CREW FOREMAN

Position: Logging Crew Foreman

Primary Equipment Assignment: Log Loader or Processor

Reports To: Operations Manager / Company Management

Supervises: Assigned Logging Crew Employees

A. Job Description Summary

The Crew Foreman is a working supervisor responsible for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of an assigned logging crew. The Foreman will operate either the log loader or processor as their primary daily responsibility while directing and coordinating the work of other crew members.

The Foreman is accountable for crew safety, production, equipment maintenance, employee performance, timber merchandising, and communication with management.

The Foreman’s success will be measured by the performance of the entire crew, not simply the production of the machine they operate.

B. Primary Duties and Responsibilities1. Equipment Operation

• Operate the assigned log loader or processor safely and efficiently throughout the workday.
• Maintain sufficient productivity on the assigned machine to support the crew’s production goals.
• Properly merchandise timber into available products according to specifications, quotas, and market requirements.
• Coordinate the flow of wood from the skidder to the loader or processor.
• Ensure that wood is processed and staged efficiently to minimize delays in truck loading.
• Maintain an organized and safe log deck.
• Perform required daily equipment inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor machine performance and promptly report mechanical problems.

2. Crew Production and Coordination

• Establish daily production objectives and communicate them to employees.
• Coordinate cutter, skidder, loader, processor, and trucking activities.
• Monitor the flow of wood through the entire logging operation.
• Identify production bottlenecks and take appropriate corrective action.
• Ensure each employee is performing assigned duties efficiently.
• Coordinate employee assignments to minimize equipment downtime.
• Adjust operations to changing ground conditions, product requirements, and trucking availability.
• Communicate production problems to management promptly.
• Recommend changes in equipment, staffing, or operating procedures that could improve production.

Performance Standard: Achieve established weekly crew production goals while maintaining safe operations and controlling costs.

3. Safety Leadership

• Implement and enforce the company’s written safety plan.
• Ensure required safety meetings are conducted and documented.
• Maintain awareness of employee locations and equipment operating areas.
• Ensure operators maintain required safe distances from other equipment and ground personnel.
• Establish clear communication between equipment operators when personnel leave their machines.
• Stop operations when unsafe conditions exist.
• Ensure employees use required personal protective equipment.
• Report and investigate accidents, near misses, and unsafe operating practices.
• Ensure proper lockout/tagout procedures are followed during maintenance.
• Provide safety instruction and correction when unsafe practices are observed.

Performance Standard: No production objective takes priority over employee safety.

4. Employee Supervision and Development

• Supervise the daily activities of assigned employees.
• Establish expectations for attendance, productivity, equipment care, and conduct.
• Monitor employee performance and address problems promptly.
• Train employees in proper equipment operation and work methods.
• Develop employees’ understanding of how their work affects the productivity of other machines.
• Encourage cooperation between cutter, skidder, processor, and loader operators.
• Identify employees who need additional training.
• Report employee performance and disciplinary concerns to management.
• Assist in evaluating new employees and developing their skills.

5. Equipment Maintenance and Operating Costs

• Ensure all operators perform required daily inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Monitor equipment condition and recognize developing maintenance problems.
• Coordinate necessary repairs with company maintenance personnel.
• Minimize preventable equipment damage and breakdowns.
• Monitor unnecessary machine idling, fuel waste, and inefficient operating practices.
• Communicate anticipated maintenance needs before they interrupt production.
• Ensure employees operate equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.
• Keep equipment and work areas clean and properly maintained.

6. Harvest Planning and Timber Merchandising

• Understand and implement the harvest plan provided by the procurement forester.
• Ensure employees understand tract boundaries, designated harvest areas, and product requirements.
• Coordinate cutting patterns and skid trails to improve production and protect ground conditions.
• Ensure timber is properly merchandised to maximize product value.
• Monitor wood quality and compliance with customer specifications.
• Minimize unnecessary timber damage, breakage, and waste.
• Communicate changes in ground conditions or timber characteristics to the procurement forester.
• Ensure applicable forestry best management practices are followed.

7. Communication and Reporting

• Report daily production and significant operating problems to management.
• Communicate equipment breakdowns, maintenance needs, and expected downtime.
• Report employee attendance and staffing concerns.
• Coordinate with trucking personnel to maintain efficient wood movement.
• Communicate with procurement foresters concerning harvest plans, product requirements, and tract conditions.
• Maintain accurate employee time, production, and other required operating records.
• Identify opportunities to improve production, efficiency, and profitability.

C. Authority and Accountability

The Crew Foreman has authority to direct daily crew activities, assign work, coordinate equipment operations, correct unsafe practices, and stop operations when necessary. The Foreman is responsible for promptly reporting problems that cannot be corrected within their authority.

Major expenditures, significant equipment repairs, personnel changes, and changes to the approved harvest plan require appropriate management approval.

D. Performance Evaluation

Area

Performance Expectation

Crew production

Meet established weekly load targets

Personal equipment operation

Maintain efficient loader or processor productivity

Safety

Enforce company safety procedures

Employee management

Maintain accountability, teamwork, and attendance

Equipment maintenance

Minimize preventable breakdowns and equipment abuse

Timber merchandising

Maximize utilization and meet product specifications

Operating efficiency

Reduce avoidable downtime and unnecessary costs

Communication

Report problems promptly and accurately

E. Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to operate a log loader or processor.
• Experience with logging operations and timber merchandising.
• Understanding of cutting, skidding, processing, and loading operations.
• Ability to supervise and train equipment operators.
• Knowledge of logging safety requirements.
• Ability to identify mechanical problems and coordinate repairs.
• Understanding of harvest plans, ground conditions, and forestry best management practices.
• Strong judgment, communication, dependability, and leadership skills.

Pay: $1,600.00 - $1,750.00 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Ability to Pass a Drug Test

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person