Kiln Operator

Columbia Forest Products • Dover, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Pro Pallet, LLC is seeking an experienced Kiln Operator for its Dover team in Central Pennsylvania. The role safely and efficiently operates the kiln, follows heat-treatment procedures and applicable company, American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC), and Timber Products requirements, maintains accurate documentation, and supports the company's heat-treat certification. The position also includes forklift operation and truck-loading duties, equipment and work-area upkeep, and coordination with dispatch and manufacturing teams. Pay is $15–$18 per hour, depending on experience.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, starting at 7:00 AM and continuing until all duties are completed. Overtime may be required, and the operator must remain on-site until loading and kiln operations are finished for the day.

Requirements

• Experience as a Kiln Operator.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining safety and accuracy.
• Dependability and responsibility, with the ability to work independently.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with dispatch, supervisors, and other team members.
• Willingness to work overtime as necessary and stay until all tasks are finished.
• Ability to operate a forklift safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Safely load and unload the kiln while maintaining proper airflow, capacity, safety, and efficiency.
• Monitor kiln probes and ensure they are properly placed, in good condition, and seated correctly.
• Inspect heat-treated pallets for compliance with ALSC, Timber Products, and company requirements, including bark removal and proper blackout of heat-treatment stamps.
• Operate the kiln computer, address error codes, and perform 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 customer service.
• Review Timber Products inspection reports for previous violations and participate in monthly inspection processes.
• Maintain and reorder kiln-related supplies and equipment, including ink, ink pads, stamps, and paint.
• Operate the forklift safely and efficiently.
• Load trucks tightly and securely, and strap pallets before leaving for the day.
• Follow delivery requirements such as stencil numbers, stack height, banding, and heat treatment.
• Coordinate with dispatch and the jockey truck driver regarding equipment needs and loading schedules.
• Accurately document trailer numbers and counts, report damaged pallets to dispatch for repair, and review daily run sheets with dispatch.
• 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.
• Follow company safety guidelines and maintain safe working habits.
• Review kiln load sheets daily to verify counts, sizes, and customer names.
• Remain on-site until loading and kiln operations are complete, 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