Grapple Skidder Operator

Description

Position Summary:

Operates a grapple skidder, which moves through the forest to pull and drag logs, or whole trees, to the roadside with minimal damage to soils and standing trees. Performs routine maintenance and inspects skidder for damage and/ or malfunctions. Works in a team environment to prepare forest products efficiently and safely for loading.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to developing and maintaining a safe working environment.
• Maintain personal safety and watch out for the safety of others.
• Accept and appreciate your fellow team member’s watching out for your safety and offering suggestions or advice.
• Comply with all OSHA safety guidelines.
• Communicate with team members and customers in a positive and collaborative manner. 
• Communicate both effectively and tactfully with a wide variety of individuals in person, on the telephone and via two-way radio.
• Maintain a consistently positive and problem-solving attitude. 
• Understand and adhere to Treeline’s employment handbook.
• Maintain an OSHA approved first aid kit.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks in accordance with the Operator’s Manual and the Foreman.
• Acknowledge and report any defect or safety issues to supervisor immediately. Make corrections asap.
• Know and use proper LOTO procedures.
• Operate in a safe and effective manner in order to minimize the risk of injury, property damage or loss of life.
• Maintain good housekeeping of work area.
• Maintain an appropriate inventory of supplies and spare parts in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Manage skid trails effectively to minimize ground disturbance and to maximize production.
• Implement best management practices (BMPs) to effectively minimize soil erosion and shoreland disturbance. 
• Ability to move and pile forest products with the grapple.
• Maintain a neat wood landing area.
• Ability to reduce residual stand damage. 
• Read the operator’s manual and follow proper operating and routine maintenance.
• Perform daily safety and maintenance checks.
• Direct all questions and issues regarding equipment operation, function, maintenance, and repair are to the Job Foreman. The Lead Equipment Tech will answer any questions and direct all required maintenance and repairs.
• Responsible to double check all paperwork and submit at the end of the week no later than the following Monday by 7:00am.
• Cross train in other positions as deemed appropriate by your Foreman. 
• Always ask a question if you are not sure of something.

Requirements

Education/Qualifications:

• Minimum: High school diploma or GED
• Desirable: CPR/First Aid card.
• Current Valid Driver’s License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Possess knowledge of, and observe, safety rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Good time management and organizational abilities.
• Ability to take orders, instructions, and guidance from supervisors and management.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, within a team and independently.
• Ability to change plans and priorities on the go.
• Ability to deal in a positive way with difficult customers to create positive outcomes.
• Ability to effectively communicate questions, concerns, ideas and suggestions.
• Ability to listen and understand other’s questions, concerns, ideas, and suggestions.
• Apply three-point method of contact when entering and exiting machine.
• Apply knowledge of mechanical functioning of various components of the equipment and make repairs related to the equipment as these problems occur. 
• Have knowledge of best management practices (BMPs). 

Physical Demands: 

• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. 
• Remain seated for up to 90% of the workday.
• Demonstrate visual and auditory acuity in order to safely operate equipment.
• The ability to climb in and out of machine frequently.
• Exposure to periodic moderate noise, below 85db.
• The ability to work outdoors in all four-season weather conditions and temperatures.
• Wear OSHA required PPE.

Work Environment:

• The time will be split between outside conditions and sitting in the operator’s cab, which is normally climate controlled.
• The operator is subjected to exposure of slippery surfaces, such as icy and muddy conditions.
• The noise level includes engine and drive train noise, but generally below 85 decimals. 
• The operator must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as hard-hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety vest that will be furnished by the company. 
• Periodic inclement weather conditions