Job Summary

We are recruiting three Wheel Loader Operators to manage high-capacity bulk loading during our intensive bush clearing program. You will operate 18 -22-ton wheel loaders equipped with either general-purpose buckets or specialized root-rake bucket and grapple attachments to clear windrows, load brush and root material, and prepare land for cultivation. This is a physically demanding role that requires precision, safety awareness, and coordination with a multi-machine clearing team working across parallel fronts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Carry out pre-start checks; load and move material safely; check that attachments are securely locked; work within the machine's limits; protect tyres and minimise soil loss.

2. Operate wheel loaders efficiently to support the rapid clearing, collection, loading, and movement of cleared brush, roots, stones, and other debris across the estate.

3. During the bush-clearing phase, operate wheel loaders fitted with brush roller attachments and general-purpose buckets to push over vegetation, windrow cleared material, and load debris into haul trucks or designated disposal areas.

4. Support the estate's primary bush-clearing bottleneck by ensuring continuous and efficient movement of cleared material and maintaining adequate turnaround for haulage operations.

5. Operate wheel loaders fitted with root-rake buckets and grapple attachments during the clean-up phase to collect roots, woody debris, and residual vegetation while minimizing unnecessary soil loss.

6. Coordinate closely with excavator and dozer operators to ensure effective separation, collection, and recovery of roots, brush, and other cleared materials.

7. Select and change attachments appropriately, including general-purpose buckets, root-rake buckets, grapple attachments, and other approved implements using quick-coupler systems.

8. Conduct comprehensive pre-shift inspections and report defects, abnormal machine behaviour, hydraulic leaks, tire damage, attachment wear, and other maintenance requirements promptly.

9. Monitor fuel consumption and operate the machine in a manner that maximizes productivity while minimizing unnecessary fuel use, tire wear, and machine damage.

10. Maintain safe operating practices when working on uneven, muddy, sloping, or otherwise challenging terrain.

11. Maintain accurate daily machine operation records, including operating hours, areas worked, ground conditions, fuel consumption, attachments used, breakdowns, delays, and safety incidents.

12. Coordinate with the Supervisor, excavator operators, dozer operators, truck drivers, and maintenance team to minimize downtime and maintain continuous clearing operations.

13. Immediately report equipment breakdowns, unsafe ground conditions, operational delays, and other risks that may affect productivity or safety.

14. Comply with all company HSE requirements, traffic management procedures, machine operating limits, and site-specific safety instructions.

15. Perform any other duties related to wheel loader operations, bush clearing, land development, and estate preparation as assigned by the Supervisor.

Required Qualifications & Experience

1. You must hold a valid NTSA Class G2 for wheel loader operation.

2. Minimum four (4) years' practical experience operating wheel loaders in demanding field environments.

3. Experience in bush clearing, land development, earthworks, quarrying, plantation development, or similar heavy-duty operations will be an added advantage.

4. Demonstrated experience operating machines fitted with different attachments and using quick-coupler systems.

5. Ability to work effectively as part of a coordinated plant and machinery operation involving excavators, dozers, graders, trucks, and other equipment.

Technical Knowledge & Skills

1. Good understanding of wheel loader operation, basic machine mechanics, hydraulic systems, drivetrain systems, tire management, and fuel management.

2. Proficiency in the safe and effective use of general-purpose buckets, root-rake buckets, grapple attachments, brush rollers, and other approved wheel loader attachments.

3. Ability to assess attachment condition, recognize excessive wear or damage, and identify maintenance requirements before they develop into major breakdowns.

4. Ability to identify and communicate mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, tire, and attachment-related defects to the maintenance team.

5. Practical understanding of soil conditions, traction, ground stability, loading angles, bucket positioning, and machine balance.

6. Ability to optimize loading and material-handling techniques for different materials, including brush, roots, soil, stones, and mixed debris.

7. Strong awareness of machine operating limits, blind spots, exclusion zones, and safe interaction with other plant and personnel.

8. Good communication, teamwork, situational awareness, and ability to follow instructions in a fast-paced field environment.

9. Ability to maintain accurate machine logs and report operational information clearly and consistently.