Knuckle Boom Operator

About LeMoyen

LeMoyen, LLC is a growing industrial wood products manufacturer serving the Gulf South. Our operation depends on the safe and efficient movement of logs and other heavy wood materials from receiving and the log yard into production.

Position Overview

LeMoyen is seeking an experienced Knuckle Boom Operator to load, unload, sort, stack, and stage logs and other approved materials. This position plays an important role in maintaining a steady supply of raw material to the mill while protecting employees, equipment, trucks, and inventory.

Success requires excellent equipment control, constant awareness of the swing area, good load judgment, and clear communication with truck drivers, ground personnel, and production employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate assigned knuckle boom and log-handling equipment
• Load and unload logs and other approved materials without damaging equipment or inventory
• Sort, stack, and stage material according to production or log-yard requirements
• Maintain an efficient flow of raw material from receiving and the log yard to production
• Coordinate movements with truck drivers, scale-house personnel, log-yard employees, and mill operators
• Maintain control of suspended loads and remain within equipment-capacity limits
• Keep employees, vehicles, and equipment outside the operating and swing radius
• Use radios, hand signals, and spotters as required
• Monitor ground conditions, overhead hazards, traffic, load stability, and equipment clearance
• Complete pre-shift inspections of controls, grapple components, tires or tracks, hydraulic lines, warning devices, and stabilizing equipment where applicable
• Report leaks, damage, excessive wear, control problems, or other unsafe conditions immediately
• Perform routine cleaning, lubrication, and operator-level care as assigned
• Maintain orderly log stacks and clear travel routes
• Record or communicate loads, material movements, downtime, and inventory concerns when assigned
• Follow all PPE, traffic-control, equipment-isolation, and mobile-equipment safety procedures

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience operating knuckle boom, grapple, log-loader, or similar heavy material-handling equipment
• Ability to control and position heavy or irregular loads accurately
• Understanding of equipment-capacity limits, load stability, swing-radius hazards, and safe stacking practices
• Ability to complete and document pre-operation inspections
• Strong situational awareness and sound judgment
• Ability to communicate clearly with truck drivers, spotters, and production personnel
• Dependable attendance and commitment to safe equipment operation
• Ability to meet LeMoyen’s operator-training and authorization requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Knuckle boom or log-loader experience in a sawmill, log yard, forestry, or wood-products operation
• Experience sorting and staging logs by production requirements
• Experience working around log trucks, wheel loaders, and other mobile equipment
• Basic understanding of hydraulic equipment and operator-level preventive maintenance

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to safely enter, exit, and remain in the operator station for extended periods
• Ability to inspect equipment and access routine service points
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, dust, noise, and changing ground conditions
• Ability to wear required PPE and remain alert throughout the shift

To apply, submit a résumé or work history identifying the knuckle boom, grapple, crane, or log-handling equipment you have operated.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person