Operator Grinder

CERES•Sarasota, FL

1d•$19 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

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 is needed most. Driven by Purpose, Powered by People At CEO, we believe you are more than just an employee. You are part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope and 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 will fit right in. We do not just respond to challenges. We rise to them.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
Grinds the woody material and then dumps the ground-up wood into a waiting truck or pile.
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”.
Processes smaller whole trees or branches in a single motion.
Safely controls the machine using buttons, pedals and levers to skillfully grind waste wood into usable wood chip products.
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.
Communicates safe machine and log movement activities using a radio.
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.