1st Shift Machine Operator

Custom Forest Products; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Group life insurance

Short-term disability insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with 4% match

Quarterly bonus incentives

Job summary

Custom Forest Products, Inc. is seeking a Machine Operator to safely and efficiently run band or gang saw systems, producing lumber components per specifications. You will focus on maintaining feed rates, blade condition, accurate cuts, and supporting overall lumber-line flow.

The role requires mechanical aptitude, strong situational awareness, and a commitment to quality, productivity, and safety across all shifts.

Qualifications

• Experience operating a band saw or gang saw preferred.
• Ability to read tape measures, production sheets, and basic blueprints.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and stand for long periods.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Safety-focused – follows safety rules and identifies hazards.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Morgan saw system to cut boards, stringers, or cants according to run-sheet specifications.
• Adjust guides, feed speeds, and saw settings as required for different lumber sizes and product types.
• Monitor blade performance, alignment, and wear during operation.
• Ensure lumber is properly aligned and fed into the machine to maintain smooth and safe production flow.
• Perform basic troubleshooting and make adjustments to improve saw performance and cut accuracy.
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when required.
• Communicate production needs and priorities with supervisors and team members.

Skills

Safety-focused

Quality-driven

Reliability

Teamwork

Mechanical skills

Tools

Band saw

Gang saw

Industrial machinery

Job description

The Machine Operatoris responsible forsafely and efficientlyoperatingthe band saw or gang saw system to process lumber components according to production specifications. This role focuses onmaintainingconsistent feed rates, monitoring bladecondition, ensuringaccuratecuts, and supporting overall lumber‑line flow. The operator mustdemonstratestrong situational awareness, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment tomaintainingquality, productivity, and safety standards throughout every shift.

Key Responsibilities

Machine Operation

• Operate the Morgan saw system to cut boards, stringers, or cants according to run‑sheet specifications.
• Adjust guides, feed speeds, and saw settings asrequiredfor different lumber sizes and product types.
• Monitor blade performance, alignment, and wear during operation.
• Ensure lumber is properly aligned and fed into the machine tomaintainsmooth and safe production flow.
• Perform basic troubleshooting andmake adjustments to improve saw performance and cut accuracy.

Quality Control

• Inspect incoming lumber for defects, improper sizing, or safety concerns before processing.
• Verify cut accuracy, dimensions, and quality meet company and customer specifications.
• Identifyand remove material with defects that impact product usability.

Monitor lumber output for consistency and minimize waste through proper machine adjustments and material handling.

Safety & Maintenance

• Follow all company safety policies, including proper PPE usage and safe machine operation practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard‑free work area.
• Perform routine checks, cleaning and minor maintenance such as blade lubrication or tension adjustments
• Immediately report mechanical issues, blade problems, or performance concerns to maintenance or supervisor
• Follow lockout/tagout procedures when required.

Production Support

• Communicate with supervisors and other team members regarding production needs, priorities, or material shortages.
• Assist in stacking, sorting, bundling, or transporting cut lumber as needed.
• Participate in daily production meetings and follow shift assignments.
• Support other areas of the lumber line when necessary to maintain production flow.

Qualifications

Required

• Experience operating a band saw, gang saw or industrial lumber processing equipment (preferred but not required).
• Ability to read tape measures, production sheets, and basic blueprints.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and stand for long periods.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Safety‑Focused– Consistently follows safety rules and identifies hazards.
• Quality‑Driven– Ensures accuracy and consistency in all cuts.
• Reliability– Shows up on time and maintains strong attendance.
• Teamwork– Works well with others in fast‑paced production environments.
• Mechanical Skills– Comfortable operating and adjusting industrial machinery.
• Industrial manufacturing environment with noise, sawdust, and moving machinery.
• Requires personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, steel‑toe boots, and hearing protection.
• Fast‑paced environment with repetitive tasks and physical labor.
• Work area is not climate‑controlled

Schedule

• Full‑time; shifts may include early mornings, evenings, or overtime depending on production demands.

Compensation

• Benefits include health, dental, vision, group life, short-term disability insurance, paid time off, 401(k) match of 4%, and quarterly bonus incentives.