Wheel Loader Operator (Bush Clearing)

About the role

Tana River Sugar Company is recruiting three Wheel Loader Operators to run its intensive bush clearing program. You will operate 18-22 ton wheel loaders with general-purpose buckets, root-rake buckets and grapple attachments to clear windrows, load brush and root material and prepare land for cultivation. The role is physically demanding and requires coordination with a multi-machine clearing team.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out pre-start checks, secure attachments, stay within machine limits and protect tyres and soil
• Operate loaders to clear, collect, load and move brush, roots, stones and debris across the estate
• Use brush roller attachments and buckets to push vegetation and load debris into haul trucks during the bush-clearing phase
• Keep the flow of cleared material continuous and support haulage turnaround
• Use root-rake buckets and grapples in the clean-up phase to collect roots and woody debris
• Coordinate with excavator and dozer operators and select and change attachments with quick-couplers
• Report defects, hydraulic leaks, tire damage and maintenance needs, and monitor fuel consumption
• Maintain daily machine logs and follow HSE requirements and traffic management procedures

Required profile

• Valid NTSA Class G2 licence for wheel loader operation
• Minimum 4 years of practical experience operating wheel loaders in demanding field environments
• Experience in bush clearing, land development, earthworks, quarrying or plantation development is an advantage
• Ability to work in a coordinated plant operation with excavators, dozers, graders and trucks

Required skills

• Understanding of wheel loader operation, hydraulics, drivetrain, tires and fuel management
• Proficiency with buckets, root-rake buckets, grapples and brush rollers
• Ability to spot attachment wear and defects and communicate them to maintenance
• Knowledge of soil conditions, traction, loading angles and machine balance
• Awareness of machine limits, blind spots and exclusion zones