Harvester Operator

About the Role 

We provide a company vehicle, paid fuel, and cell phone stipend. Weekend differential pay is also available. We offer competitive pay and benefits package. If you’re looking for a long-term stable career, apply with us. 

Essential Function / Duties

• Safely and efficiently operate Ponsse Scorpion Giant 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.

*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; 4 days on 4 days off, irregular hours with early start time & late end time; daily travel to remote sites. Flexible hours can be discussed. 

Position Status: Exempt Status: with compensation; without notice   

Recommended Education / Experience

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. 

Physical/Mental Activities 

Excellent physical health and stamina; significant physical strength; climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and handling of materials; use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; some walking on sloping forest terrain; make judgments and decisions; working according to standards and procedures; work in outside environment.

Expected Behaviors / Qualities

Courteous, positive, and cooperative, commitment to quality customer service, trustworthy, team oriented, respectful, diplomatic, self-motivated; able to work independently and with others.

Other

no record of criminal convictions which may be deemed to disqualify the person from employment (consideration of nature of the crime, date of conviction and final disposition will be determinative); valid Michigan driver’s license; reliable transportation.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, 401K, vacation, sick and holidays

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.