Equipment Operator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Equipment Operator is a critical position in Return's fertilizer and compost production operations.  The Equipment Operator operates a variety of medium to heavy duty equipment and trucks used for fertilizer application, compost production, storage, management and maintenance. May operate a variety of hand and power tools to maintain Return equipment, Return facilities, and job sites.
 

ABOUT RETURN

We're a leader in Good-for-the-Earth Growing Supplies that cares deeply about our people, planet, and soil. We provide a viable alternative to synthetic growing products that encourage soil regeneration to help grow healthier food, people, and planet. Be part of a team transforming agriculture with regenerative, good-for-the-earth growing solutions.

YOUR SCHEDULE 

Monday–Friday schedule with 40–50 hours/week. Opportunity for paid overtime and potential weekend shifts.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Hourly pay rate is based on experience, between $18.00 and $24.00 per hour. After 60 days of employment, you are eligible for company health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as 401k, paid time off, and paid company holidays.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

As an Equipment Operator, you'll play a vital part in our production of high-quality, regenerative fertilizer and compost. Your responsibilities include:
 

• Operates equipment of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling and unloading of various equipment, materials and supplies.
• Operates conveyors, skid steers, mowers, compost turners, tractors, floaters, trucks and construction or power equipment, such as mechanized broom, grapple, dump truck, snow-plow, front-end loader, and other equipment and tools to maintain company property and equipment.
• Operates welders, gas torches, chop saws, grinders, drills, drill presses, impact wrenches, presses and other small equipment and tools to maintain equipment and operations.
• Performs routine inspection and preventive maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or repairs to the supervisor; cleans equipment.
• Assists in the installing and maintenance of traffic control devices.
• Cuts trees and brush, and removes trees and weeds.
• Controls traffic at work sites by flagging to guide traffic through work areas, as required or assigned.
• Plows snow and repairs driveways and roads.
• Performs a variety of tasks involving strenuous manual labor.
• Maintains a clean job site: picks up all tools and equipment and secures job site each day to eliminate potential hazards.
• Performs materials handling and storage.
• Assists in training newer team members performing the maintenance and repair duties as required or assigned.
• Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.
• Properly follows company and OSHA safety procedures. Ensures that proper safety and incident reporting procedures are followed. Brings problems to the attention of the supervisor, manager or HR manager.
• Performs any other tasks assigned to support and improve the overall team operations.

REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
• Two to four years of experience involving the use of medium and heavy equipment, two of which must have been related to construction, agricultural or fertilizer application.
• Valid driver’s license (must obtain a Minnesota license within 30 days of hire) and an insurable driving record. CDL License preferred. 
• Proficient with iPhone or Android email, messaging and navigation applications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions including extreme heat and cold. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, dust, and risks of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, balancing, crawling, and climbing all day.

The employee must frequently lift or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. 

EEO Statement

Return is an equal opportunity employer. We dig in to cultivate a healthy environment, at work and beyond, where all people can bloom—regardless of similarities, differences, or what's growing in their garden. We’re rooted in the idea that a diverse workforce, made up of various perspectives, will help us grow as individuals, and as a team. We hope you’ll share your unique variety to help breathe new life into our selves, soil, food and planet.