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 Operator are to operate wheeled and log loaders, industrial wood grinders, mulch coloring machines and all other mechanical equipment or tools used to produce a variety of mulch wood and leaf products. At times, will be required to assist with loading mulch to clients and Kramer Tree vehicles in a safe and professional manner, also assist with unloading as needed. Participate in the processing of the materials hauled into Kramer Tree Specialists yard, The Mulch Department Operator will report directly to the Mulch Department Manager and support the mulch department by adhering to the best practices / procedural standard operation guidelines of the Mulch Department.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to work in all weather conditions in an outdoor work environment. 
• Ability to sit, walk or stand throughout the work day, dependent on work tasks and to safely get in and out of vehicles and equipment as needed.
• 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.
• Ability to maintain a clean and professional appearance of all equipment.
• 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.
• Provide and support on site and off site grinding and mulch production services, along with mulch delivery, brush/leaf pickup, root pruning or any other mulch services delegated by your supervisor.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized mulch yard for the safety and efficiency of KTS staff and clients.
• Actively participate in and comply with the Mulch Yard Fire Prevention process and procedures.
• Participate in department meetings to attain and provide constructive feedback targeted towards continuous improvement of department operations standard operating procedures.
• Comply with all Kramer Tree policies and guidelines such as smoking, appropriate attire, PPE etc.
• Assist in ensuring that trucks and equipment present a positive image to the public by their level of cleanliness and status of repair.
• 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. 
• Participate in the development of Department Standard Operation Procedures.  
• 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 the reduction of foreign materials entering the yard and contaminating the finished mulch product.
• Follow all procedures to mitigate off site dust drift from mulch production operations.
• Maintain clean grounds for delivery trucks to drive on and clearance of all necessary areas in the yard to ensure access to fire hydrants, water access points, water drainage and any other necessary space.

• Ability to identify problems and work in conjunction with others to implement effective solutions.
• 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 immediate supervisor
• Ability to sit, walk or stand for extended periods, in all types of weather depending on task at hand.
• 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.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 75 lbs.

• Current and Valid CDL class A with 5^th wheel endorsement (preferred)
• Ability to obtain or sustain a valid medical card
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical/drug screening
• Ability to work Saturdays and occasional adjusted work schedules dependent upon department demands
• Competent wheel loader skills (preferred)
• Excellent customer service skills