Jeff Wood wakes up every morning eager to go to work, and it’s not just because he gets to operate big machines, plows, and trucks. It’s because of the team he works with and the sense of purpose that drives him.
Wood, an Equipment Operator at Flathead County’s Road and Bridge Department, recently marked a five-year milestone with the county, a testament to both his dedication and the culture he’s found among his coworkers. Originally from Kalispell and raised in Bigfork, Wood has deep roots in the Flathead Valley. He chose to work for the county after a former employer encouraged him to apply, and it turned out to be the perfect fit.
“I’ve always loved big machines,” Wood said, recalling how his passion for heavy equipment led him to the Road and Bridge Department. “I’m never doing the same thing. New things are always thrown at you, and I get a chance to learn. Between paving, chipping, blading, nothing ever gets old.”
But for Wood, the work is only part of what makes his job fulfilling. The camaraderie and shared sense of mission with his colleagues have been equally impactful. “It’s the people I work for and get to work with as much as anything else,” he said. “I literally wake up every day and look forward to going to work and getting to see what’s on for that day.”
Wood speaks highly of the team culture at Road and Bridge, where mutual respect and a shared commitment to doing the job right set the tone. “These are guys who know what they’re doing and want to help you know too,” he explained. “Mistakes are part of the game and part of learning, and they understand that. They include you in figuring out how to do it better next time.”
As he reflects on his five years with the county, Wood expresses nothing but gratitude. “I feel so lucky I’ve found something I like so much,” he said. “Right now, I just love where I’m at.”
Jeff Wood’s milestone is more than just a career marker; it’s a celebration of finding one’s place in a team that values growth, hard work, and shared success. And for Wood, the road ahead is still full of opportunities, and plenty of big machines to operate.