Loader Operator

Loader Operator

The Loader Operator is responsible for safely operating heavy equipment to move, load, and organize logs, lumber, and residual materials in the sawmill yard or production area. This position plays a critical role in feeding raw material to the mill and maintaining efficient yard operations while prioritizing safety and communication.

• Operate front-end loaders, log loaders, and other heavy equipment to load logs onto decks, move lumber products, and manage yard materials.
• Safely position logs for optimal mill processing, ensuring consistent flow and minimal equipment downtime.
• Inspect equipment before each use and perform basic preventative maintenance (fluid checks, cleaning, greasing, etc.).
• Maintain clear and organized log decks and lumber stockpiles according to inventory and production requirements.
• Communicate effectively with sawmill operators, scalers, and truck drivers to coordinate material movement.
• Monitor yard conditions and report hazards such as wet/slippery surfaces, debris, or machine malfunctions.
• Keep accurate logs of material moved or loaded, when required.
• Assist with unloading and scaling incoming log trucks.
• Follow all company safety procedures including PPE usage, machine lockout/tagout, and equipment operation policies.
• Perform routine inspections and basic maintenance (fueling, greasing, cleaning)
• Identify and report mechanical issues or repairs needed
• Maintain equipment in clean and safe working conditions

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year experience operating loaders or heavy equipment (preferably in a sawmill or forestry setting).
• Valid driver's license: heavy equipment certification is a plus.
• Ability to work in outdoor conditions and varying weather.
• Strong understanding of safe heavy equipment operation practices.
• Ability to read load plans, communicate with team members, and adapt to changing priorities.

• Outdoor environment with exposure to varying weather conditions, wood debris, mud, and uneven terrain.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, dust, and machinery hazards.
• Work is often physical and may require early shifts, weekends, and overtime.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods, climb in and out of equipment and perform physical tasks as needed.
• Able to lift and move up to 50 lbs occasionally.
• Good vision and depth perception for safe operation.
• Manual dexterity and hand/foot coordination to control equipment safely.

Safety Sensitive Position: This position is designated as a safety-sensitive position because it includes as part of the job duties the operating or monitoring of heavy equipment or machinery, as well as working with and around hazardous materials. This position is one in which a lapse of attention could result in injury, illness, or death. For the safety of the incumbent and others, the incumbent must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and concentrate for long periods of time while operating or monitoring heavy equipment or machinery, as well as while working with and around hazardous materials.

Plain Dealing Lumber reserves the right to revise this Job Description at any time according to business needs. This document does not represent a contract of employment and is not meant to alter the at-will status of the employee's employment in any way.