Heavy Equipment Operator – High-Paced Wood Grinding & Processing

Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership; Michigan; On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly wages

Comprehensive medical coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Tiered bonus program

Job summary

Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership is seeking a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator to operate excavators and front-end loaders in a high-paced wood processing environment. Responsibilities include operating machinery efficiently, performing daily maintenance, and troubleshooting minor mechanical issues.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience in material handling or forestry, strong mechanical skills, and the ability to work in a demanding setting. The company offers competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a rewarding work atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating excavators and front-end loaders.
• Strong mechanical background with hands-on maintenance experience.
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently operate heavy equipment for wood processing.
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance on machinery.
• Identify mechanical issues and assist with repairs.
• Maintain site organization and safety.

Skills

Excavator operation

Front-end loader operation

Mechanical aptitude

Routine equipment maintenance

Troubleshooting

Situational awareness

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – High-Paced Wood Grinding & Processing

Salary Range: Competitive pay based on experience

Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled, efficient, and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator to join our fast-paced material processing team. In this role, you will primarily utilize excavators and front-end loaders to continuously feed and support a high-volume wood grinder. Because this is a high-throughput environment, we need someone who can keep up with production demands while maintaining a sharp eye for operational safety and material flow.

Beyond operating, the ideal candidate possesses a strong mechanical background. You won’t just sit in the cab—you will be responsible for the daily upkeep, preventative maintenance, and minor troubleshooting of the machinery to keep downtime to an absolute minimum.

Key Responsibilities

• High-Paced Operation: Efficiently operate excavators and front-end loaders to sort, stack, and continuously feed raw wood material into a high-capacity industrial wood grinder.
• Routine Maintenance: Perform comprehensive daily inspections (fluids, greasing, tracks/tires, filters) and routine maintenance on all assigned heavy equipment and the grinder itself.
• Mechanical Troubleshooting: Identify mechanical issues early, assist with minor repairs, and help troubleshoot equipment to maximize production uptime.
• Site Organization & Safety: Maintain a clean, organized work area; manage material stockpiles, safely, and strictly adhere to all company and OSHA safety standards.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Proven Experience: Demonstrated proficiency operating excavators and front-end loaders (material handling or forestry experience is highly preferred).
• Mechanical Background: Strong mechanical aptitude with hands‑on experience performing routine maintenance and minor equipment repairs.
• Pace & Stamina: Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining focus, situational awareness, and precision.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): A valid CDL‑A or CDL‑B is a significant plus, though not strictly required.
• Reliability: Dependable work ethic with strong communication skills and a team‑first attitude.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wages tailored to your experience level.
• Comprehensive medical/health care coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program.
• 3 tiered bonus program (Profit, Performance and hourly)

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief summary of your heavy equipment operating and maintenance experience to [e-mail].