Heavy Equipment Operator
RES Coal is hiring Heavy Equipment Operators to run mining-class equipment across our surface mine operations in Clearfield, Cambria, Centre, Blair, & Armstrong Counties. This is steady, year-round work with predictable schedules, modern equipment, and a company culture built on experience, respect, and internal promotion.
We operate one of the largest mining fleets in Pennsylvania, including CAT 777 haul trucks, CAT D11 dozers, CAT 992 loaders, CAT 980 loaders, and shot-hole drills.
WHY WORK HERE
Stable year-round operation — if the roads are open, we’re running
Predictable schedules and home every night
Operators are placed at sites within ~45 minutes of home whenever possible
We maintain consistent crews and experienced leadership so operators know what to expect every day
Privately owned, diversified, and stable even when the coal market cycles
Spare equipment kept on-site so operators stay productive and minimize downtime
Modern, well-maintained fleet — A/C and heat must work
Mechanics and lube techs on-site
Low-stress environment — no micromanagement
Internal skill progression encouraged
Annual bonuses paid every year, even during COVID
In short – we treat operators like professionals and give them the equipment, support, and stability to do the job right.
EQUIPMENT YOU’LL OPERATE
CAT 777 haul trucks
CAT D11 dozers
CAT 992 loaders
CAT 980 loaders
Shot-hole drills (various makes/models)
Water trucks (as needed)
Excavators (as needed)
Pickup or fuel trucks for travel between equipment
TRAINING & SKILL PROGRESSION
New operators typically start on CAT 777 haul trucks to learn the mine flow and production sequence. From there, operators can train on loaders, dozers, drills, or other equipment based on skill, interest, and operational needs.
SCHEDULE
TYPICAL MARKET (Most of the Year)
Standard schedule: 50 hours/week (Monday–Friday)
Day shift: 5 AM – 3 PM
Night shift: 3 PM – 1 AM
Most two-shift sites rotate every other week between day and night
One-shift sites stay on steady day shift
All operators are home every night
SLOW MARKET (Coal Downturns)
45-hour week average
Every other Friday off on one-shift sites
Every Friday night off on two-shift sites
All adjustments scheduled weeks in advance
HIGH-PRODUCTION MARKET (Strong Demand)
Mandatory Saturdays and/or extended hours
Always scheduled in advance
Never last-minute or day-before scheduling
May include 8-hour Saturday shifts or 11-hour weekdays
PAY STRUCTURE (Based on Years of Service with RES)
$26.50/hr — Years 0–3
$27.50/hr — Years 3–5
$28.50/hr — 5+ years
Add-ons:
+$1/hr — Lead Man (Foreman’s Card)
+$1/hr — Drillers with a CDL
BONUSES
Annual performance-based bonus (paid every year historically)
Mid-year bonuses in strong markets
Bonuses have reached ~$8,000/year
A TYPICAL DAY
Arrive on site and complete preshift inspection
Identify and report any safety or mechanical defects immediately
Tag out unsafe equipment and move to another available machine
Receive tasks from experienced, low-stress foremen
Operate assigned machine for production:
– Haul overburden or coal in 777s
– Push overburden with D11s
– Load 777s with 992s
– Clean coal and load triaxles with 980s
– Operate shot-hole drills as needed
– Operate water trucks as needed
– Operate excavators as needed
Follow safe pit communication and haul road rules
Perform light maintenance: greasing, cleaning tracks, fueling
Lube techs handle all major servicing
Mechanics are on-site for repairs
Spare equipment is available to minimize downtime
Complete post-shift inspection and debrief
LIGHT MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Greasing
Shoveling tracks
Fueling equipment
Preshift & postshift inspections
Cab housekeeping
Reporting any issues immediately
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Heavy equipment operating experience (mining or construction)
Ability to work safely in an active mine environment
Ability to complete inspections and basic maintenance
Reliable transportation
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience on mining-class equipment
MSHA Part 48 Surface Coal — Preferred, not required
CDL is a plus
Will train the right candidates with strong attitude and work ethic
INTERNAL SKILL PROGRESSION:
All operators hold the same job title (HEO), but high performers can grow their skills and take on added responsibilities over time.
Operating loaders (980 / 992)
Operating dozers (D11/D10)
Operating shot-hole drills (with CDL premium)
Lead Man (Foreman’s Card – assists with crew direction when the foreman is off-site)
Foreman (internal promotion focus)
BENEFITS
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Short- and long-term disability
Life insurance
401(k) with company match
Annual performance bonus
Tuition assistance
Minimum two weeks of PTO
ABOUT RES COAL LLC
RES Coal LLC, a subsidiary of Robindale Energy, operates multiple surface mines and a central preparation plant producing premium mid-volatile coking coal. Founded in 2008, RES has grown through continuous investment in equipment, infrastructure, and people. The company is privately owned, financially stable, and committed to long-term operations in Pennsylvania.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.50 - $28.50 per hour
Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person