BOILER OPERATOR

Biewer Lumber, LLC; Town of Prentice (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Biewer Wisconsin Sawmill in Prentice, WI is seeking a Full Time Boiler Operator to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous boiler operation for steady steam and heat delivery to lumber kilns.

The role requires monitoring solid-fuel boiler systems, managing feed and air flows, and conducting regular inspections. Applicants should have solid mechanical aptitude and good safety discipline for a demanding industrial setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Ability to read safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial equipment.
• Proven reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor a solid-fuel boiler system, furnace, and related equipment.
• Maintain safe, efficient, and continuous boiler operation and steam delivery.
• Manage feed systems, combustion air, grate systems, and ash removal.
• Inspect pumps, valves, piping, and fuel conveyors; assist maintenance staff.
• Monitor fuel yard stocks and drive loader to manage fuel storage and loading.
• Perform lockout/tagout procedures and uphold safety policies.
• Report near misses or unsafe conditions to supervision.
• Keep work areas clean and assist with other duties as assigned.

Skills

Reading comprehension

Verbal communication

Follow instructions

Mechanical aptitude

Attendance reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Biewer Wisconsin Sawmill is looking to add a Full Time Boiler Operator to our team in Prentice, Wi. The main responsibilities will be to maintain the safe, efficient and continuous operation of the boiler system.

Boiler Operator Summary

Maintains the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the boiler system to produce and distribute a consistent supply of high-quality steam and heat required for the optimal conditioning and drying of lumber within the kilns.

Boiler Operator Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Monitor and operate a solid-fuel (wood products) boiler system, furnace, and auxiliary equipment.
• Safely manage feed systems, combustion air (primary and secondary), grate systems, and ash removal to maintain a steady, efficient burn while keeping boiler pressures within strict operating tolerances.
• Ensure consistent, precise heat and steam delivery to each active lumber drying kiln.
• Monitor kiln demand, regulate steam flow/pressure control valves, and maintain feed-water systems to support proper multi-stage lumber drying schedules and conditioning cycles.
• Monitor and operate environmental control to maintain strict compliance with state and federal air quality permits.
• Conduct regular visual and physical inspections of pumps, valves, piping, fans, and fuel conveyors. Document and report mechanical defects, assist maintenance personnel on complex repairs.
• Monitor fuel yard inventory levels (sawdust, bark, wood chips).
• Drive a Hi-Lo/Front-End Loader to manage fuel storage piles, load/unload kiln charges, and safely transport and empty ash carts to designated dumping locations.
• 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.

Boiler Operator Basic Qualifications

• 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.

Education, Experience, And Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous general labor experience in a sawmill or lumber treating facility or manufacturing experience preferred.

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery and mechanical equipment.
• Exposure to bark, sawdust, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures (hot, cold, humid).
• Due to exposure to noise above the permissible exposure limit (PEL), falling hazards, and sawdust, employees must wear hearing protection, a hard hat, safety glasses, safety footwear, and a high-visibility shirt/vest.
• This safety-sensitive position requires employees to comply with all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required drug and alcohol testing procedures.

Physical Demands

• 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.
• 5:30am-5:30pm Rotating Schedule.