RELIEF OPERATOR

About the role

Rotate amongst machine centers throughout the workday to operate high-volume sawmill equipment and process raw timber into finished dimensional lumber.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate in-depth expertise and comprehensive knowledge of all sawmill machinery for efficient operation, monitoring, advanced troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Provide coverage for continuous operations by rotating to each machine center and relieve other machine operators.
• Maintain a consistent flow of materials through the machine centers, ensuring equipment operates at designated production rates.
• Perform regular inspections of processed lumber to ensure it meets dimensional specifications and quality standards.
• Perform basic machine adjustments and assist maintenance teams with saw or knife changes as required.
• Monitor machine performance and immediately report any mechanical issues, safety concerns, or production delays to the Supervisor.
• Consistently meet production quotas by streamlining material flow and performing routine equipment calibrations.
• Optimize lumber recovery by removing defects and squaring edges to maximize grade and volume.
• Manage the mechanical stacking of lumber for drying or further processing, ensuring stable and uniform loads.
• Secure finished lumber packs using automated strapping machines for safe transport and storage.
• Perform lockout/tagout procedures as required.
• Follow all safety procedures and policies, and work together with co-workers to ensure a safe working environment.
• Report all near misses, incidents, or potentially unsafe conditions to a supervisor.
• Ensure clean work areas by sweeping floors, picking up broken pieces of lumber, shoveling, and disposing of material or debris.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Language skills to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to speak effectively and professionally to customers or employees of an organization.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial equipment.
• Proven reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Work in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery and mechanical equipment, bark, sawdust, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures (hot, cold, humid).
• Wear hearing protection, hard hat, safety glasses, safety footwear, and a high‑visibility shirt/vest due to noise above PEL, falling hazards, and sawdust.
• Comply with OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required drug and alcohol testing procedures.
• Stand or walk for extended periods (8‑12‑hour shifts).
• Climb and descend steps, stairways, or ladders several times per shift.
• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. regularly and use hand tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Industrial machine operator experience.
• Previous machine operator experience in a sawmill or lumber treating facility or manufacturing experience preferred.