Experienced Loader Driver (Natchez)

Jones Lumber; Natchez (MS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Lumber is seeking a skilled Log Yard Loader Operator in Natchez, MS. The role involves unloading trucks, sorting logs, and keeping the mill supplied with the right material.

You will work with scalers, truck drivers, and production crews, ensuring safety and efficiency on every shift. Ideal candidates have 3+ years of heavy equipment experience, strong log-grade judgment, and the ability to operate wheel loaders safely in a production setting.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment in a production setting.
• 3+ years of heavy equipment or log yard loader experience preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• HS diploma or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate loaders and yard equipment safely and follow all site safety rules and OSHA requirements.
• Complete pre-shift equipment inspections and report hazards or defects immediately.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrians, truck traffic, and other equipment at all times.
• Participate in toolbox talks and support a culture of looking out for one another.
• Unload inbound log trucks safely and efficiently.
• Sort logs by species, grade, and length according to yard standards.
• Build neat, stable decks and keep the yard organized for safe access.
• Rotate inventory as directed to control quality and minimize decay.
• Feed logs to the debarker and infeed decks to keep production running steadily.
• Communicate with the Log Yard Foreman and production crew about material needs and shortages.
• Handle logs carefully to reduce damage, breakage, and waste.
• Perform daily servicing and cleaning, including greasing and fluid checks.
• Report mechanical issues early and work with maintenance to limit downtime.
• Keep the cab and work area clean and free of debris.
• Assist with yard cleanup, housekeeping, and other tasks as assigned by the Log Yard Foreman.

Skills

Wheel loader operation

Log yard loading

Log grade judgment

Spatial awareness

Equipment inspection

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Log Yard Loader Driver

Department: Log Yard | Reports to: Log Yard Foreman | Location: Natchez, MS

What Makes Our Culture Different

We run on five core values: Integrity, Passion, Unity, Sustainability, and Humility. That means we do the right thing when no one is watching, we care deeply about our craft, and we win as one team. Safety, teamwork, and genuine care for our people guide how we operate every shift.

Why This Role Matters

Nothing gets made until logs are unloaded, sorted, and delivered to the mill. The Log Yard Loader Operator keeps that flow moving. Every load you handle safely and sort correctly protects our people, our equipment, and the quality of the grade hardwood lumber and access mats we produce.

Position Summary

The Log Yard Loader Operator runs yard loading equipment to unload trucks, sort and deck logs, and keep the mill supplied with the right material at the right time. This is an experienced, hands-on role that demands sound judgment around moving equipment and people. The operator reports to the Log Yard Foreman and works closely with scalers, truck drivers, and the production crew.

Primary Responsibilities

Safety and Compliance

• Operate loaders and yard equipment safely and follow all site safety rules and OSHA requirements.
• Complete pre-shift equipment inspections and report hazards or defects immediately.
• Maintain awareness of pedestrians, truck traffic, and other equipment at all times.
• Participate in toolbox talks and support a culture of looking out for one another.

Log Handling and Sorting

• Unload inbound log trucks safely and efficiently.
• Sort logs by species, grade, and length according to yard standards.
• Build neat, stable decks and keep the yard organized for safe access.
• Rotate inventory as directed to control quality and minimize decay.

Mill Supply

• Feed logs to the debarker and infeed decks to keep production running steadily.
• Communicate with the Log Yard Foreman and production crew about material needs and shortages.
• Handle logs carefully to reduce damage, breakage, and waste.

Equipment Care

• Perform daily servicing and cleaning, including greasing and fluid checks.
• Report mechanical issues early and work with maintenance to limit downtime.
• Keep the cab and work area clean and free of debris.

Additional Support

• Assist with yard cleanup, housekeeping, and other tasks as assigned by the Log Yard Foreman.

Key Performance Indicators

• Zero safety incidents and consistent completion of pre-shift inspections.
• Trucks unloaded promptly with minimal wait time.
• Logs sorted accurately by species, grade, and length.
• Steady material supply to the mill with minimal interruptions.
• Low log damage and equipment damage.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.

Qualifications and Skills

Required Technical Skills

• Proven ability to operate a wheel loader or log loader in a production setting.
• Ability to judge log grade, species, and quality while sorting.
• Strong spatial awareness and precise equipment control.
• Basic equipment inspection and daily maintenance skills.

Preferred Technical Skills

• Experience with Cat or John Deere wheel loaders.
• Experience with log trucks, debarkers, or sawmill infeed systems.Familiarity with log scaling or yard inventory practices.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 3+ years of heavy equipment or log yard loader experience.

Industry Knowledge

• Experience in a hardwood sawmill or log yard is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and to sit for extended periods in a loader cab.
• Ability to climb on and off equipment and perform routine servicing.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts and occasional overtime as production requires.

The Ideal Candidate

Soft Skills and Traits

• Safety-minded: never trades speed for safety and speaks up when something is not right.
• Steady and precise: stays calm and accurate during busy truck traffic.
• Dependable: shows up on time and keeps the yard moving.
• Team player: communicates clearly with drivers, scalers, and the mill crew.
• Takes pride in the work: treats equipment and material with care.

Working Style and Team Fit

The ideal Log Yard Loader Operator is a skilled, steady professional who takes ownership of the yard and is proud of a well-run deck.

They live our values. Integrity in doing the job right when no one is watching, Passion for skilled equipment work, Unity in supporting the whole crew, Sustainability in reducing waste and damage, and Humility in pitching in wherever needed.

Growth Opportunities

This role can grow into a Lead Operator, Log Yard Foreman, or other operations leadership position over time. We invest in our people, and your growth is part of our plan.