Wheel Loader Operator at Tana River Sugar

Role Summary

We are recruiting Wheel Loader Operators to manage high-capacity bulk loading during our intensive bush clearing programme. You will operate 18 – 22-tonne 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.

Qualification, skills and Competencies

• Valid NTSA Class G2 licence for wheel loader operation.
• Minimum four (4) years’ practical experience operating wheel loaders in demanding field environments.
• Experience in bush clearing, land development, earthworks, quarrying, plantation development, or similar heavy-duty operations will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience operating machines fitted with different attachments and using quick-coupler systems.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a coordinated plant and machinery operation involving excavators, dozers, graders, trucks, and other equipment.
• Good understanding of wheel loader operation, basic machine mechanics, hydraulic systems, drivetrain systems, tire management, and fuel management.
• Proficiency in the safe and effective use of general-purpose buckets, root-rake buckets, grapple attachments, brush rollers, and other approved wheel loader attachments; able to assess attachment wear or damage before it leads to major breakdowns.
• Ability to identify and communicate mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, tire, and attachment-related defects to the maintenance team.
• Practical understanding of soil conditions, traction, ground stability, loading angles, bucket positioning, and machine balance, and of optimal loading techniques for brush, roots, soil, stones, and mixed debris.
• Strong awareness of machine operating limits, blind spots, exclusion zones, and safe interaction with other plant and personnel.
• Good communication, teamwork, situational awareness, and ability to follow instructions and maintain accurate machine logs in a fast-paced field environment.