Loader operator h1.location_city

Loader Operator / Customer Service (Seasonal)

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

Role Overview:

This is a seasonal position, you can use your winters off to travel, hunt, fish or for other activities you enjoy while your benefits continue year-round.

This position is responsible for safely operating loaders and forklifts to load bulk materials and palletized hardscape products while delivering a high level of customer service in the yard. This position works directly with customers and internal staff to ensure accurate product selection, safe loading, inventory organization, and efficient yard operations. The role supports day-to-day yard functionality through equipment operation, material handling, inventory assistance, routine equipment care, and general site maintenance, while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Duties and/or Responsibilities:

• Operate front-end loaders, compact loaders, and forklifts safely and efficiently to load bulk materials and palletized products onto customer trucks and trailers.
• Follow all company, federal, state, and local safety policies and procedures, including proper equipment operation, job site awareness, and personal protective equipment use.
• Interact directly with customers in a professional and helpful manner, ensuring accurate product selection, correct quantities, and a positive loading experience.
• Accurately load, palletize, and hand-load hardscape products including pavers, retaining wall systems, natural stone, aggregates, mulch, and decorative rock.
• Learn and maintain knowledge of landscape materials, including product styles, colors, sizes, and handling requirements, to ensure correct fulfillment of customer orders.
• Assist with ticketing, order verification, and basic computer or point-of-sale tasks as needed to support yard and customer service operations.
• Receive incoming inventory, unload deliveries, store materials in assigned locations, and assist with maintaining accurate and organized inventory levels.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and maintenance tasks such as fueling, greasing, cleaning, and promptly report mechanical or safety concerns to the Location Lead.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe yard and shop environment by sweeping, cleaning, and assisting with general facility upkeep.
• Support team operations through cross-training in customer service functions and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (types and extent of knowledge, skills or abilities an incumbent must possess to complete the job responsibilities satisfactorily)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Physical fitness.
• Able to work independently and under time constraints.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Minimum Requirements: (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)

• High school education/GED, or
• Up to one-month related experience or training, or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

The typical schedule during production is M-F 7am-5pm. 2-3 Saturdays per month from 8am-noon. Typical hours during maintenance are M-F 8am-4pm.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Years of Service Recognition
• Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
• Critical Illness Plan
• Accident Coverage Plan
• Hospital Indemnity

Additional Information:

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal laws.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

All applications are submitted online. If you are having issues completing the application, please come to the office for assistance.