Utility Operator

Northwest Hardwoods Inc•Hacker Valley, WV

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Northwest Hardwoods is a manufacturer of hardwood lumber and a global supplier to the furniture, cabinet, molding, and millwork industries. The Utility Operator is a hands-on, cross-functional role supporting safe, reliable, and efficient sawmill and manufacturing operations. The operator works across plant positions, including operating the wood chipper, debarker, and trimmer, and filling in as a Green Chain puller. The role involves following safety procedures and using required PPE, lockout/tagout, and fall protection; learning and safely operating mill equipment; monitoring material flow and identifying blockages, equipment issues, and quality concerns; and carrying out routine inspections, maintenance, and cleanup. The Utility Operator communicates with coworkers, operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors, cross-trains and fills in where needed, and arrives reliably with assigned equipment ready before production begins.

Requirements

Effectively communicate with managers and coworkers.
Be able to perform strenuous and heavy work.
Be flexible in work hours.
Follow the NWH Attendance Policy.
Have previous experience in lumber manufacturing or lumber material handling.

Nice To Haves

A strong work ethic and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
Enjoyment of hands-on, physically active work.
Strong attention to detail and pride in doing the job right the first time.
A strong attendance record and dependable, reliable work habits.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Comfort working independently as well as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Operate the wood chipper, debarker, and trimmer, and fill in as a Green Chain puller.
Follow safety procedures and use required PPE, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and fall protection.
Learn and safely operate the chipper, debarker, trimmers, edgers, and other mill equipment.
Monitor the flow of logs, lumber, cants, slabs, and edger strips throughout the mill.
Identify material blockages, equipment issues, and quality concerns, and communicate them to appropriate personnel.
Perform routine equipment inspections and maintenance, including greasing bearings, monitoring component wear, changing chipper knives when trained, cleaning equipment, and reporting maintenance concerns.
Keep work areas clean and organized by removing debris, trash, bark buildup, and material obstructions; perform general cleanup and groundskeeping as needed.
Communicate and work effectively with coworkers, operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors.
Cross-train, fill in at different mill positions, and assist with other duties as needed.
Maintain reliable attendance, arrive on time, and ensure assigned equipment is ready for operation before production begins.