Job Description

Summary/objective

A Processor Operator is a professional who operates a processor, a type of heavy machinery used in the forestry industry. A Processor Operator’s primary responsibility is to process felled trees into logs of specified lengths, a process that involves delimbing, measuring, and cutting the trees. A Processor Operator may also operate a variety of equipment and machines with attachments to move timber or forest products.

Essential functions

• Ability to Operate the Processor to delimb, measure, and cut felled trees into specified lengths.
• Ability to identify tree species accurately daily.
• Have good judgement regarding site, terrain, and weather conditions for safe equipment operation.
• Other tasks may include assisting with other operations at the job site such as maintenance of other equipment.
• Bucking logs if needed.
• Perform multiple inspections throughout the day on equipment to check and maintain proper fluid levels, performance of the equipment, etc., using the company checklist as a guideline.
• Reports equipment needs and hazards to supervisor.
• Continuous safety checks on the equipment (seat belt, fire extinguisher, lights, etc.) to ensure equipment is working properly and safely.
• Survey, evaluate and take measures to ensure work area is safe from any dangers (powerlines, utilities, co-workers, etc.)
• Inspect all attachments to the machinery to ensure that they are operational and take the appropriate steps to correct.
• Follow work order instructions from supervisor.
• Ensures that the job site is left in safe condition.
• Maintains good housekeeping on equipment.
• Operates a chainsaw when needed.
• 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.
• Accurately complete and submit timecards daily to ensure proper tracking of hours worked.
• Ability to travel and work overtime when required.
• Must have a strong work ethic.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Maintenance – Operators are responsible for maintaining equipment and ensuring it is not damaged during use.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback' contributes to building a positive team spirit; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Interpersonal Skills - Keeps emotions under control; remains open to others' ideas and tries new things; reacts well under pressure; approaches others in a tactful manner; accepts feedback from others; gives appropriate respect and consideration to others regardless of status or position.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quality – Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

Supervisory responsibilities

• None

Work environment

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

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 in order to manage sight and sounds in a hazardous forestry 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 project site, including awareness of other employees, subcontractors, machinery, equipment, and moving traffic when applicable.
• Ability to work around loud noises.
• Coordination between hands, eyes, feet to guide equipment and objects is required.
• Must be able to mount and dismount safely off vehicles and equipment.
• Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Must be able to work overtime as requested.
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain.
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this position include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Travel required

• Position travels outside the local area but usually within Northern California

Required education and experience

• 2-5 years’ experience running a processor.

Preferred education and experience

• High School education or equivalent (Preferred)
• A job for which military experienced candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Forestry: 1 year (Preferred)
• Heavy equipment operator: 2 year (Preferred)
• Mechanical knowledge, including troubleshooting and repairing small engines, heavy equipment maintenance, and vehicle maintenance: 2 years (Preferred)

Additional eligibility requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Clean Driving Record: 5 years (Required).
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen.

Other duties

Operators are responsible for the proper maintenance and care of equipment, ensuring it remains in optimal condition for efficient operation. They are expected to conduct routine inspections, perform preventive maintenance tasks, and promptly report any issues to management. Additionally, operators must operate machinery with caution and expertise to minimize the risk of damage and ensure longevity of equipment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.