Wood Products Processor (CDL Required)

Job Title: Wood Products Processor (CDL Required)

Location: Seattle, WA

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Rate range: $40-$48/hour DOE

Reports to: President

About us:

With a legacy spanning over 18 years, Seattle Tree Care boasts a rich legacy of excellence and stands as the forefront provider of premier tree care services in the Seattle area. Our dedicated team, composed of over 50 passionate professionals, is committed to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of Seattle's trees. Rooted in a foundation of safety, transparency, and continuous improvement, our collaborative work environment encourages innovation. Seattle Tree Care is expanding its regional presence and service offerings, presenting exciting opportunities for individuals eager to contribute to the vitality of Seattle's urban forest. Join our dynamic team, where your dedication is valued, and experience a workplace that offers competitive wages, advancement possibilities, and a supportive, growth-oriented culture.

Job Summary:

The Wood Products Processor supports our wood waste processing and distribution operations by safely receiving, staging, processing, and transporting materials. This position requires a CDL and involves operating heavy equipment in a fast-paced yard environment. A successful candidate is safety-focused, dependable, and collaborative, with strong equipment awareness and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities:

• Safely receive, sort, and stage inbound wood waste for processing; identify and remove contamination (metal, plastics, trash, etc.).


• Operate and/or support wood processing operations, including feeding, monitoring, and staging processed material for distribution.


• Operate a tub grinder and excavator (strongly preferred); operate other equipment as trained (e.g., loader, skid steer, forklift).


• Transport materials/products as needed using CDL-required vehicles; perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and maintain DOT logs as required.


• Coordinate with operations/dispatch to meet production targets and outbound delivery schedules.


• Maintain safe yard traffic flow and work zones; use spotter, radio, and signaling protocols as required.


• Perform routine equipment checks and basic maintenance (fluid checks, grease points, blade/teeth checks as assigned) and report mechanical issues immediately.


• Keep work areas organized and clean; support housekeeping, sweeping, and debris management to maintain safe conditions.


• Follow STC, OSHA/WISHA safety standards and wear necessary PPE.


• Immediately report any incidents, near misses, and equipment/tool/truck mishaps to the President or designee.


• Participate in weekly safety meetings and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement.


• Support onboarding and training of new team members as assigned; share best practices for safe equipment operation and yard procedures.


• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Strongly preferred: Experience operating a tub grinder and excavator.


• Experience in a yard/heavy equipment environment (recycling, forestry, construction, landscaping, or similar).


• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort completing inspection checklists and routine maintenance tasks.

Requirements and Skills:

• Valid CDL (Class A or B) with a clean driving record.


• Current DOT medical card (or the ability to obtain/maintain as required).


• Ability to pass background check and applicable pre-employment screening (including drug/alcohol testing per CDL requirements).


• Ability to lift, push, and pull 50+ pounds.


• Ability to respond quickly to sounds and maintain awareness around moving equipment and vehicles.


• Ability to move safely over uneven terrain and in confined spaces.


• Ability to see and respond to dangerous situations.


• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions (outdoors year-round; dusty/noisy conditions).


• Ability to wear personal protective gear correctly most of the day.


• Ability to reach overhead and climb on/off equipment safely.


• Ability to grasp objects for prolonged periods of time.


• Ability to hear verbal commands and communicate via radio/phone.


• Visual acuity to operate motor vehicles and heavy machinery.


• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.