EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I

Biewer Lumber; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Biewer Lumber in Minnesota seeks a forklift operator to load and unload lumber materials, maneuver wide and complex loads through storage areas, machines, loading zones, and rail cars.

You will stack dimensional lumber and plywood, maintain inventory accuracy, and follow safety procedures while working indoors and outdoors in varying temperatures. Commitment to safety and teamwork is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• OSHA or forklift certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).
• Read and follow safety rules and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate a forklift to load and unload lumber materials.
• Stack dimensional lumber and plywood in correct storage bays.
• Maintain inventory by locating and moving stock.
• Identify product damages and monitor material quality.
• Follow safety procedures and report unsafe conditions.
• Work across departments as needed (splitting, tagging, etc.).
• Perform lockout procedures as needed.
• Maintain a safe workplace and complete safety forms.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Operate industrial equipment

Punctuality

Team communication

Read and interpret documents

Safety conscious

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift

Job description

Summary

Operate a powered industrial truck to load and unload lumber materials, necessitating the skillful maneuvering of wide and complex loads through storage areas, machines, loading zones, and rail cars.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Handle material with a forklift to stack units of dimensional lumber and plywood safely in correct storage bays.
• Load and unload materials from trucks and railcars with a forklift.
• Locate and move stock of products to maintain accurate inventory.
• Identify product damages and monitor quality of materials.
• Work in other departments such as splitting, stacking, tagging, etc. as needed.
• Perform lockout procedures as needed.
• Follow all safety procedures and policies, work together with co-workers to ensure a safe working environment and report all accidents or unsafe conditions to the supervisor.
• Maintain a safe workplace and culture, and complete required safety forms, checklists and permits.
• Sweep floors, pick up broken pieces of lumber, straps and shovel debris.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Language skills to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write and update routine reports, basic correspondence and follow production specifications.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial equipment.
• Proven reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to speak effectively and professionally to customers or employees of an organization.

Education, Experience And Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Prior Manufacturing Experience Is Preferred

• OSHA safety certification or forklift certification preferred (or willingness to obtain).

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery and mechanical equipment.
• Exposure to bark, sawdust, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures (hot, cold, humid).
• This safety-sensitive position requires employees to comply with all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required drug and alcohol testing procedures.
• Work performed indoors and outdoors, including log yard and lumber yard areas.
• Shift work may include nights, weekends, overtime, and extended hours during peak production.

Physical Demands

• Sit inside forklift 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.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced production environment.
• Team-oriented with strong communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and safe work practices.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination required.