How to hire a yarder operator

How to hire a yarder operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step yarder operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a yarder operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new yarder operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The yarder operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A yarder operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, yarder operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of yarder operators.

   Type of Yarder Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Yarder Operator	Material moving machine operators use machinery to transport various objects. Some operators move construction materials around building sites or excavate earth from a mine... Show more	$15-24
   Machine Operator/Forklift Operator	A machine operator/forklift operator is responsible for operating industrial trucks to move merchandise around the warehouse facilities and other assigned areas. Machine operators/forklift operators also assist with inventory tasks by scanning orders and ensuring the correct merchandise for shipment... Show more	$12-18
   Material Handler/Forklift Operator	A material handler and forklift operator is responsible for transporting and storing various kinds of goods, even including fragile or hazardous shipments. The duties and location will vary depending on the line of work or industry involved... Show more	$13-21

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Rules
   • Yard Operations
   • Loaders
   • Logistics
   • Pallets
   • Yard Equipment
   • Safety Procedures
   • DOT
   • CDL
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Yard Dog
   • Rail Cars
   • General Maintenance
   • Inventory Control

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Lead and manage a team of 20 highly skil logistics technicians and transportation operators.
   • Load and unload trucks, sorting materials, build, repair, tear down of pallets.
   • operate heavy equipment such as, mini loaders, front end loaders, bobcats, forklifts, excavator.
   • Lead weekly conference calls with internal logistics centers to discuss vendor performance and current or future business.
   • Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
   • Deliver pallet trailers to designate location

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your yarder operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A yarder operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, yarder operators' average salary in vermont is 34% less than in north dakota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level yarder operators earn 37% less than senior-level yarder operators.
   • Certifications. A yarder operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a yarder operator's salary.

   Average yarder operator salary

   $41,245yearly

   $19.83 hourly rate

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   Entry-level yarder operator salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a yarder operator job description

   A yarder operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a yarder operator job description:

   Yarder operator job description example

   National Energy is looking for a strong, motivated Wood Yard Operator to join our team in McBain, MI. The Wood Yard Operator will report directly to the Wood Yard Manager.
   
   The Wood Yard Operator is responsible for the safe operation of all fuel yard equipment required to receive and unload railcars, sort, grind, stack, transport fuel, and maintain storage for power plant operations. Wood Yard Operator will also inspect and perform preventative and minor maintenance on mobile equipment and conveyor systems when not unloading railcars or fueling the plant.
   
   Safety is a core value of National Energy. In this position, the Wood Yard Operator will have strict targets to meet but will ensure all work is performed in a safe manner and in continued compliance with established procedures and OSHA regulations.
   
   Operate fuel and/or ash handling equipment which may include wheel loaders, skid steers, trucks, grapples, booms, grinders and various machinery in a safe and efficient manner
   
   Receive, unload, mix, stage, grind, and stack/store fuel in a manner consistent with established fuel handling procedures.
   
   Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on mobile/fuel equipment routinely and thoroughly.
   Maintain accurate operational logs on mobile equipment, as required. Maintain a clean and safe work area; regularly cleans, sweeps and picks up conveyor spillage; unplugs choke points; reports or resolves any unsafe conditions immediately. Must perform consistent and accurate work. Clean mobile and fuel yard equipment as required. Perform inspection and maintenance activities on all equipment in accordance with established schedules, or as needed. Reclaim fuel as necessary to support overall plant operation. Perform scale house functions, including obtaining and labeling fuel samples, as required. Assist with plant operation and maintenance, as required. Capable of performing several routine duties involving various procedures which require minor decisions. Participate in required safety/regulatory training. Participate in various company provided proficiency training programs in addition to on-going job training. Interface with Operations and Maintenance teams. Perform other duties as assigned. Working Conditions: The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while successfully performing the essential functions of the job.
   
   Spends nearly 100% of time in an outside environment subject to extreme heat or extreme cold during shift. There is sufficient noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and vapors from fuels and other substances, heavy machinery operations, rotating equipment, electrical energy, high pressure steam, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and moving heavy equipment. Employees must be physically able to perform the following: o Lift/move 50lbs routinely o Lift/move 60-70lbs occasionally o Climb ladders o Must not fear heights o Stoop o Kneel o Ability to pass medical evaluation annually for possible respirator use o Partake in company monthly random drug and alcohol testing o Eyesight at 20/20 with or without corrective lenses Mental/Emotional Demands of the job: Performing repetitive or short cycle work. Working alone or apart, in physical isolation from others as well as the ability to work with others. Working under specific instructions. Ability to make decisions and judgements that require critical thinking skills Dealing with changing priorities. Working under pressure to meet specific deadlines. Dealing with unplanned schedule changes, call-ins and prolonged working hours. This role is part of a very limited sized staff which requires dropping the job at hand to assist elsewhere in the plant on short notice, which adds extra stress to an already stressful daily routine. Minimum Requirements: Must have a high school diploma or GED. Basic mechanical knowledge. Physical ability to operate a motor vehicle and heavy equipment. Must possess a valid state of Michigan driver’s license. Must be able to demonstrate safe operation of all heavy equipment in the fuel yard after completing company training. Must have reliable transportation to and from work and the ability to show up to work on scheduled dates on time. Preferred Experience: Experience in biomass fuel yard operations. Experience with rail car unloading. Experience with grinding operations. Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Excellent English written and verbal communication skills. Ability to pass all post-offer company tests to include but not be limited to: drug testing and background checks. This job description is not intended to be comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. Duties and responsibilities may change without notice. This is a nonexempt position.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find yarder operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any yarder operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level yarder operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your yarder operator job on Zippia to find and recruit yarder operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with yarder operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new yarder operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the yarder operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new yarder operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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