About the Role
The Harvester Operator uses highly-mechanized harvesting equipment in the forest to select and manufacture trees into the desired length, grade and yield. This position interacts primarily with the Forwarder Operator, Supervisor, Truck Drivers, Foresters and Log Yard staff.
Preferred Work Schedule**
4 days on/4 days off
10 hour shift schedule with overtime available
All day shift schedules
More family and home time
Essential Functions/Duties**
- Safely and efficiently operate Ponsse Scorpion harvester or equivalent.
- Select trees to be cut by understanding the harvest specification guidelines.
- Manufacture products in a safe and appropriate area
- Safely and skillfully manufacture and maneuver harvester on moderate to steep forest terrain/slopes
- Control machine operation using a combination of joysticks, buttons, pedals and levers.
- Communicate machine location and tree movement activities using a CB or 2-way radio or phone
- Equip harvester with crawler treads or tire chains.
- Occasional use of a chainsaw may be required at times.
- Conduct operations in accordance with company, state, and federal environmental standards and laws.
- Detect and eliminate or minimize safety hazards
- Maintain contact with pedestrians, foresters, forwarder and log trucks hauling in the area for a safe and effective passage
- Perform pre- and post-routine equipment inspections and report safety issues and/or needed repairs to supervisor
- Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs to equipment and keep the equipment clean inside and out
- Maintain spill kit on site; clean up and report any spills according to procedures
- Maintain maintenance logs on equipment
- Utilization of computers, printers, GPS, smart phones and mapping software
- Ordering of parts and understanding of the owner’s manuals
- Utilization of all PPE gear provided by the company
- Understanding and utilization of the lookout-tagout safety system
- Participate in all safety meetings and follow safety procedures
- Substitute for coworkers as needed
- Other duties as defined by supervisor
Work Schedule
Hours: Full-time = 40+ hours per week; irregular hours with early start time & late end time; daily travel to remote sites
Overtime: Exempt Status: with compensation; without notice
Recommended Education/Experience
High school graduate or GED; 3+ years’ experience operating logging equipment such as harvester or forwarder, understanding of timber species and products, knowledge of principles/practices of environmental regulations, mechanical and safety aptitude and ability to perform regular maintenance
About the Company
Longyear Harvesting & Transportation is a portfolio organization of the J.M. Longyear family of companies. Headquartered in Marquette, Michigan, J.M. Longyear is a privately-held asset based manager with 150 years of experience growing long-term value. Longyear’s interests span a vast spectrum of markets that include: forestry & land management, mining & metals, hardwood products, manufacturing, real estate and medical device products.
