Heavy Equipment and Service Operator Grade 3

Job Title: Heavy Equipment and Service Operator Grade 3                                       

Location: Houston, TX

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports to:   Site Manager

Compensation Range: $20-$25 Hourly (based on experience and qualifications) 

Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and travel opportunities  

The Ground Up Commitment

TGU (The Ground Up, Inc.) has carved a niche for itself in the sustainable and green waste recycling sector, with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation. TGU provides product to retail and wholesale markets, as well as operates as a significant support system for the Ceres emergency response division and operates out of Houston, Texas.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At The Ground Up, you’re more than an employee, you’re part of a team with purpose. Every role, from operations to delivery, plays a vital part in ensuring our customers receive the quality and service they depend on. We value initiative, hard work, and teamwork, while fostering a culture of reliability, respect, and growth. If you show up ready to work safely, contribute to the team, and take pride in a job well done, you’ll fit right in.

What We Are Looking For

The Equipment and Service Operator Grade 3 support day-to-day operations of an assigned work site. The ideal candidate is skilled in safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment including excavators, loader, horizontal and tub grinders which are stationed at a site to grind piles of vegetative debris into wood chips and mulch. The grinder reduces the material and then dumps the ground-up wood into a waiting truck.

The grinder 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 grinder can process smaller whole trees or branches in a single motion. Improper or inattentive operation can result in an accident. Grinders can be equipped with additional features/attachments, such as a loading boom & grapple, debarker, chip.

Skills & Competencies

• Comply with the proper operation and maintenance of assigned equipment

(forklift, wheel loader, backhoe loader, excavator, grinders or other heavy equipment).

• The operator safely controls the machine using buttons, pedals and levers

to skillfully grind waste wood into usable wood chip products.

• Operators often work 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 will be responsible for basic machine service, refueling, diagnostics

and minor repairs.

• Requires special safety gear, climbing off & onto the equipment, and some walking

on uneven terrain.

• Operates heavy equipment both in warehouse and off-road
• Manage inventory and quality control