Equipment Operator I

Join Savage

Savage is a global provider of supply chain infrastructure and logistics solutions with more than 200 locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Since we were founded in 1946, we've grown from a small family business to an international company with more than 4,000 team members. We're proud to be recognized as a Military Friendly Employer and a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation. Savage is a place where your growth is supported and your impact matters. Join us and do things you never dreamed possible. We welcome Military Veterans and Reservists to join our team and build a rewarding career with us. Military experience equivalency may substitute for some requirements.

Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana (Citgo Refinery)

Compensation: $27.25-$30.25

Days/Hours: Must be willing to work day/night shifts, weekends, and holidays

Equipment Used: KOMATSU WA500 Loader (or equivalent), Material Handler (Excavator), Skid Steer, Conveyor Systems

Material Handled: Petroleum Coke

These are just a few of the benefits you can expect from working with Savage:

• Excellent benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Paid Parental Leave and Military/Uniformed Services Leave
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) with company match
• Company-provided Uniforms & PPE (if applicable)
• Annual steel-toe boot allowance (if applicable)
• A culture that appreciates Team Members
• Growth and development opportunities within Savage

What you'll be doing:

• Safe Equipment Operations: Safely operate front-end loaders, material handlers (excavators), skid steers, and other heavy equipment used to move, stockpile, and load petroleum coke within an active refinery environment.
• Material Handling: Support refinery operations by transporting, staging, and loading petroleum coke while maintaining safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant work practices.
• Equipment Inspections: Perform thorough pre- and post-operation inspections to identify safety concerns and ensure equipment reliability.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all refinery, customer, and Savage safety requirements while actively participating in safety meetings, observations, and inspections.
• Equipment Care: Maintain clean and service-ready equipment and promptly report maintenance concerns to support safe operations.
• Operational Support: Assist with housekeeping, cleanup activities, inspections, and other operational tasks necessary to meet customer expectations and production requirements.
• Environmental Stewardship: Support environmental compliance initiatives and ensure work is performed in accordance with refinery and company standards.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with operations, maintenance, and refinery personnel to ensure efficient material movement and operational success.

Daily Refinery Operations

• Petroleum Coke Handling: Operate equipment used to move petroleum coke through storage, stockpiles, conveyors, and truck-loading processes.
• Conveyor System Awareness: Safely work around conveyor systems and industrial processing equipment while maintaining operational efficiency.
• Maintenance Coordination: Communicate equipment concerns, deficiencies, and repair needs with maintenance personnel.
• Continuous Improvement: Expand equipment operating knowledge and contribute to ongoing efforts to improve safety, reliability, and productivity.

Requirements to be successful:

• Heavy Equipment Experience: Extensive experience operating large pieces of heavy equipment in industrial, refinery, construction, mining, or related environments.
• Safety Commitment: Strong commitment to Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) principles and safe work practices.
• Communication Skills: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
• Refinery Access: Ability to meet refinery access requirements, including passing required screenings and maintaining site qualifications.
• Licensing Requirements: Possess a valid Driver's License and TWIC card at the time of application.
• Work Ethic: Demonstrated reliability, professionalism, integrity, and the ability to work safely with minimal supervision.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work day shift and night shifts, weekends, and holidays as required by operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Refinery Experience: Experience working in refinery, terminal, petrochemical, or other heavy industrial environments.
• Conveyor Systems Knowledge: Experience working with conveyor systems and bulk material handling operations.
• Equipment Maintenance Knowledge: Understanding of preventive maintenance practices and safe equipment operation standards.

Some physical requirements and working conditions:

• Outdoor Work Environment: Perform work outdoors in varied weather and environmental conditions.
• Physical Activity: Lift and handle tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and climb on and off heavy equipment throughout the shift.
• Working at Heights: Safely climb ladders, access elevated work areas, and walk conveyor systems as required.
• Industrial Conditions: Work safely around moving equipment, conveyor systems, noise, dust, and other conditions typical of refinery operations while wearing required PPE.