Heavy Equipment Operator – High-Paced Wood Grinding & Processing Posted June 8, 2026 Great Lakes Fusion Website Location: Durand Full Time Position 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 bjones@greatlakesfusion.com. Apply for job .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
