Logging Crew Foreman & Loader Operator

Thompson Specialist; Rocky Mount (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Safety-focused environment

Supportive team atmosphere

Job summary

Thompson Specialist in Virginia seeks a Loader Operator / Foreman to lead daily logging operations, supervise crew, and ensure safe, productive timber harvesting.

You will operate and coordinate loader and ancillary equipment, maintain quality, follow BMPs, and communicate with drivers and management to meet production goals. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of supervisory or foreman experience.
• Loader operator and/or log grading experience required.
• References verifying supervisory and logging experience are required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong knowledge of logging operations, timber harvesting practices, and job site safety.
• Valid driver's license required.
• CDL is a plus but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily logging operations ensuring safety and efficiency.
• Supervise crew and coordinate equipment operators for smooth workflow.
• Operate loader or understand operations of loader-related equipment.
• Perform de-limber and sawbuck operations as needed.
• Grade and merchandise logs according to mill specs and quality requirements.
• Monitor production, equipment performance, and downtime to meet goals.
• Enforce safety policies and proper PPE usage on site.
• Communicate production needs and issues between crew, drivers, and management.
• Ensure BMPs and environmental regulations are followed.

Skills

Loader operation

Crew leadership

Safety awareness

Log grading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forestry equipment knowledge

Job description

Position: Loader Operator / Logging Foreman

Location: Franklin County, Virginia and surrounding areas (Montgomery County, Floyd County, SW Roanoke County)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Us

Thompson Specialist is a professional logging company serving the Appalachian region. We are committed to safe, efficient timber harvesting while maintaining high standards of workmanship and environmental responsibility. We are seeking an experienced Loader Operator / Foreman to lead daily logging operations and help ensure safe, productive, and efficient timber harvesting.

Job Responsibilities

Crew Leadership: Supervise and coordinate daily logging operations, ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and according to company standards. Direct crew members and equipment operators to maintain an efficient workflow from felling through loading.

Equipment Knowledge & Operation: Have strong working knowledge and hands-on experience with the equipment used in logging operations. The Foreman should be capable of safely operating, or have a thorough understanding of the operation of, all equipment used by the crew and be able to step into different equipment roles when needed.

Loader Operation: Operate the loader to sort, stack, merchandise, and load timber for transport while maintaining an organized and productive landing.

De-Limber & Sawbuck Operation: Operate the de-limber and sawbuck to process trees and cut logs to the appropriate lengths according to mill specifications and orders.

Log Grading & Merchandising: Accurately identify, sort, grade, and merchandise logs according to species, quality, length, diameter, and individual mill specifications to maximize timber value.

Production Management: Monitor crew performance, equipment operation, and overall workflow to maintain daily production goals while ensuring quality workmanship and minimizing unnecessary downtime.

Safety Compliance: Enforce company safety policies, safe equipment operation, and proper PPE use among all crew members. Identify and address unsafe practices or job-site conditions promptly.

Equipment Maintenance: Perform and oversee daily equipment inspections and basic maintenance. Monitor equipment condition and report mechanical problems or needed repairs promptly to help prevent unnecessary downtime.

Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact between crew members, truck drivers, and company management. Communicate production needs, trucking requirements, equipment concerns, and job-site issues clearly and promptly.

Environmental Stewardship: Ensure logging operations follow applicable forestry best management practices (BMPs), job-site requirements, and environmental regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of supervisory, foreman, or crew leadership experience required.
• Proven Loader operator and/or log grading experience required.
• References verifying supervisory and logging experience are required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Strong knowledge of logging operations, timber harvesting practices, and job site safety.
• Ability to effectively lead and motivate a crew in a production environment.
• Experience operating log loaders and other forestry equipment.
• Knowledge of timber species, log grades, and general mill specifications.
• Valid driver's license required.
• CDL is a plus but not required.
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in rugged terrain, steep slopes, and remote logging locations.
• Must be able to climb on and off equipment safely throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds when necessary.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Must be capable of making sound decisions in a fast-paced production environment.

What We Offer

• Competitive wages based on experience and qualifications.
• Safety-focused work environment.
• Supportive team atmosphere.

Thompson Specialist is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value hard work, leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to safety.

Pay: $225.00 - $325.00 per day

Application Question(s)

• How many years of log grading experience do you have?
• How many crew members have you supervised at once?

Experience

• Supervising: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location

In person