Logging - Grinder Operator

Want to be part of a company who gives back to their employees?  You've stopped at the right ad! We expect a lot from our employees, but we also give a lot in return. 

We care about our employees by providing an exceptional benefits package. We also work to further our employees’ careers by doing our best to promote within the company.  If you care about job performance, work well with others, can be accountable, have a positive attitude, can follow company/safety guidelines, are dependable, punctual, respond positively to supervision, you will be a great fit for our company!

Operating since 1983, the Smith-Rowe Team has grown and developed into a formidable construction company. Our organization employs teams with capabilities in structures, grading, utilities, storm drain, retaining walls, sound walls, signage, demolition, crushing, logging, clearing and grubbing and marine construction.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Employee Paid Premiums for Medical Insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Telemedicine
• Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Matching Contributions
• Sign On/Referral Bonuses

Position Overview: A grinder operator operates a heavy-duty horizontal grinding machine to process wood, logging debris, and other organic materials. This typically involves using a loader to feed the grinder and performing routine maintenance to ensure the machine functions properly.

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Operate and manage horizontal grinder machines to process wood, slash, and other organic waste into mulch or biomass fuel.
• Use other heavy equipment, such as a clam loader, track hoe, or excavator, to feed the horizontal grinder with logs and debris.
• Monitor equipment performance, including watching gauges and checking material output to ensure the machine is running optimally and to prevent jams.
• Inspect the machine and conduct routine preventative maintenance, such as checking and replacing cutter tips, to keep the equipment in good working condition.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and minor repairs on the equipment and report major mechanical problems to the supervisor.
• Follow all safety protocols and regulations (including OSHA) to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain clear and orderly work areas and a clean workstation.
• Work collaboratively with other team members on material handling and site management.
• Keep daily logs and records of production output, maintenance, and equipment condition. 
• Other duties as assigned

Education and/or Experience:

• Prior experience with heavy machinery, particularly horizontal grinders, loaders, and other logging equipment.
• The ability to understand mechanical processes, perform minor maintenance, and troubleshoot issues.
• The ability to perform physical labor in an outdoor, industrial environment and handle heavy objects when needed.
• A strong understanding of and adherence to all safety procedures and best practices.
• A keen eye for detail to monitor machine performance and the quality of the processed material.
• Good problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and address challenges like changing material types or moisture levels.
• Strong communication skills to interact with supervisors and other team members effectively.
• A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Relevant certifications or technical training are a plus.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions; communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and the public effectively
• Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures and OSHA regulations
• Able to comply with all company policies and procedures
• Ability to travel to multiple locations and work overtime when required
• Must have a strong work ethic
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment and random drug screen
• Must be able to work varying shifts

Physical Demands:  The physical demands below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Able to push and pull with hands, arms, and feet repetitively
• Must have good visual and auditory physical capabilities to manage sights and sounds in a hazardous construction environment
• Able to push, pull, climb, sit, and stretch regularly while performing the essential functions of the job
• Able to be alert and cognitive of multiple concurrent activities of the construction site, including awareness of other employees, subcontractors, machinery, equipment, and moving traffic when applicable
• Ability to work around loud noises
• Coordination between the hand, eyes, and feet to guide equipment and objects is required
• Must be able to mount and dismount safely from vehicles and equipment
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
• Must be able to travel (**This position will require travel to various job locations in the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Chapel Hill areas**) 
• Must be able to work overtime as requested
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds

Environmental Working Conditions

• All work is performed outside in all types of weather (i.e., heat, cold, wind, sun, and inclement weather etc.)
• Exposure to all types of terrain.
• Exposure to all elements of nature regularly.
• Exposure to loud noise
• Exposure to fumes, odors, gases, dust, etc.

NOTE: This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions expected of an employee.  It is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an employee.  An employee may be asked to perform other duties as needed.

 Smith-Rowe is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities