Operator Grinder

About the role

The Grinder Operator operates a mobile “tub grinder” machine to grind piles of vegetative storm debris into wood chips and biomass fuel. The job involves working independently, following detailed work plans and specifications, and ensuring safe practices.

Responsibilities

• Safely control the machine using buttons, pedals, and levers to grind waste wood into usable wood chip products.
• Work independently to follow detailed work plans and specifications.
• Clear and trim trees and brush away from utility lines, communicating safe machine and log movement activities using a radio.
• May be responsible for basic service, refueling, diagnostics, and minor repairs of the machine.
• Maintain special safety gear, climb off and onto the chipper, and walk on uneven terrain.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 1+ years of work experience as a log loader operator or operator of other forestry equipment, or 1+ years of previous experience operating farm machinery or similar heavy equipment.
• Able to read and comprehend verbal and written instructions.
• Able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Able to write routine reports and correspondence.
• Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Experience with Doppstadt, Vermeer, and Diamond Z grinders.
• Able to maintain the above listed grinders.

Qualifications

• Physical demands include standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and adjusting focus.
• May vary from site to site and in some cases be greater or lesser than indicated here.
• Work environment includes exposure to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, vibration, high, precarious places, and noise levels that can be very loud.