Yard/Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator / Yard Laborer

Location: East Newport, Maine

Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Overtime as necessary

- 1st Shift Hours

Join Our Team at Bell Lumber & Pole

Bell Lumber & Pole is looking for a reliable Equipment Operator / Yard Laborer to support safe and efficient utility pole production and yard operations. If you enjoy hands-on work, operating equipment, and being part of a team that values safety and excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

- Operate heavy mobile equipment such as cranes, front-end loaders, forklifts, and peeler machine (debarker).

- Use chainsaws, power drills, and hand tools to trim, finish, and prepare poles to specifications.

- Follow framing drawings to drill holes with precision.

- Load, unload, and move poles and materials between trucks, bunks, and processing equipment.

- Inspect, measure, and grade poles to meet specifications and customer standards.

- Assist with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of yard equipment.

- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized yard; reporting equipment issues promptly.

- Work outdoors in all weather conditions and comply with OSHA and company safety standards.

- Assist with other yard duties as needed.

What We’re Looking For

- High school diploma, GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Experience with mobile equipment (log loaders, front-end loaders, cranes, forklifts) preferred.

- Previous experience in industrial, forestry, or yard operations a plus.

- Experience with heavy-equipment maintenance and chainsaw operation preferred.

- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., use chainsaws and hand tools safely, and work on uneven surfaces for extended periods.

- Team-oriented, dependable, and committed to safety.

- Must pass drug screen, background check, and complete company-provided training.

Why Work With Us

- Competitive pay and benefits package.

- Opportunities for cross-training and career growth.

- Work in a collaborative environment focused on excellence, stewardship, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Apply Today!

Be part of a team that values hard work, integrity, and safety. Apply now to join Bell Lumber & Pole.

Full job description below:

JOB PURPOSE

The Equipment Operator/Yard Laborer supports safe and efficient utility pole production and yard operations. This position involves operating and maintaining mobile equipment, running the peeler, inspecting and grading poles, trimming and preparing poles to specifications, and assisting with general yard maintenance and order fulfillment. They will be expected to work as part of one team to embrace the company’s mission of radically loving and influencing lives, actively demonstrating the values of excellence, stewardship, and entrepreneurial spirit in both behavior and attitude.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

- Operate and maintain yard equipment, including:

- Log loaders, front-end loaders, forklifts

- Peeling machine for processing and preparing poles

- Chainsaws and hand tools for trimming and finishing poles

- Load, unload, move, and sort poles and other materials to and from trucks, railcars, and/or processing equipment.

- Inspect, measure, and classify poles for compliance with ANSI, ASTM, RUS, and customer standards.

- Identify, mark, and grade poles; determine reclassification sizes and lengths as needed.

- Read and interpret framing drawings correctly by drilling holes with precision and accuracy per the framing instructions of the customers.

- Shave and repair poles (using drawknife or similar tools) to meet inspection standards.

- Assist with scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of yard equipment.

- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, including the yard and office areas.

- Follow start-up, operation, and shutdown procedures for equipment; communicate equipment issues promptly.

- Comply with OSHA regulations and Bell Lumber & Pole’s Safety-Quality-Environment (SQE) standards.

- Perform other duties as assigned by the Yard Supervisor.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee may be required to perform other duties and assume additional responsibilities as needed or requested to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

- High school diploma, GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

- Experience operating mobile equipment (log loaders (cranes), front-end loaders, forklifts) preferred.

- Prior experience in forest products, pole yards, or similar industrial settings helpful.

- Experience with heavy-equipment maintenance and chainsaw operation preferred.

- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work effectively in a team environment.

- Willingness to cross-train in various yard functions.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

- Ability to read and interpret measurement tools, schematics, manuals, and grading standards.

- Basic math skills for measuring, counting, and recording units.

- Good eye/hand coordination and attention to detail.

- Physical ability to:

- Safely use chainsaws and hand tools

- Lift up to 50 lbs. and handle heavy equipment

- Walk, stand, climb ladders, and work on uneven surfaces for extended periods

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

- Strong communication skills and dependable attendance.

- Commitment to safety procedures and proper use of PPE.

- Must pass required drug screen, background check, and hazardous-waste management training (provided).

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms and is occasionally required to sit, talk and hear, and to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee will frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, infrequently lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics are best defined as an outdoor environment with exposure to elements such as heat, cold, precipitation, and wind. Employees will have moderate exposure to noise as heard in pole production yard, including exposure to higher noise levels associated with power equipment. Employees may have light exposure to the chemicals and solutions used in treating wood. The job may occasionally require overtime.

Bell Lumber & Pole Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and we fully comply with all such applicable employment laws and regulations. If needed, accommodation may be possible.

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SOC: 45-4022: Logging Equipment Operators