Company Overview
Miller Timber Services is dedicated to sustainable forest management, offering expert solutions in timber harvesting, reforestation, and transportation. We also specialize in wildland firefighting and emergency services for private and government lands, committed to maintaining healthy forests through responsible practices.
Job Summary:
The Forestry Logging Equipment Operator is responsible for operating a variety of forestry logging equipment including but not limited to heel-rack hydraulic loaders, skidders, graters, bulldozers, harvesters and forwarders. These machines will be used to efficiently and safely move, sort, and stage timber from the stump to roadside decks to logging trucks. As a grater and/or dozer operator, this role will require roadwork to be leveled, shaped and cleared to desired specifications. This role plays a critical part in logging operations by ensuring proper log handling, site organization, and support of loading and processing activities. The operator works in rugged outdoor environments and must maintain a strong focus on safety, precision, high-quality productivity and equipment maintenance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operate variety of heavy equipment with attachments to lift, swing, bunch, and transport logs, as well as required roadwork.
- Sort and organize timber by species, size, and grade, ensuring proper deck construction.
- Build and maintain log decks for efficient loading and transport.
- Responsible for loading logs onto trucks and support processing activities such as limbing and bucking when needed.
- Perform site preparation tasks, including clearing brush, moving debris, pulling stumps, and assisting with skid road construction or repair.
- Conduct daily equipment inspections and perform routine maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation.
- Occasional work out on fire projects with above mentioned equipment and may also include operation of a Type 1 or 2 skidgine.
- Identify and report mechanical issues or safety concerns promptly.
- Maintain clear communication with crew members, including fallers, other equipment operators, truck drivers, and supervisors.
- Follow all company safety policies and regulatory requirements.
Required Qualifications:
- At least one year of proven experience operating heavy equipment, preferably in logging or construction environments.
- Strong understanding of safe equipment operation.
- Ability to perform basic equipment maintenance and inspections.
- Excellent hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
- Proven ability to forecast future log truck needs in order to maximize truck utilization and daily wood flow to designated processing facilities.
- Must have a clean driving record and meet FMCSA requirements.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently in remote locations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Over 5 years of proven experience operating heavy equipment, including loaders, skidders, graters and bulldozers.
- Class A CDL with 5+ years of experience hauling logs and in forest/mountain terrain.
- Current RT-130 qualification.
- Over 5 years experience in active wildfire incidents.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including lifting, climbing, and prolonged sitting or equipment operation.
- Comfortable working on uneven, steep, or rugged terrain.
- Ability to work in varying weather conditions, including rain, heat, cold, smoke and snow.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
- Primarily outdoor work in remote forest environments.
- Exposure to heavy machinery, loud noise, and natural elements.
- Full-time position with potential for extended hours, early mornings, and overtime based on operational needs.
- High emphasis on safety due to the hazardous nature of logging operations.
- Travel is expected 50-100% of the time, depending on season.
Drug-Free Workplace Policy:
We maintain a strict drug-free workplace policy. Pre-employment drug testing is required, and ongoing random drug screening may be conducted, including substances prohibited under federal law (e.g., marijuana).
Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Heavy equipment operation: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Class A CDL (Preferred)
- RT-130 qualification (Preferred)
Work Location: On the road
