Job Information
Ceres Environmental Grinder Operator in Waynesville, North Carolina
Salary Range $27.00 - $36.00 Hourly
Category Operational/ERD
Operator Grinder
Job Title: Grinder Operator
Compensation Range: $27.00 - 36.00 per hour (depending on location, experience, skills, and qualifications)
About Ceres Environmental Operations
Ceres Environmental Operations (CEO) is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.
Driven by Purpose, Powered by People
At CEO, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.
We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.
The Grinder Operator operates a mobile “tub grinder” machine, which parks at a Debris Reduction Site to grind piles of vegetative storm debris into wood chips and biomass fuel use-able in a number of commercial products. The chipper machine grinds the woody material and then dumps the ground-up wood into a waiting truck or pile.
The chipper operator runs a large portable machine, which is equipped to grind whole trees, limbs, chunks and woody debris (“slash”), thereby turning the wood into chips or “mulch”. The chipper machine can process smaller whole trees or branches in a single motion.
Chippers can be equipped with additional features/attachments, such as a loading boom & grapple, debarker, chip screens, or chip conveyor.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The operator safely controls the machine using buttons, pedals and levers to skillfully grind waste wood into usable wood chip products.
Operator often works independently, following detailed work plans and specifications.
Follow safe practices and rules while clearing and trimming trees and brush away from utility lines.
He or she will likely communicate safe machine and log movement activities using a radio.
Operator may be responsible for machine basic service, refueling, diagnostics and minor repairs.
Requires special safety gear, climbing off & onto the chipper, and some walking on uneven terrain.
Other duties may be assigned.
Required Qualifications:
1+ years of work experience as a log loader operator or operator of other forestry equipment; OR 1+ years of previous experience operating farm machinery or similar heavy equipment.
Must be able to read and comprehend verbal and written instructions.
Must have a valid driver's license and in good standing.
Preferred Qualifications:
5+ years of related experience.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Must have experience with Doppstadt, Vermeer, and Diamond Z grinders
Must be able to maintain the above listed grinders
Physical Requirements and Environment
Prolonged standing, walking, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
Climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
Ability to see close, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; outside weather conditions and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud.
May be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions, exposed to high and precarious places.
The noise level will vary and may be very loud.
Work Environment:
Ceres Environmental is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.
E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility