Supervisor - Boiler/Kiln

Vaagen Brothers Lumber Co Inc•Colville, WA

10h•$85,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

Vaagen Bros. Lumber Inc. is a family-owned wood products manufacturer that has operated in northeastern Washington for over 70 years. We heavily believe in continuous improvement and respect for people and are currently in a Lean transformation. We operate sawmills in Colville and Usk, WA. Vaagen Bros. currently employs over 175 employees. The primary role of the Supervisor position in the Boiler/Kiln department. is to lead the team, creating a culture of teamwork and cooperation between major processing segments and integration of operating personnel and maintenance staff. A successful candidate will be able to elevate company practices, achieve production goals, and problem solve, while working closely with team members across all mill sites. This position is responsible for the steady flow of inventory through the lumber drying process with a continued focus on safety and productivity.

Requirements

Specialized training or college courses in manufacturing or boiler technology
5+ years in a leadership role overseeing personnel
5+ years in a manufacturing plant environment (lumber manufacturing a plus)
5+ years’ experience in a boiler or environment role, preferred
Lumber drying experience, preferred
Excellent in a team environment, with exceptional communication skills
Self-directed leader, safe leadership record, and can coach, teach, and train others to be leaders
Working knowledge of CMMS, Microsoft Suite, and Parts
Problem solving, technical troubleshooting, communication, planning, and organization skills
Strong computer skills, including knowledge in Microsoft products
Ensure safe work practices & follow safety procedures
Dependable and reliable with a good attendance record
Ability to streamline processes and cut waste within area of responsibility
Lean techniques and experience preferred
Safe work record, good attendance record
Must be 18+ years old to work in an industrial sawmill environment
Must have HS Diploma/GED
Must be able to continuously stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders safely. The weight required to be lifted each normal workday may occasionally exceed fifty (50) pounds at a time
Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. However, having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from consideration for the job. Records will be considered based on the requirements of RCW 9.96A.020, RCW 43.43, WAC
Must be able to successfully pass a drug test and pre-employment physical exam
This is a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death

Nice To Haves

Lumber manufacturing a plus
5+ years’ experience in a boiler or environment role, preferred
Lumber drying experience, preferred
Lean techniques and experience preferred

Responsibilities

Promote safety to the team members and be an example of taking the lead in putting safety 1st
Coach, teach, and train team members - including documentation, disciplinary, hiring, training, project management, maintenance, schedules, and coordination with other departments
Monitoring the drying process with a focus on safety, quality, reliability, and production
Operate boiler systems to achieve safe and environmentally sound steam production to meet plant heat, drying needs, and power production
Responsible for Environmental Compliance
Weekly Gemba Walks with Plant Manager, occasional Gemba Walks with other team members
Creating, tracking, and achieving department metric goals
Creates pride, ownership, and trust within the department and amongst operating departments
Analyzes, identifies causes, and implements corrective action on potential issues or malfunctions
Monitors line efficiency for maintaining targets for process improvements
Understanding of company profit, value, and cost analysis
Coaching and developing personnel with lean manufacturing principles including 6S, A3 thinking, managing for daily improvement, visual management, and other lean tools
Department metric tracking and problem solving to reach metrics
Ensure team members have good rapport with other departments, cross training is sufficient for support, and that all departments share common goals
Attend a variety of daily huddles and Supervisor operating meetings
Determine how systems should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes
Ensure proper placement of units and rotate inventory to maintain quality
Respond promptly to any emergency situations or equipment failures to minimize downtime and prevent safety hazards
Monitor kiln loading practices, correct issues, and communicate proper kiln loading practices
Assist in training and mentoring employees
Support Lean improvements and projects
Know, Understand, and Apply the Lock-out Tag-out procedures
Maintain a clean and safe work area.
Ensure tools, supplies, and equipment are always in their “home locations”
Maintain lines of communication with other team members
Other duties as assigned