Kiln Operator

Columbia Forest Products • Dover, PA

5d • $15 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

Pro Pallet, LLC, a full-service wood products company located in Central Pennsylvania, is hiring an experienced Kiln Operator for its Dover team. The role operates and loads the kiln, supports heat-treatment compliance and certification, documents kiln activities, and coordinates with dispatch, operations, loaders, and manufacturing. It also includes forklift and truck-loading duties, equipment and loading-area upkeep, and adherence to safety guidelines. The schedule is Monday through Friday, starting at 7:00 AM and continuing until duties are completed; overtime may be required. Pay is $15–$18 per hour depending on experience.

Requirements

• Experienced Kiln Operator.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining safety and accuracy.
• Dependable and responsible, with the ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills for working with dispatch, supervisors, and other team members.
• Willingness to work overtime as necessary and stay until all tasks are finished.

Responsibilities

• Safely and efficiently load, unload, and operate the kiln according to company policies and applicable ALSC and Timber Products regulations.
• Ensure proper airflow and maximum kiln capacity while maintaining safety and efficiency.
• Monitor probes and ensure they are properly placed, in good condition, and seated in the kiln.
• Inspect heat-treated pallets for compliance, including removal of bark and proper blackout of heat-treatment stamps.
• Operate the kiln computer and address error codes by performing necessary tasks, such as changing probes.
• Accurately document kiln activities, including pallet sizes, quantities, customer names, and board footage.
• Communicate with dispatch, operations, loaders, and manufacturing to provide timely, compliant service to customers.
• Stay informed about previous violations through Timber Products inspection reports and participate in monthly inspections.
• Maintain and reorder kiln-related supplies and equipment, including ink, ink pads, stamps, and paint.
• Operate a forklift safely and efficiently.
• Load trucks tightly and securely and ensure pallets are strapped before leaving for the day.
• Follow delivery requirements, including stencil numbers, stack height, banding, and heat treatment.
• Coordinate with dispatch and the jockey truck driver regarding equipment needs and loading schedules.
• Document trailer numbers and counts accurately and notify dispatch of damaged pallets requiring repair.
• Review daily run sheets with dispatch for accuracy.
• Inspect flatbed straps, replace damaged straps, and use the correct number of straps for each load.
• Keep the dock, apron, and flatbed loading area clean and organized.
• Report trailer issues, such as holes or steel entrance plate repairs, to management.
• Maintain safe work habits and follow company safety guidelines.
• Review kiln load sheets daily to verify counts, sizes, and customer names.
• Remain on-site until loading and kiln operations are completed, including strapping completed flatbeds before leaving.
• Work overtime and beyond regular hours as needed to meet operational demands.
• Maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

What This Job Offers

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