Friction Crane / Friction Yarder Operator
Granite Construction Company
Everson, WA
JOB DETAILS
JOB TYPE
Full-time, Employee
SKILLS
Collective Bargaining, Communication Skills, Crane, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Federal Laws and Regulations, Forestry and Logging Machinery, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, Maintenance Services, Mine Operations, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Mining Equipment and Machinery, Operations Planning, Preventative Maintenance, Safety Compliance, Safety Standards, Safety Training, Safety/Work Safety, State Laws and Regulations, Team Player
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION
0
LOCATION
Everson, WA
POSTED
30+ days ago
Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.
General Summary
The Friction Yarder Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating a friction yarder within a sand and gravel mining operation. This role involves the movement and handling of materials, equipment, and overburden using cable yarding systems. The operator maintains and inspects equipment, adheres to safety standards, and works collaboratively with production teams to ensure optimal material extraction and site management.
Granite is a union signatory contractor and this position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Essential Job Accountabilities
• Operate friction yarder equipment to transport sand, gravel, and overburden from extraction points to designated areas or processing facilities.
• Set up, adjust, and dismantle yarder systems, including rigging cables, blocks, and anchors as necessary for varied terrain and operational requirements.
• Perform routine inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on yarder equipment to ensure operational readiness and safety compliance.
• Monitor cable tension, yarder alignment, and load stability during operations to prevent equipment failure or unsafe conditions.
• Communicate effectively with ground crew and other operators using hand signals, radios, or other established methods to coordinate movements and ensure safe operations.
• Document daily activities, equipment usage, maintenance performed, and any incidents or near-misses according to company protocols.
• Comply with all company, state, and federal safety regulations and participate in ongoing safety training and drills.
• Assist with other site operations as needed, including equipment relocation, site clean-up, and material stockpiling.
Education
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or certifications in heavy equipment operation preferred.
Work Experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience operating friction yarders or similar cable logging/mining equipment in an industrial or mining environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Strong understanding of yarder mechanics, rigging, and safe operating procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret site maps, operational plans, and safety instructions.
• Physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and to lift, carry, or move heavy objects as required.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work, day, swing, and night shifts (occasionally extended hours).
• Ability to work in safety sensitive setting, including exposure to moving machinery and heavy equipment.
• Ability to obtain an MSHA certificate as required for the job.
• Comply, understand, and support corporate safety initiatives to ensure a safe work environment.
• Ability and willingness to abide by Granite's Code of Conduct daily.
Physical Demands
• Must be able to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and crawl for extended periods of time.
• Possess physical strength to operate heavy and power-driven equipment.
• Coordinate the use of eyes, hands, arms, and legs fully. Work easily and skillfully with hands.
• Vision - ability to see details at close range and details at a distance (either naturally or with correction).
• Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of machines or vehicle to exact positions
• Ability to judge the distance between you and an object
About the Company
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