Sawmill Operator - Veneer Sawmill

J.D. Irving, Limited; Saint-Leonard; On-site; CAD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Disability coverage

RRSP match

Career development

Apprenticeship opportunities

Employee assistance program

Travel discounts

Scholarship program

Free uniforms

Free parking

Growth opportunities within JDI

Job summary

J.D. Irving, Limited is seeking a Sawmill Operator to support the production process that turns logs into high-quality lumber. You will work with a team of production workers and skilled trades, gaining hands-on experience across multiple mill areas on a 12-hour day/night rotating schedule.

The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and the ability to learn new tasks while contributing to a busy, healthy work environment. Competitive benefits and growth opportunities are offered within JDI.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education or equivalent.
• Ability to safely perform physical work (lifting, pulling, sweeping) and work in a busy mill environment.
• Willingness to learn new tasks, adapt to rotating shifts and support team objectives.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety standards and lockout/tagout procedures.
• Clean equipment and maintain a tidy work area.
• Operate equipment and report issues to ensure continuous operation.
• Perform physical tasks such as lifting and stacking; support production needs.

Skills

Self-motivation

Independent work

Physical stamina

Positive attitude

Stress management

Tech curiosity

Rotating shifts

Education

Grade 12 education or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Are you ready to learn new skills, work safely and build a long-term career? As a Sawmill Operator, you’ll play a key role in supporting the production process that transforms logs into high-quality lumber.

Job Description

Are you ready to learn new skills, work safely and build a long-term career? As a Sawmill Operator, you’ll play a key role in supporting the production process that transforms logs into high-quality lumber.

In this position, you’ll work alongside a team of production workers and skilled trades professionals, gaining hands‑on experience across multiple areas of the mill. Training will include a variety of tasks such as machine operation, fire watch, stacking, cleaning, and more providing you with valuable skills and career growth opportunities.

This is an active job that requires teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work safely in a busy environment. You’ll work a full‑time rotating schedule of 12‑hour day and night shifts to support continuous production.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay between $23.98 and $30.37 + production bonus up to $190/week and a distance premium with an average of $17/day (Salaries are based on $22.84 and $28.92 + 5% of the hours worked)
• Full time hours
• Health, dental, vision, life and disability coverage
• Company matched RRSP
• Career development and apprenticeship opportunities
• Employee and Family Assistance Program providing free access to counselling, legal advice, and more
• Discounts on travel, vehicles, fitness memberships, and more
• Scholarship program for your dependents
• Free uniforms and parking
• Opportunities to grow your career within J. D. Irving, Limited

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

• Responsible for following all safety standards and programs including Lock Out/Tag Out protocols and participating in ongoing training
• Clean equipment and maintain a tidy work area
• Operate all equipment associated with your assigned role and report any issues as needed to ensure continuous operation
• Physical tasks such as lifting, pulling, piling, and sweeping
• Requires a good mechanical and technological skills

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

• Grade 12 education or equivalent
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to safely perform physical work, including lifting, pulling, piling, and sweeping materials, standing, walking, and working in an active mill environment
• Positive attitude and a willingness to learn new tasks and help where needed
• Good stress management
• Have interest in a new technology and control panels
• Ability to work both days and nights on rotation

Join One, Grow With Many

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) operates in Eastern Canada (New-Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Québec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador), as well as in USA. We are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

Our recruitment advisors and hiring teams will utilize human screening combined with AI technology to help identify the skills and qualities that matter most to our business, while safeguarding your privacy and using AI responsibly.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

Irving Sawmills and Irving Forest Products are committed to delivering quality lumber products, strong customer relationships and service reliability, as well as operating safe and efficient operations. We are focused on delivering quality products through continuous investment in our people, our forest products, our local communities and the most up-to-date technology.

Our employees work in some of the most technologically advanced facilities in North America. In addition to our 12 sawmills and value-added mills, our portfolio contains an industrial-grade pellet plant and our Juniper Farms peat bog production facility. Our team of over 2,000 professionals produce premium products that are sold across North America and through our vertically integrated supply chain. We also supply wood chips for our growing Pulp & Paper Division. Careers at Irving Sawmills are exciting and fast-paced, and there are many opportunities to advance and grow a long-term career with the company in various professions such as production and operations, engineering, maintenance and reliability, technicians, and skilled trades, sales & logistics, and professional services. Employees are encouraged to try new roles to grow their skills as well as gain professional exposure across our many locations in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Maine, and New York.