers, and geotechnical experts to ensure efficient mining operations. Equipment Loading and Transport: If required, load materials onto. Transportation to processing or storage facilities. Ongoing Training: Stay up to date with industry best practices, safety regulations, and equipment operation techniques. Obtain and maintain necessary certifications for heavy equipment operation. Reporting: Provide regular progress reports to supervisors, including daily production figures, equipment status, and safety incident reports. Resource Conservation: Implement resource conservation practices, minimizing wastage of resources such as fuel and water. Teamwork: Work collaboratively with other equipment operators and mining personnel to ensure the smooth flow of mining operations. Supplier Communication: Maintain open communication with equipment suppliers and vendors for spare parts and repair services.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Heavy Equipment Operator reports to the Operations Superintendent and responds to directions from the Operations Manager, and Mine Manager.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Operate equipment on rough roads and terrain in all types of weather and light conditions, while maintaining awareness of changing pit and road conditions. Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

Initial compensation will range from $28 to $38 per hour.

Job Qualifications

Proven experience in operating heavy mining equipment is preferred. Familiarity with mine road and pit operations is preferred. Previous experience in a mining environment is preferred. Proficiency in the safe operation of a range of heavy mining equipment is preferred. Knowledge of preventive maintenance procedures and equipment inspection. Ability to conduct hazard analyses and participate in Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) processes. Basic mechanical skills to assist in equipment repairs when necessary is a plus. Strong communication skills to collaborate with team members, supervisors, and external partners effectively. Proficiency in documenting equipment operation, maintenance activities, and safety incidents. Attention to detail when following instructions and maintaining accurate records. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.