DESCRIPTION:

The following is a list of specific duties, which are essential functions of the Mulch Department Operator position.  The list is not exhaustive as all positions at Kramer Tree Specialists are dynamic. This is consistent with our need to be flexible and responsive to the needs of our customers. The employee who occupies this position is expected to assume any/all duties assigned by management irrespective of whether such duties are specifically included in this list.
 
MAJOR OBJECTIVES:
The main objectives of the Mulch Department Driver through the direction of the Mulch Department Manager are to operate the wide variety of trucks essential for mulch operations for the safe and prompt delivery of mulch products, hauling of heavy equipment, transferring of loads from brush or leaf collection crews to the yard for processing and\or utilizing a loader truck to haul brush from client locations to the yard for processing, in a manner consistent to current company’s best practices. Drivers are expected to exhibit professionalism by exercising caution, treating customers and the public with respect.
                                                                            
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assure that all loads are properly loaded in the appropriate trucks and that loads are safely secured.
• Assure that all necessary paperwork is completed daily.
• Preform equipment and vehicle pre-trip/post-trip inspection and accurately log in Daily Vehicle Inspection Record book
• Any repair or replacement of any gear should take place at the end of the workday so it does not interfere with a good morning start.
• Drivers shall report any defect or problem to shop staff and write them up in the VCR book.
• If drivers have recurring problems they shall be reported to Mulch Dept. Manager and he will investigate why the repairs are not being performed or if there is a lack of communication.
• Report any incident or injury to the Mulch Department Manager immediately.  
• Maintain consistent communication with dispatcher, fleet and office staff, and Mulch Department Manager
• Follow an established route plan utilizing Maps and\or GPS..
• Ability to work in all weather conditions in an outdoor work environment. 
• Ability to sit, walk or stand throughout the workday, dependent on work tasks and to safely get in and out of vehicles and equipment as needed.
• Participate in department meetings to attain and provide constructive feedback targeted towards continuous improvement of department operations standard operating procedures.
• Ability to maintain a personal professional appearance as stipulated in the employee handbook and report to work at designated schedule and times set forth by the Mulch Department Manager.
• Comply with all Kramer Tree policies and guidelines such as smoking, appropriate attire, PPE etc
• Provide and support on site and off site grinding and mulch production services, along with brush/leaf pickup, root pruning or any other mulch services delegated by your supervisor.
• Actively participate in the development, implementation, and presentation of safety training programs that are related to the proper selection and safe utilization of Kramer Tree Specialists vehicles and equipment.
• Assist in ensuring that trucks and equipment present a positive image to the public by their level of cleanliness and status of repair.
• Assist in the reduction of foreign materials entering the yard and contaminating the finished mulch product.
• Ability to operate all mulch yard equipment and vehicles safely and in accordance with training provided and adhere to all equipment manual operation guidelines and KTS standard operating procedures           
• Actively participate in and comply with the Mulch Yard Fire Prevention process and procedures.
• Actively participate in the snow removal program.  Providing support and assistance to assure that vehicles and equipment are functioning properly during snowstorms and that they are serviced adequately in preparation for upcoming storms. 
• Assist with the tree production department when necessary and as designated.

• Ability to identify problems and work in conjunction with others to implement effective solutions.
• Willingness to work in inclement weather conditions.
•  Ability and willingness to learn and operate equipment including but not limited to, wheel loaders, horizontal/tub grinders, colortrom, forklift, grapple loaders, or any other piece of equipment relative to mulch production and brush/leaf pickup services.
• Proficiency on CDL rules of the road.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 75 lbs.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 
• Bi-Lingual Preferred, but not required.
• Ability accurately complete all required paperwork and work orders as directed by the Mulch Department Manager

• One to Three Years of Driving Experience.
• Current and Valid CDL class A with 5^th wheel endorsement
• Ability to obtain or sustain a valid medical card
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical/drug screening
• Ability to work Saturdays.
• Competent wheel loader skills (preferred)
• Excellent customer service skills