Utility Operator

Northwest Hardwoods • Hacker Valley, WV

1d

About The Position

The Utility Operator supports safe, reliable, and efficient sawmill and manufacturing operations at Northwest Hardwoods. This hands-on, cross-functional role operates the wood chipper, debarker, and trimmer, and fills in as a Green Chain puller. The operator may also learn and operate edgers and other mill equipment. The role monitors material flow, identifies blockages, equipment issues, and quality concerns, and communicates them to appropriate personnel. It also includes routine equipment inspections and maintenance, cleaning and groundskeeping, preparing assigned equipment before production, and assisting at different mill positions as needed. The work requires a safety-first mindset, attention to detail, reliable attendance, and the ability to perform strenuous physical work in a manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Effectively communicate with managers and coworkers.
• Ability to perform strenuous and heavy work.
• Flexibility in work hours.
• Follow the NWH Attendance Policy.
• Previous experience in lumber manufacturing or lumber material handling.
• Strong attention to detail, dependability, and a team-oriented work ethic.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, independently and as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating mill equipment; willingness to learn to safely operate the chipper, debarker, trimmers, edgers, and other mill equipment.
• Experience changing chipper knives, when trained.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment, lockout/tagout, and fall protection.
• Operate the chipper, debarker, and trimmers; fill in as a Green Chain puller; and learn to operate 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 and arrive on time, ready to work.
• Ensure assigned equipment is prepared for operation before production begins.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus opportunity based on company performance
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed