How to hire a fuel yard operator

How to hire a fuel yard operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step fuel yard operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a fuel yard operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new fuel yard operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a fuel yard operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a fuel yard operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A fuel yard operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, fuel yard operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents fuel yard operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Fuel Yard Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Fuel Yard Operator		$18-59
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Loaders
   • End Loaders
   • Plant Operations
   • Control Room

   Responsibilities:

   • Need method to proactively manage the business improving cross-functional collaboration & KPI visibility.
   • Lead compression shift of twenty-one operators and supporting staff in daily operations of manufacturing generic prescription medications in a GMP setting.
   • Maintain business documentation including payroll and daily financial records as required.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your fuel yard operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A fuel yard operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, fuel yard operators' average salary in hawaii is 32% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level fuel yard operators earn 69% less than senior-level fuel yard operators.
   • Certifications. A fuel yard operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a fuel yard operator's salary.

   Average fuel yard operator salary

   $69,156yearly

   $33.25 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level fuel yard operator salary

   $38,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a fuel yard operator job description

   A fuel yard operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a fuel yard operator job description:

   Fuel yard operator job description example

   National Energy is looking for a strong, motivated Fuel Yard Operator to join our team in McBain, MI. The Fuel Yard Operator will report directly to the Fuel Yard Manager.
   
   The Fuel Yard Operator is responsible for the safe operation of all fuel yard equipment required to receive and unload railcars, sort, grind, stack, transport fuel, and maintain storage for power plant operations. Fuel Yard Operator will also inspect and perform preventative and minor maintenance on mobile equipment and conveyor systems when not unloading railcars or fueling the plant.
   
   Safety is a core value of National Energy. In this position, the Fuel Yard Operator will have strict targets to meet but will ensure all work is performed in a safe manner and in continued compliance with established procedures and OSHA regulations.
   
   Operate fuel and/or ash handling equipment which may include wheel loaders, skid steers, trucks, grapples, booms, grinders and various machinery in a safe and efficient manner
   
   Receive, unload, mix, stage, grind, and stack/store fuel in a manner consistent with established fuel handling procedures.
   
   Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on mobile/fuel equipment routinely and thoroughly.
   Maintain accurate operational logs on mobile equipment, as required. Maintain a clean and safe work area; regularly cleans, sweeps and picks up conveyor spillage; unplugs choke points; reports or resolves any unsafe conditions immediately. Must perform consistent and accurate work. Clean mobile and fuel yard equipment as required. Perform inspection and maintenance activities on all equipment in accordance with established schedules, or as needed. Reclaim fuel as necessary to support overall plant operation. Perform scale house functions, including obtaining and labeling fuel samples, as required. Assist with plant operation and maintenance, as required. Capable of performing several routine duties involving various procedures which require minor decisions. Participate in required safety/regulatory training. Participate in various company provided proficiency training programs in addition to on-going job training. Interface with Operations and Maintenance teams. Perform other duties as assigned. Working Conditions: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while successfully performing the essential functions of the job.
   
   Spends nearly 100% of time in an outside environment subject to extreme heat or extreme cold during shift. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and vapors from fuels and other substances, heavy machinery operations, rotating equipment, electrical energy, high pressure steam, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and moving heavy equipment. Employees must be physically able to perform the following: o Lift/move 50lbs routinely o Lift/move 60-70lbs occasionally o Climb ladders o Must not fear heights o Stoop o Kneel o Ability to pass medical evaluation annually for possible respirator use o Partake in company monthly random drug and alcohol testing o Eyesight at 20/20 with or without corrective lenses Mental/Emotional Demands of the job: Performing repetitive or short cycle work. Working alone or apart, in physical isolation from others as well as the ability to work with others. Working under specific instructions. Ability to make decisions and judgements that require critical thinking skills Dealing with changing priorities. Working under pressure to meet specific deadlines. Dealing with unplanned schedule changes, call-ins and prolonged working hours. This role is part of a very limited sized staff which requires dropping the job at hand to assist elsewhere in the plant on short notice, which adds extra stress to an already stressful daily routine. Minimum Requirements: Must have a high school diploma or GED. Basic mechanical knowledge. Physical ability to operate a motor vehicle and heavy equipment. Must possess a valid state of Michigan driver’s license. Must be able to demonstrate safe operation of all heavy equipment in the fuel yard after completing company training. Must have reliable transportation to and from work and the ability to show up to work on scheduled dates on time. Preferred Experience: Experience in biomass fuel yard operations. Experience with rail car unloading. Experience with grinding operations. Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Ability to pass all post-offer company tests to include but not be limited to: drug testing and background checks. This job description is not intended to be comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities may change without notice. This is a nonexempt position.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find fuel yard operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your fuel yard operator job on Zippia to find and recruit fuel yard operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting fuel yard operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new fuel yard operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the fuel yard operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a fuel yard operator?