What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forwarder Operator position at JM Longyear LLC?
About the Role
The Forwarder Operator uses mechanized forwarding equipment in the forest to skid, load, unload or stack logs. This position interacts primarily with the Harvester Operator, Production and Logistics Manager, Truck Drivers, Foresters, and Log Yard staff.
Essential Function / Duties
- Safely and efficiently operate a Ponsse forwarder or equivalent.
- Move products in a safe manner and to appropriate area.
- Properly deck and sort logs, bolts, pulpwood roadside according to species
- Safely and skillfully maneuver forwarder 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 forwarder with crawler treads or tire chains.
- Occasional use of a chainsaw may be required.
- 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, harvester 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
*This is not an exhaustive list of duties or functions and may not necessarily comprise all of the essential functions
Work Schedule / Supervision
Position: Full-time = 40 hours per week; irregular hours with early start time & late end time; daily travel to remote woodlands’ sites; some overnight stays out of town
Position Status: Non-exempt; with compensation; without notice
Recommended Education: High school graduate or GED
Experience: 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.
Expected Behaviors / Qualities:
Courteous, positive, and cooperative attitude, commitment to quality customer service, trustworthy, team oriented, respectful, diplomatic, self-motivated; able to work independently and with others.
About Longyear
Longyear is a privately held entrepreneurial asset management company based in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We have a 150-year track record for embracing opportunity and growing long-term value. Over several generations, we have grown our natural resource enterprise into a powerful family of companies that deliver a steady supply of high-quality products that benefit consumers, businesses, and communities. Our companies include Northern Hardwoods, Able Medical Devices, JML Forestry and Forestville.
Today we continue to support growth and prosperity in our businesses and across our region, with more than 200 employees, hundreds of contractors, and continued long-term investment in companies that prioritize people and the environment.
