Forestry Equipment Operator

Markit! Forestry Management, LLC; Colorado Springs (CO); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance including medical, &d

Dental and Vision

Retirement with company match

Paid holidays, vacation, and personal

Company provided training

Job summary

Markit! Forestry in Colorado seeks a field foreman/operator to support forestry projects across the state and neighboring areas.

The role involves operating heavy equipment, performing chainsaw cutting, managing slash, and upholding safety on rugged terrain. Applicants should have 1–3 years of heavy machinery experience, be able to travel 50–75% (potentially 100%), pass a background check, hold a valid driver's license, and communicate in English; bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in operating heavy machinery, forestry industry preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment background check.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy forestry equipment (e.g., Skidder, Feller Buncher, Log Loader, Harvester, Delimber, Masticator, Tracked Skidder, Dozer, Excavator, Chipper).
• Perform chainsaw felling operations including directional felling, limbing and bucking.
• Manage slash operations: lop-and-scatter, chipping, hauling.
• Control erosion by contour felling and LE biases creation and installation.
• Submit daily inspections and coordinate maintenance with Fleet Department.
• Adhere to safety standards and promote safety culture on site.
• Participate in weekly job site maintenance training.
• Spend overnight stays at project sites as needed.
• General forestry labor as required.

Skills

Heavy machinery

Chainsaw operations

Safety culture

Leadership

Bilingual EN/ES

Teamwork

Tools

Skidder

Feller Buncher

Log Loader

Harvester

Delimber

Masticator

Dozer

Excavator

Chipper

Job description

Job Description: This position will help Markit! execute various forestry projects and be responsible for assisting in the proper maintenance, preparation and operation of all tools and equipment including hand tools, chainsaws, chippers, and heavy machinery. This position will report to and work closely with Project Foremen and Superintendent.

Location: Projects may be located throughout the State of Colorado and surrounding states.

Travel: 50-75% but may be up to 100% depending on the project assignment. Lodging and per diem provided as well as adequate time off for rest.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Operate Markit!’s heavy forestry equipment (e.g. Skidder, Feller Buncher, Log Loader, Harvester, Delimber, Masticator, Tracked Skidder, Dozer, Excavator, Chipper) as appropriate for each project.
• Perform chainsaw felling operations, including directional felling, limbing, and bucking.
• Manage slash operations, including lop-and-scatter, chipping, and hauling.
• Control erosion by contour felling and LEB creation and installation.
• Responsible for completing and submitting proper daily inspections and maintenance on assigned machine(s), requesting any necessary repairs/maintenance from the Fleet Department.
• Adhere to Markit!’s safety standards and promote safety culture among crew members, including the proper use of machinery and equipment and resolve problems when they arise.
• Participate in weekly job site maintenance training conducted by the Foreman.
• Prepare to spend multiple overnights at project sites, as necessary.
• General forestry labor, as necessary and appropriate.

Requirements:

• 1- 3 years of experience in operating heavy machinery, forestry industry preferred.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Must have reliable transportation to, during andfrom work.
• Must pass pre-employment background check.
• Ability to work in a team and independently.
• Have the ability and desire to perform strenuous outdoor work on rough terrain in a variety of inclement weather conditions.
• Quick and able learner with strong leadership skills and a keen eye for details and good decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and stress and handle emergency situations.
• Effectively complete work projects on time.
• Ability to utilize safety procedures.
• Physical ability to bend, squat and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Technical skills and ability to use a smart phone and/or tablet.
• Reliable transportation to and from work.

Language:

• Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.

Job Type:

• Full-time, year-round work with minimal down days.
• Competitive wages.
• Annual reviews.
• Health insurance including medical, dental and vision.
• Supplementary insurance including life, short and long term insurance.
• Paid holidays, vacation and personal time.
• Retirement with company match.
• Company provided training for career advancement.

Compensation: $22.00 - 30.00 hourly, dependent on qualifications and experience.

Markit! Forestry is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.