Oiler

LED FastStart • Shreveport, LA

9d

About The Position

The Oiler is responsible for scheduled lubrication, inspection, and basic care of sawmill and planer mill equipment. The role follows established lubrication routes and preventive maintenance schedules to ensure each lubrication point receives the correct lubricant in the appropriate amount and at the proper time. The Oiler helps prevent breakdowns, reduce downtime, and extend equipment life by identifying and promptly reporting early signs of problems, such as hot bearings, leaks, or worn chains.

The position also involves maintaining accurate lubrication and maintenance records, keeping lubricant storage areas clean and organized, handling oils and related materials in accordance with company procedures and environmental regulations, and assisting maintenance personnel with repairs and preventive maintenance. The Oiler must follow company safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout, confined-space, fall-protection, and PPE requirements.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to read and follow lubrication charts, route sheets, preventive maintenance checklists, and written instructions.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and understanding of bearings, gearboxes, chains, and drives.
• Ability to use grease guns, oil transfer equipment, and basic hand tools.
• Ability to complete paperwork and work orders accurately and legibly.
• Willingness to follow Lockout/Tagout and all safety procedures without exception.
• Ability to work independently on an assigned route with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work any shift, weekends, down days, and overtime as needed.

Nice To Haves

• One or more years of experience as an oiler, lube technician, maintenance helper, or in a similar role in a sawmill, manufacturing, or heavy industrial setting.
• Knowledge of lubricant types, viscosity grades, and grease compatibility.
• Experience with automatic or centralized lubrication systems.
• Lubrication certification, such as ICML MLT I or MLA I, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Forklift or other powered industrial truck certification.
• Experience using a CMMS or computerized work order system.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled lubrication of mill equipment, including bearings, gearboxes, chains, sprockets, drives, conveyors, slides, and guides, according to lubrication routes and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Use the correct lubricant type, quantity, and application method for each lubrication point; do not mix or substitute lubricants without Maintenance approval.
• Check and top off oil levels in gearboxes, reservoirs, hydraulic units, and automatic lubrication systems.
• Fill and inspect automatic and centralized lubrication systems and report blocked lines, failed injectors, or empty reservoirs.
• Perform scheduled oil and filter changes on gearboxes, hydraulic systems, and other assigned equipment.
• Keep lubrication points, fittings, and grease lines clean, labeled, and accessible; replace damaged or missing fittings.
• Inspect equipment for abnormal heat, noise, vibration, leaks, loose guarding, worn chains or belts, and other signs of failure.
• Promptly report equipment problems to the Maintenance Supervisor and write work orders for deficiencies found.
• Identify and report oil and hydraulic leaks; assist with leak repair and cleanup.
• Take oil samples for analysis when required and record results.
• Complete lubrication route sheets, preventive maintenance checklists, and work orders accurately and on time.
• Record lubricant usage, oil and filter changes, and missed or inaccessible lubrication points.
• Recommend changes to lubrication routes, frequencies, or lubricant types based on equipment condition and history.
• Keep the lubrication room and oil storage areas clean, organized, and labeled.
• Monitor lubricant and filter inventory and notify the Storeroom or Maintenance Supervisor when supplies are low.
• Handle, store, and dispose of new and used oil, grease, filters, and absorbents in accordance with company procedures and environmental regulations.
• Clean up spills promptly and maintain spill kits.
• Assist Millwrights and other maintenance personnel with repairs and preventive maintenance as directed.
• Support down days and scheduled shutdowns by completing lubrication and oil-change work that requires equipment to be down.
• Follow all company safety rules, including Lockout/Tagout, confined-space, fall-protection, and PPE requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED