Operator Grinder Support

Job Title: Grinder Support Operator

Location: Forest City, NC

Reports to: Grinding Operations Manager

Compensation Range: $23 - $28 hourly (depending on location, experience, skills, and qualifications)

Other Compensation: Per Diem and Lodging provided when traveling.

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

About Ceres Environmental Operations

Ceres Environmental Operations (CEO) is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At CEO, 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, helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork. If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

The Grinder Support Operator plays a critical role in supporting grinding and debris processing operations during disaster recovery and environmental projects. This role is part of field operations and works closely with equipment operators, site supervisors, and logistics teams to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous grinding operations. This position does not typically manage direct reports but is essential in supporting crew productivity, safety compliance, and operational effectiveness.

What You Will Do

• Support grinding operations by staging, sorting, and feeding debris materials to grinding equipment.
• Assist equipment operators to ensure continuous workflow and minimize operational downtime.
• Inspect incoming materials and remove contaminants or prohibited items prior to processing.
• Maintain safe work zones around grinding equipment and enforce proper safety protocols.
• Perform routine site cleanup, including removal of debris buildup and maintaining organized work areas.
• Communicate effectively with operators, supervisors, and team members to coordinate daily activities.
• Conduct basic equipment checks and report maintenance or safety concerns promptly.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, company safety standards, and site-specific requirements.
• Support loading, unloading, and transporting of materials and equipment as needed.
• Assist with mobilization and demobilization of grinding operations at project sites.

Required Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in construction, forestry, debris management, or heavy equipment support roles.
• Ability to work safely in high-risk environments around heavy machinery.
• Proven ability to follow safety procedures and operational instructions.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor, including lifting, carrying, and working on uneven terrain.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including extended shifts and travel as required for disaster response.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting grinding, chipping, or land clearing operations.
• Familiarity with debris management or disaster recovery operations.
• OSHA 10 or similar safety certifications.
• Experience operating light equipment such as skid steers or loaders.

What to Expect

In this role, you will primarily work outdoors at active grinding and debris management sites, often in challenging conditions that may include noise, dust, heat, or uneven terrain. The pace of work is fast and driven by operational demands, particularly during disaster response efforts.

You will work closely with a team of operators and field personnel, playing a hands-on role in keeping operations running efficiently. Travel may be frequent, and schedules can vary based on project timelines and emergency response needs, including extended hours or weekends. A strong commitment to safety, adaptability, and teamwork is essential for success in this environment.

Physical Requirements and Environment

Ceres provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs, as required by law. The physical requirements listed below reflect the essential functions of this role. If you need accommodation to perform these functions, please inform us during the application process.

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Specific vision abilities to include close vision, distance vision, peripheral awareness, and depth perception for safe equipment support.
• Willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including hard hat, hearing protection, protective eyewear, gloves, and steel-toed boots.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions, loud environments, and around heavy machinery.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.
• Commitment to following safety standards and protocols.

Why Join CEO?

At CEO, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission. Your work will directly impact the speed and strength of community recovery after disasters.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.

Ceres Environmental Operations 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 or expression, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position unless stated otherwise.

E-Verify

We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.