Kiln Operator

About the role

Hood Industries, Inc. is a blend of wood manufacturing and distribution concerns that include plywood and lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations, located in fifteen states serving the northeast, southeast and southwest United States. We are seeking an exceptional person for a Kiln Operator at our sawmill located in Bogalusa, LA. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining four wood-drying kilns on our day and night shifts.

Responsibilities

• Must break down Kiln chargers and place them in the proper shed.
• Loading (using front-end loader) bark/sawdust.
• Using data to verify lumber is dried to specifications.
• Making general repairs and performing preventive maintenance tasks as needed (changing Kiln cartwheels, repairing baffle cords, etc.)
• Properly recording all required data

Qualifications

• Prior experience independently operating highly technical equipment in a production environment.
• The ideal applicant will have experience making adjustments to equipment and processes based on feedback obtained through monitoring specific data parameters, reading instruments/gauges; and responding to alarms, etc.
• Previous experience operating a Kiln is preferred but not required.
• Proven mechanical aptitude/ability to diagnose and fix common maintenance issues and perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Able to push, pull, and move 50+ pounds.
• Climb ladders and work at elevated heights (sometimes requiring the use of a fall protection harness).
• Safely work around extremely high temperatures.
• Prior experience operating heavy equipment (front-end loader, forklift, etc.).
• Able to work a rotating night shift including weekends.
• Have a proven job history of staying at most jobs for a long period.
• Exceptional attendance record at current or previous jobs.
• Must be flexible in scheduling.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.

Benefits

• Medical
• Employee assistance program
• Dental
• Vision
• Cancer
• Life
• Flexible spending account
• LTD
• Available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment.

Pay

Starting pay rate of $20.37/hr., plus a night differential.

Schedule

Able to work a rotating night shift including weekends; must be flexible in scheduling.