Equipment Operator

Job Title: Equipment Operator
Department: Maintenance
Reports To: Road Maintenance Supervisor
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Effective: August 2024

White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.  The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 17,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.  Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats.      

Position Purpose 

Maintain access roads and trails in safe condition and provide heavy equipment support for all departments at White Oak Conservation.  

Responsibilities and Tasks

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
•    Safely operate equipment and associated implements (examples include farm tractors, backhoe, mowers, skid steers, weed eaters, chainsaws, and other similar equipment) 
•    Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition.
•    Follow and use proper and safe procedures including personal protective equipment.  
•    Provide support to WO departments including site preparation, tree pruning and removal, heavy equipment support, internal and external truck transport, and other tasks as required.
•    Assist in routine road maintenance, drainage system maintenance, and flood control. Activity may include mowing; brushing; maintaining culverts; maintaining ditches; managing beaver dams; box blading; reshaping and improving shoulders; and clearing debris from roadways and trails; and vegetation management. 
•    Assist with road and construction project design and implementation.
•    Manage and maintain grasses and vegetation associated with secondary roads, roadsides, trails, pastures, fields, access gates, drainage culverts, and other right of ways across the landscape of White Oak Conservation property.  
•    Haul gravel, rock, soil, and other material to job sites as required  
•    Determine appropriate methods, materials and equipment necessary to complete tasks assigned. 
•    Work closely with Natural Resources to assist with wildfire suppression measures, controlled burning, and other various land management projects. 
•    Inspect and perform preventative maintenance such as lubricating and making minor mechanical repairs before using equipment.  Notify mechanics of any necessary repairs needed to equipment.
•    Maintain, clean and safely store all equipment; clean and maintain shop and office areas.
•    Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours at assigned worksite.
•    Assist Support Services teams as needed

Minimum Qualification Requirements

•    Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy equipment and farm tractors along with associated implements 
•    CDL (preferred)
•    Ability to attach and adjust tractor implements such as mowers, harrows, box blades, etc. 
•    Experience operating backhoes, skid steers, and zero turn mowers
•    Certificates of competencies in equipment operation skills and safety are preferred.
•    Florida or Georgia Driver’s License is required
•    Ability to identify and react appropriately to hazards. 
•    Ability to operate without direct supervision and be self-motivated, persistent, confident, tenacious, and take pride in work
•    Flexibility in work hours and schedule; job may occasionally require working long hours, weekends, and holidays. 
•    Dependable, trustworthy, and neatly groomed 
•    Attentive to detail and always alert to ensure safety
•    Ability to work in inclement weather, extreme temperatures, noise, hazardous materials, and occasionally lift over 50 lbs.

White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law.