Loading Shovel Driver

Job Title: Loading Shovel Driver

Job Purpose

To safely operate large articulated loading shovels to move, load, and stockpile mushroom substrate and raw materials, ensuring efficient production while maintaining high standards of health and safety, product quality, housekeeping, and biosecurity.

Key Responsibilities

* Operate loading shovels safely and efficiently in line with company procedures.

* Offload delivery vehicles promptly as required, minimising delays and site obstructions.

* Load, transport and position raw materials to support production operations.

* Transfer mushroom substrate to hoppers feeding conveyor systems.

* Carry out daily pre-start inspections and report defects immediately.

* Complete inspection records and operational documentation accurately.

* Maintain clean, organised and safe working areas, stockpiles and traffic routes.

* Follow all health & safety, environmental, quality and biosecurity procedures.

* Assist with general yard duties and operational activities as required.

* Work collaboratively with production and yard teams to ensure production targets are met.

Equipment Operated

The successful candidate will operate large Volvo articulated wheel loading shovels, including:

* Volvo L110

* Volvo L120

* Volvo L150

These are substantial 20 to 25 tonne machines operating within a busy production environment. Previous experience operating loading shovels or similar heavy mobile plant is therefore essential.

Health & Safety Requirements

* Operate machinery in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, company procedures and risk assessments.

* Complete daily equipment inspections and report defects promptly.

* Wear all required PPE and comply with site traffic management systems.

* Ensure the safe operation of plant at all times to protect employees, visitors, equipment and product quality.

* Maintain awareness of pedestrians, vehicle movements and production activities within the site.

* Follow all environmental, hygiene and biosecurity controls relevant to the facility.

Essential Requirements

* Previous experience operating loading shovels or similar heavy mobile plant machinery.

* Experience working in a busy agricultural, manufacturing, quarrying, recycling or industrial environment.

* Good understanding of safe plant operation and routine machinery inspections.

* Strong awareness of health and safety responsibilities.

* Reliable, safety-conscious and capable of working independently.

* Physically capable of working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

* Flexibility to work operationally required shifts and days.

Licences & Training

* No special loading shovel ticket or licence is required, as the machinery is operated exclusively on private company property and is not used on public roads.

* Candidates must be able to demonstrate previous experience operating large loading shovels or comparable heavy plant equipment.

* Successful candidates will receive site-specific induction and training as required.

Desirable Requirements

* Experience within agriculture, composting, manufacturing, waste management or similar environments.

* Knowledge of biosecurity, contamination control and quality standards.

* Forklift or telehandler experience.

* Basic mechanical awareness and ability to identify equipment defects.

Working Conditions

* Outdoor work in all weather conditions.

* Busy production facility with moving vehicles, machinery and mobile plant.

* Candidates must be available to work 5 days out of 7 to meet operational requirements.

* Most positions operate on a daytime shift pattern, typically Monday to Friday.

* Day shift start times are generally 6:00am or 8:00am, with a usual finish time of approximately 5:00pm.

* Evening shift opportunities may also be available, typically commencing at 5:00pm and finishing between midnight and 2:00am, depending on operational requirements.

* Finish times may vary depending on the volume of material requiring movement and production demands.

* Flexibility is required to support the operational needs of the business.

Pay & Overtime

* €15.00 per hour for the first 40 hours worked per week.

* Hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week are paid at 1.33 times the basic hourly rate (€19.95 per hour).

* Sunday working is paid at double time (€30.00 per hour).

* Public/Bank Holiday working is paid at 1.5 times the basic hourly rate (€22.50 per hour).

Key Competencies

* Safety focused.

* Good communication skills.

* Attention to detail.

* Team player with strong time management skills.

* Reliable and dependable.

* Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet operational deadlines.