Entry Level Production Associate - Swing & Graveyard- Glendale, OR

Swanson Group, Inc. • Glendale, OR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dryer Feeder keeps the veneer dryer at least 97% full of quality veneer by feeding sheets into the dryer while maintaining safety and quality standards. The worker moves back and forth on a platform in front of stacks of green veneer, keeps pace with the dryer, and follows the Job Hazard Analysis, Standard Operating Procedures, and supervisor directions for safe and efficient plant operation. The role generally works with another puller and little supervision; operators are expected to identify and complete tasks independently.

The position includes operating pedals and buttons to move green veneer onto a scissors platform and maintain its height, clearing or assisting with dryer jams using required lockout/tagout procedures, supporting basic maintenance and weekly cleaning, and cleaning the work area during downtime, changeovers, and between shifts. Employees may also cover other dryer positions or rotate for cross-training as designated by the supervisor. The work is performed on 8-hour shifts, with two 10-minute breaks and a 20-minute lunch. Available shifts listed are day (6:45 A.M.–3:00 P.M.), swing (2:45 P.M.–11:00 P.M.), and graveyard (10:45 P.M.–7:00 A.M.).

The work environment is approximately 90% indoors and 10% outdoors, with temperatures averaging 80°F and ranging from 10°F to 105°F. The worker stands on a slightly elevated wooden or metal platform with rubber mats, near operating machinery and forklifts, with machine noise and limited dust. Required PPE includes eye and hearing protection, approved footwear, and Blue Atlas gloves when feeding re-dry veneer. The job requires continuous use of vision, hearing, arms, hands, and wrists; frequent bending, twisting, and reaching; and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 30 pounds. The maximum listed lifting weight without assistance is 50 pounds; lifting over 50 pounds is performed with assistance or lifting devices.

Requirements

• Successfully complete structured job training and testing to become a certified operator.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to use vision and hearing continuously, including peripheral vision to see trays and coworkers.
• Ability to read and speak to demonstrate comprehension of the Job Hazard Analysis, machine-specific lockout procedures, and safety training; reading and writing are required during safety training.
• Ability to work self-directed, prioritize and organize tasks, and make necessary decisions.
• Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including continuous standing and walking, frequent bending and twisting, and occasional lifting or carrying over 30 pounds.
• Follow the 14-step lockout/tagout procedure before maintenance, clearing jams, or entering machinery; maintain awareness of stored energy and keep body parts out of machinery.
• Use proper body mechanics, obtain help as needed, use required PPE, and maintain awareness and communication with coworkers.

Responsibilities

• Feed individual veneer sheets into the dryer, keeping it at least 97% full and maintaining production pace and quality.
• Move back and forth on the platform, align sheets, remove overlaps, ensure sheets are unstacked, and discard wane sheets as needed.
• Use pedals and buttons to move green veneer onto the scissors platform and maintain the appropriate platform height.
• Clear or assist with clearing dryer jams or blockages, following lockout/tagout procedures and using the dryer’s manual button operating system for power control.
• Cover other dryer employees and rotate to other positions for cross-training or production needs as directed by the supervisor.
• Assist coworkers or maintenance personnel with basic maintenance and dryer plug-ups; perform weekly greasing and oiling as necessary.
• Perform routine weekly dryer cleaning, including removing and replacing machine parts, washing debris from inside the dryer, and sorting debris into waste boxes.
• Clean veneer scrap and debris from the work area during downtime, changeovers, and between shifts using a broom, rake, or shovel.
• Communicate by radio when the dryer is down.
• Perform other production and cleaning duties assigned by the supervisor.
• Follow safety practices, use required PPE, communicate with coworkers, and complete required safety training.

Benefits

• Fuel pump access with gas at cost through payroll deduction
• 401(k) with company match
• HSA with company match
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance
• Virtual primary care and urgent care through First Stop Health, eligible from day one of employment for the employee and household

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed