Careers: Heavy Equipment Operator

Job Title: Heavy Equipment Operator

Location: Project Specific (CA-Based) – Travel Required

Reports to: Foreman / Superintendent

Compensation Range: $25 – $35 hourly (based on experience and qualifications)

Other Compensation: Per-Diem and lodging provided

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

CTL Forestry – A Ceres Company

CTL (Cut-to-Length) Forestry utilizes the most efficient and low-impact logging techniques to compete in the forest management industry. CTL is an expert in post-fire hazard tree removal, wildfire fuel reduction, logging operations, vegetative and erosion control, and wetland and natural resource restoration.

Currently, CTL is pursuing a bold and measurable strategy to become the national leader at the intersection of private enterprise and public need. This involves working closely with federal and state agencies, tribal partners, and conservation organizations, while also building strong relationships with downstream mills, biomass facilities, and emerging wood product innovators.

The Ceres Global Commitment

Open Doors. Secure Millions. Rebuild Communities.

Ceres Global is a network of companies delivering integrated solutions in infrastructure, power, environmental services, and community resilience. Founded in 1976, Ceres has grown from a Midwest operation to a global enterprise with nine offices across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, India, and New Zealand.

With $2 billion in bonded project capacity and nearly 50 years of experience, Ceres Global serves clients worldwide through specialized units in disaster recovery, electrical infrastructure, power generation, heavy civil construction, environmental restoration, and materials recovery. These units operate as one cohesive force, combining local insight, shared resources, and global expertise to create lasting impact

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At Ceres Global, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope and helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We don’t just respond to challenges – we rise to them.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, growth opportunities, travel, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork.

What We Are Looking For

CTL Forestry is seeking skilled Heavy Equipment Operators to support forestry operations, debris removal, hazard mitigation, logging activities, and environmental restoration projects.

This role is critical to safe, effective field operations. Operators must be able to work in fast-paced, outdoor environments, maneuver a variety of heavy equipment with precision, and maintain strong safety discipline while completing mission-critical work that supports community resilience and natural resource restoration.

What You Will Do

Safely operate a wide range of forestry, logging, and heavy equipment including:
Excavator, bulldozer, wheel loader (with grapple/log fork), skid steer, track loader, logging harvester, chipper, industrial shredder, grapple skidder, log loader, track chipper, forwarder, grader, masticator, sennebogen, feller buncher, spider lift, and tree handler.
Operate equipment according to company standards and manufacturer specifications.
Follow all safety practices, OSHA requirements, and worksite/traffic laws.
Maneuver equipment using hand and foot controls with precision.
Work in difficult or hazardous environments including steep terrain, dense vegetation, post-fire landscapes, and extreme weather.
Complete assigned work efficiently and within project timelines.
Perform routine maintenance: greasing, oiling, fueling, and minor repairs.
Conduct daily equipment inspections before and after operation.
Report major repair needs to supervisors or technicians.
Load and unload heavy equipment; may transport equipment if qualified.
Maintain a clean work area and properly secure equipment.
Follow written and verbal instructions for task completion.
Work effectively with foremen, supervisors, and coworkers.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of field operations.

Success in This Role Will Be Measured By

Safe, accident-free operation of equipment in all environments.
Timely, high-quality execution of assigned tasks.
Effective use and care of company equipment.
Strong adherence to OSHA and company safety policies.
Reliable attendance, communication, and teamwork.
Ability to adapt to changing field conditions and project demands.
Contribution to a safe, productive, and mission-driven field team.

Required Qualifications

2–3+ years of experience operating logging, forestry, or heavy equipment.
Ability to follow detailed written and oral instructions.
Strong situational awareness in hazardous environments.
Ability to regularly lift 50 lbs or more.
Ability to work outdoors year-round in varying weather.
Ability to work around poisonous plants and noxious vegetation.
Demonstrated safety and productivity discipline.
Reliable, punctual, and consistent availability.
Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Commercial CDL (Class A or B).
Certifications in heavy equipment repair or maintenance.
Experience in forestry, disaster recovery, logging, or debris operations.
Willingness to work long hours as needed.
Strong judgment and accuracy in high-pressure environments.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, and balance in varying conditions.
Must be able to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and talk or hear.
Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Must have specific vision abilities to include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, etc.
Ability to work in challenging environments including but not limited to adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, exposure to mechanical parts, wet and/or humid conditions, high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock and vibration, and loud noise levels.
Commitment to following safety standards and protocols.

Work Environment

Regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and outdoor elements.
Frequent exposure to heat, dust, vibration, and loud noise.
Occasional exposure to wet/humid conditions, cold temperatures, or elevated work areas.
Worksite conditions may include steep slopes, post-fire terrain, or dense vegetation.

Why Join CTL Forestry?

At CTL Forestry, you won’t just have a job—you’ll have a mission. Your expertise will directly impact how we win projects, deliver results, and protect communities through responsible forest management.

We offer:

A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
Opportunities to influence both operations and business development.
The chance to make a lasting difference in forestry management and community resilience.

CTL Forestry is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.