Loader operator

Position Summary

Stella-Jones is seeking a reliable and safety-minded Loader Operator to join our team in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. In this role, you will be responsible for shipping and receiving operations, tram and kiln loading/unloading, pole preparation and branding, and general mobile equipment operation throughout the pole yard.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate heavy loaders and mobile yard equipment.
• Load and unload pole trailers, kiln carts, and treating carts.
• Transport utility poles safely and efficiently to designated staging areas across the yard.
• Inspect, prepare, and brand utility poles according to customer and quality specifications.
• Conduct mandatory pre-shift and daily mobile equipment inspections, promptly reporting any mechanical defects.
• Verify load contents, calculate weights, and complete required shift/tally reports.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas around framing and branding stations.
• Strictly adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and internal safety standards at all times.
• Perform other yard and operational duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Competencies

• High school diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience operating heavy mobile equipment (wheel loader experience preferred).
• Valid Forklift certification and/or Chainsaw certification are considered strong assets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Working knowledge of utility pole handling, grading, or timber operations is an asset.
• Basic mathematical and analytical aptitude to perform load calculations and resolve yard staging scenarios.
• Safety-first mindset with high attention to detail and equipment care.

Physical, Handling & Environmental Demands

• Physical Mobility: Ability to stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, kneel, and climb stairs, ladders, and equipment access steps throughout the shift.
• Dexterity & Handling: Ability to reach above shoulder level and demonstrate manual dexterity to handle tools, branding equipment, rigging hardware, and heavy chains.
• Lifting Capacity: Physical capability to lift, push, pull, and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Mental & Analytical: Ability to write clear shift documentation, perform basic load calculations, communicate orally via two-way radio, and analyze yard scenarios to ensure safe movement of materials.
• Work Environment: Comfortable working outdoors in all seasonal climate conditions (rain, snow, heat, cold), driving motorized equipment, and operating in an active yard environment with moving machinery and elevated noise levels.