Lathe Operator

Columbia Forest Products, Inc.; Canada; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Forest Products, Inc. in Canada is seeking a Lathe Operator to operate veneer lathe equipment, adjust speeds, and set up to meet thickness specs while ensuring safety and quality.

You will follow safety procedures, participate in routine maintenance, and rotate with the team as needed, receiving hands-on training to advance to fully qualified operator roles.

Compensation is competitive and includes opportunities for skill development in a growing timber products facility.

Qualifications

• Must be able to operate veneer lathe equipment and control operating speeds.
• Capable of producing veneer that meets production targets.
• Able to monitor veneer quality and stop equipment to fix issues affecting grade/recovery.
• Able to set up and adjust lathe to achieve required veneer thickness.

Responsibilities

• Operate veneer lathe equipment and control operating speeds.
• Produce optimum veneer quality while meeting production targets.
• Monitor veneer quality and stop equipment to identify and correct issues that affect production or grade recovery.
• Set up and adjust the lathe to achieve required veneer thickness specifications.
• Identify mechanical and electrical deficiencies and report concerns promptly.
• Perform routine lathe maintenance and equipment inspections.
• Assist with knife changes, nose bar changes, and machine adjustments.
• Cross‑train and rotate with Reeler Operators and other team members as required.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow all company safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report equipment malfunctions and safety concerns to the Supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Safety consciousness

Production environment experience

Technical procedures learning

Reliability and attendance

Versatility to rotate roles

Job description

The Lathe Operator is responsible for operating and adjusting veneer lathe equipment to maximize veneer quality and production while maintaining a safe work environment. Successful candidates will receive extensive hands‑on training and progressively develop the skills required to become a fully qualified Lathe Operator.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate veneer lathe equipment and control operating speeds.
• Produce optimum veneer quality while meeting production targets.
• Monitor veneer quality and stop equipment to identify and correct issues that affect production or grade recovery.
• Set up and adjust the lathe to achieve required veneer thickness specifications.
• Identify mechanical and electrical deficiencies and report concerns promptly.
• Perform routine lathe maintenance and equipment inspections.
• Assist with knife changes, nose bar changes, and machine adjustments.
• Cross‑train and rotate with Reeler Operators and other team members as required.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow all company safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Report equipment malfunctions and safety concerns to the Supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong commitment to safety.
• Ability to work in a production manufacturing environment.
• Ability to learn technical operating procedures and equipment adjustments.
• Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.
• Ability to rotate into other positions as required.

Preferred

• Mechanical aptitude.
• Prior manufacturing, industrial, equipment operation, or maintenance experience.
• Experience working with precision equipment where accuracy and consistency are essential.