ATL OPERATOR

THOMPSON HARDWOODS INC; Hazlehurst (GA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

401K

Benefits

Job summary

THOMPSON HARDWOODS INC in Hazlehurst, GA is seeking an ATL Log Loader Operator to safely operate a knuckleboom loader, unload logs, and maintain steady log flow for production.

The role requires 1+ year of heavy equipment experience or willingness to train, with a strong safety mindset. Expect varied shifts, potential weekends, and overtime in a wood products environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 1+ year experience operating heavy equipment (log loader/knuckleboom preferred) or willingness to train with demonstrated aptitude.
• Ability to operate equipment safely in tight areas with traffic and changing ground conditions.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and overtime.
• Strong safety mindset and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate ATL/log loader to unload log trucks, sort logs by species/length/grade, and stack logs in designated decks.
• Supply logs to the infeed/log deck to meet production needs; maintain consistent flow and avoid starving the mill.
• Inspect incoming logs for foreign material (metal, rocks, chains) and report hazards to reduce downtime and equipment damage.
• Communicate with truck drivers and scale house to coordinate unloading order and traffic flow.
• Maintain log yard organization: build stable stacks/decks, maintain clear lanes, and keep fire lanes and access routes open.
• Perform daily equipment inspections (pre-start and post-shift) and document: fluids, filters, grease points, lights/alarms, tires/tracks, brakes, hydraulics, boom and grapple condition.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance: fueling, greasing, cleaning cab, reporting leaks/abnormal sounds.
• Work safely around pedestrians, trucks, and heavy equipment; maintain safe swing radius and load control.
• Follow all safety and environmental rules: PPE, spill response, stormwater controls, and fire prevention procedures.
• Respond to production changes, weather conditions, and shifting priorities to maintain uptime.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety mindset

Communication

Teamwork

Shifts overtime

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Knuckleboom loader

Forklift

Dozer

Skidder

Job description

Job Details

Level: Experienced

Job Location: 12D87 - THOMPSON HARDWOODS - HAZLEHURST, GA 31539

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: Not Specified

Salary Range: $41,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Travel Percentage: None

Job Shift: Any

Job Category: Skilled Labor - Trades

Title: ATL Log Loader Operator

Department: Woodyard / Log Yard

Reports To: Woodyard Supervisor / Yard Foreman

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Shift: Varies (days/nights, weekends, overtime as needed)

Paid on hourly basis.

60 HRS work schedule, 12HR shifts, 5 day work week, occasional weekends.

Benefits available, PTO, 401K, and more.

Night shift differential pay available.

Job Summary

The ATL Log Loader Operator safely operates an ATL (or similar knuckleboom/log loader) to unload, sort, stack, and supply logs to the mill. This position is responsible for maintaining steady log flow to production, protecting equipment, and maintaining an organized, safe log yard while following all safety policies and environmental requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate ATL/log loader to unload log trucks, sort logs by species/length/grade, and stack logs in designated decks.
• Supply logs to the infeed/log deck to meet production needs; maintain consistent flow and avoid starving the mill.
• Inspect incoming logs for foreign material (metal, rocks, chains) and report hazards to reduce downtime and equipment damage.
• Communicate with truck drivers and scale house to coordinate unloading order and traffic flow.
• Maintain log yard organization: build stable stacks/decks, maintain clear lanes, and keep fire lanes and access routes open.
• Perform daily equipment inspections (pre-start and post-shift) and document: fluids, filters, grease points, lights/alarms, tires/tracks, brakes, hydraulics, boom and grapple condition.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance: fueling, greasing, cleaning cab, reporting leaks/abnormal sounds.
• Work safely around pedestrians, trucks, and heavy equipment; maintain safe swing radius and load control.
• Assist with yard housekeeping: remove debris, manage mud/dust control (as assigned), maintain berms/drainage.
• Follow all safety and environmental rules: PPE, spill response, stormwater controls, and fire prevention procedures.
• Respond to production changes, weather conditions, and shifting priorities to maintain uptime.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED (preferred).
• 1+ year experience operating heavy equipment (log loader/knuckleboom preferred) or willingness to train with demonstrated aptitude.
• Ability to operate equipment safely in tight areas with traffic and changing ground conditions.
• Ability to pass pre-employment screening (as applicable).
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and overtime.
• Strong safety mindset and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior woodyard/sawmill experience.
• Experience unloading log trucks and building stable log decks.
• Basic mechanical knowledge (hydraulic leaks, hose wear, pins/bushings, grease/PM routines).
• Familiarity with radio communication and mill traffic control.
• Forklift, dozer, or skidder experience (a plus).

Physical & Work Environment

• Work outdoors in heat/cold/rain and dusty conditions.
• Prolonged sitting with repetitive hand/foot controls.
• Ability to climb in/out of equipment multiple times per shift.
• Exposure to noise, vibration, and uneven terrain.
• PPE required: hard hat (as required), safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-vis, steel-toe boots.

Safety-Critical Expectations

• Maintain three points of contact entering/exiting equipment.
• Use seatbelt at all times in equipment.
• Never swing loads over people/vehicles; maintain clear communication and exclusion zones.
• Stop work and report hazards/near misses immediately.