Position Summary
The Tub Grinder Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and monitoring tub grinding equipment used to process brush, limbs, tree debris, wood waste, and other approved organic materials into mulch or processed wood products. This position is part of Deering Tree Service’s mobile grinding crew and supports daily production, equipment reliability, jobsite safety, and material processing operations.
The successful candidate will have experience operating heavy equipment, preferably tub grinders and associated processing equipment, and will understand the importance of safe equipment operation, preventive maintenance, and communication with other crew members.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Tub Grinder Operation
- Operate and monitor tub grinding equipment to process approved wood waste, brush, limbs, and other designated materials.
- Adjust equipment operation as appropriate to material conditions, production requirements, and manufacturer specifications.
- Monitor grinding performance, throughput, material consistency, and equipment condition.
- Coordinate feeding operations with excavator, loader, or other equipment operators assigned to the grinding crew.
- Maintain appropriate spacing and communication between equipment operators and ground personnel.
- Identify and remove or isolate unsuitable materials when safe and authorized to do so.
- Stop equipment when necessary to address unsafe conditions, suspected equipment damage, blockages, or other operational concerns.
- Follow established startup, shutdown, and operating procedures.
2. Safety and Hazard Control
- Conduct and document required pre-operation and routine equipment inspections.
- Follow company safety procedures, manufacturer requirements, and applicable occupational safety regulations.
- Maintain awareness of flying debris, dust, noise, fire hazards, moving machinery, pinch points, and stored energy.
- Follow lockout/tagout and energy-control procedures when servicing, clearing, or maintaining equipment, as applicable.
- Never reach into, enter, or attempt to clear operating equipment while exposed to moving parts or hazardous energy.
- Maintain safe distances from the tub, conveyor systems, discharge areas, and other moving equipment.
- Identify and report unsafe material, suspected metal contamination, equipment hazards, and changing jobsite conditions.
- Report injuries, near misses, property damage, and equipment incidents promptly.
- Wear required personal protective equipment and ensure safe work practices are maintained around the grinding operation.
3. Equipment Inspection and Maintenance
- Perform daily pre-use inspections and operational checks.
- Monitor belts, screens, hammers, teeth, conveyors, hydraulic systems, engines, and other critical components, as applicable to the equipment.
- Check fluid levels and perform routine lubrication and maintenance tasks as assigned.
- Monitor for unusual vibration, noise, overheating, leaks, reduced performance, or other signs of mechanical problems.
- Report defects promptly and coordinate repairs with the designated supervisor or maintenance personnel.
- Maintain accurate inspection and maintenance records.
- Keep the equipment and operator area clean and orderly.
- Assist with approved maintenance and wear-part replacement activities when properly trained and authorized.
4. Production and Quality Control
- Meet reasonable production expectations while maintaining safe operating practices.
- Monitor processed material for consistency and compliance with job requirements.
- Communicate changes in feedstock, material quality, production rates, and equipment performance.
- Minimize unnecessary downtime through proper operation and early identification of maintenance issues.
- Coordinate with other crew members to maintain an efficient flow of material through the grinding process.
- Complete required production reports, operating records, and timekeeping documentation.
5. Jobsite and Crew Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with grinding crew members and other field personnel.
- Assist with equipment positioning, setup, cleanup, and demobilization as assigned.
- Follow jobsite access, traffic-control, and equipment-movement procedures.
- Help maintain a safe, organized work area around the grinding operation.
- Communicate production needs, equipment limitations, and safety concerns to the crew supervisor.
- Perform related duties consistent with the position, training, and qualifications.
Qualifications
- Previous tub grinder operating experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with heavy equipment, wood processing, forestry operations, or material processing preferred.
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to identify common equipment problems.
- Understanding of heavy equipment hazards and safe operating practices.
- Ability to follow equipment operating procedures and maintenance instructions.
- Ability to work independently while coordinating effectively with a crew.
- Valid driver’s license preferred; additional licensing or endorsements required when assigned duties involve regulated vehicle operation.
