Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operator | Houston, TX

To qualify for the Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operator position at Martin Marietta, applicants need a high school diploma or GED. We prefer candidates with industrial plant experience and familiarity with operating heavy equipment. Additionally, proficiency in using various hand tools and the ability to read equipment manuals are crucial. Being able to work 12-hour shifts and perform physical tasks such as lifting heavy objects is essential for this role.

As a Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operator at Martin Marietta, you'll be responsible for operating different types of heavy machinery, including a pug mill and front-end loader. You'll also engage in monitoring production activities, conducting safety inspections, and performing preventative maintenance on equipment. This role emphasizes teamwork, safety, and maintaining housekeeping standards within the plant environment.

Martin Marietta is committed to nurturing the professional growth of our Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operators. With opportunities to grow within the company, employees receive annual pay increases, extensive training on equipment operation, and the chance to learn various aspects of our operations across multiple recycling yards. We believe in empowering our employees to reach their full potential and explore new career pathways.

At Martin Marietta, Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operators must adhere to strict safety regulations set forth by MSHA and OSHA. This includes performing pre-shift safety inspections, using all required safety equipment, and maintaining a safe work environment on-site. Our commitment to safety fosters a culture where teamwork and communication about safe equipment operation are highly prioritized.

Working as a Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operator at Martin Marietta comes with an attractive benefits package. Employees enjoy competitive hourly pay with overtime possibilities, comprehensive medical benefits starting on the first day, a 401(k) plan with company matching, and additional perks like paid time off and wellness programs. We value our employees and seek to provide support and resources for a healthy work-life balance.

The work environment for Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operators at Martin Marietta is dynamic and team-oriented. Operators work outdoors in varying weather conditions, often requiring physical agility as they navigate steep or rough terrain. The role involves using heavy machinery and participating in maintenance tasks, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere where safety and productivity are prioritized.

Essential skills for success as a Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operator include the ability to operate heavy machinery efficiently, perform routine maintenance, and engage in proactive safety measures. Familiarity with hand tools, good communication skills, and the capability to interpret equipment readings are also vital. Being a service-oriented team player in a fast-paced environment will significantly enhance your effectiveness in this role.

When answering this question, highlight your past experiences with heavy machinery and any specific models you've operated. Discuss how you followed safety protocols and any training you've undergone. Relate your experience directly to the duties expected in the Recycle Yard Pug Mill Operator role at Martin Marietta.

Your answer should reflect a strong commitment to workplace safety. Mention specific safety measures you take daily, such as conducting pre-shift inspections and adhering strictly to MSHA/OSHA guidelines. Emphasize the importance of communication with coworkers and proactively identifying hazards.

In your response, describe your understanding of routine maintenance tasks you’ve performed on similar equipment. Mention any experience troubleshooting common machinery problems. Explain the process you follow for reporting repairs and conducting safe operations when equipment malfunctions.

Discuss your approach to teamwork, especially in a safety-sensitive environment. Highlight the importance of communication, hand signals, and teamwork during operations. Give examples of situations where teamwork played a role in efficient equipment operation and safety.

Share a specific example of a challenge you encountered while operating heavy machinery. Explain the situation, your actions to address it, and the outcome. This showcases your problem-solving abilities and resilience in overcoming real-world issues.

Explain your strategies for maintaining effective communication, especially in a loud environment filled with machinery. Highlight your use of hand signals, radios, and your commitment to clear verbal communication with peers, ensuring everyone remains aligned and safe during operations.

Talk about your familiarity with conducting equipment inspections, detailing the specific checks you perform. Share your knowledge of record-keeping and how you ensure compliance with safety health regulations, emphasizing the importance of documentation in your previous roles.

Focus on qualities such as safety awareness, teamwork, and reliability. Discuss why these traits are crucial in operating heavy machinery and ensuring a collaborative, productive work environment. Relate this back to Martin Marietta's culture and values.

Share your passion for operating equipment, contributing to sustainable practices, or working in a team-oriented environment. Discuss what excites you about being part of Martin Marietta and how this position aligns with your long-term career goals.

Provide an example of a time you had to adapt to abrupt changes on the job. Focus on your problem-solving skills, flexibility, and attitude toward embracing change. Highlight how you remain calm under pressure and work collaboratively with your team during unexpected situations.