Saw Filer Trainee

About the role

Northwest Hardwoods, Inc., the leading North American manufacturer of hardwood lumber and a global supplier of panel products, is seeking a full‑time Saw Filer Trainee for its Dorchester, WI facility. This entry‑level position is designed for an individual with strong mechanical aptitude who wants to develop saw filing skills in a sawmill manufacturing environment. The trainee will support the filing room and sawmill operations by learning to inspect, maintain, sharpen, repair, and change saws, knives, and related cutting tools. Reporting to the Sawmill Supervisor, the role emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn basic saw filing practices, procedures, tools, and equipment.
• Assist with inspection, cleaning, sharpening, and preparation of saws and knives.
• Grind, swage, shape, and maintain band saws, round saws, and chipper knives.
• Change saws, canter knives, and related cutting tools under training.
• Identify wear, damage, alignment concerns, and other saw‑related issues.
• Maintain filing room equipment, tools, and work areas.
• Develop understanding of how saw condition impacts lumber quality, recovery, and production performance.
• Support filing room activities to maintain safe and efficient sawmill operations.
• Assist experienced saw filers and sawmill employees with assigned tasks.
• Recognize saw‑related production issues, including lumber marking or off‑size lumber.
• Communicate equipment, saw, knife, or quality concerns to the Sawmill Supervisor or experienced team members.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work rules; use proper personal protective equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe filing room and work area; report unsafe conditions promptly.
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to learn saw filing and sawmill operations; accept coaching and feedback.
• Build technical knowledge through hands‑on training and daily work experience.
• Work cooperatively with team members to support production and maintenance needs.
• Show dependability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic; support continuous improvement by identifying issues and helping solve problems.

Requirements

• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn saw filing skills.
• Basic understanding of safe work practices in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and training guidance.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Effective communication with supervisors and team members.
• Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical work for extended periods.
• Availability to work primarily day shift with flexibility for other shifts, overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules as needed.
• Strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to learn new skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in a sawmill, wood products, manufacturing, or industrial setting.
• Exposure to saw filing, filing room work, saw maintenance, or cutting tools.
• Mechanical knowledge or hands‑on mechanical experience.
• Grinding, machining, or similar shop‑related experience.
• Understanding of sawmill manufacturing processes.
• Interest in developing a long‑term skill set within saw filing or sawmill operations.