950 Loader Operator Plywood L4

Swanson Group, Inc.•Springfield, OR

20h•$24•Onsite

About The Position

Since our founding in 1951, Swanson Group has proudly remained a multigenerational, family-owned company. We are committed to fostering a welcome and supportive workplace where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. At Swanson Group, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working alongside dedicated employees who share a passion for excellence. We believe in building a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and long-term success. Explore our current job openings and discover how you can become a valued member of the Swanson Group family today! Job Description: Springfield Plywood and Veneer Position Title: Loader Operator/Vat Loader Reports to: Green End Supervisor Department: SPW Log Processing Wage: Level 4 $23.77 Shift: Swing Employee works as a part of a two-person team with the focus of keeping several machine centers operating by prioritizing and communicating with the other operator. This will allow the smooth operation of the Lathe infeed, Bucksaw bins, steam vats and peeler core bunks.

Requirements

Must have excellent hand eye coordination.
Use vision/hearing continuously.
Reading and speech required to communicate comprehension of Job Hazard Analysis, machine specific lockout procedures, monthly safety training, etc.
Worker generally works alone with little supervision.
Operators must be self-directed in identifying and efficiently completing each task.
Ability to prioritize, organize and make necessary decisions.

Responsibilities

The employee operates a front end loader by manipulating levers and joysticks which control the clamping, lifting and releasing of the loader clamps using hands and feet.
The main function of the loader operator is to move 8’long logs that range from 6” diameter to 60” in diameter
The operator must keep the bunks of the Bucksaw emptied on a regular basis by lifting and removing blocks and placing them in the appropriate location.
The Operator works with the supervisor to determine whether the blocks are loaded into the steam vats or if they are to be stacked on the ground.
The employee loads the steam vats by driving the machine into the steam vat tunnel and manipulates levers to release the blocks from the clamps of the Front End Loader. Once there is enough wood in the vat the operator position the Loader in front of the pile and pushes the pile of blocks into the back wall of the vat which causes the blocks to stack higher. This pushing process is done about every six lifts and is done up against the stacked blocks as the back wall will be behind the first set of pushed blocks.
Once the Vats are fully loaded, the operator is responsible for closing vat doors and turning on the hot water.
Based on shift operations individual Vats will be unloaded by the operator for peeling purposes. This is performed by driving the loader into the vat and manipulating levers to open the clamps of the Front End Loader to fill the clamp with blocks. The operator backs the loader out of the vat and drives the hot steamed blocks to the infeed of the Lathe. The operator lifts the blocks in the air using levers to move the clamp of the loader up to place the blocks on the infeed conveyor chains.
The operator must monitor the peeler core bunk and empty as needed by following the same procedure as the Bucksaw bunk. The peeler cores are taken to the core trailer area and loaded into the bunks on the core trailer. This is done by manipulating levers to lift the clamp up over the bunks on the trailer and to release the clamp allowing the peeler cores to fall into the bunk.
The operator is responsible for keeping the front end load fluids at proper levels for safe operation. Daily inspections lists are to be filled out and turned in to supervisor.
Once peeler core trailers are loader the operator will count all of the cores on the trailer using paint. Place chip cores on splitter chipper incline
The worker may be required to rotate to different positions for cross training purposes or to facilitate production. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual job descriptions.
Assist Co-Workers or maintenance personnel in basic maintenance and upkeep of machine.