Filer -Benchman (Chilco)

Idaho Forest Group; Athol (ID); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho Forest Group seeks a skilled Filer Benchman to maintain and repair all saws, guides, and knives used in mill operations. The role emphasizes precision, safety, and teamwork to sustain production quality.

The position requires following detailed instructions, working with grinding equipment, and collaborating with other departments to troubleshoot quality issues in a dynamic mill environment.

Qualifications

• Completion of Filer-Fitter 1-3 hours (2,480–3,180 minimum) and an apprenticeship program or equivalent.
• Ability to read precision measurement devices.
• Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions.
• High school diploma or GED (preferred)

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair all saws, guides, and knives used in mill operations.
• Tip and grind saws; ensure proper tension and leveling.
• Pour babbitt for guides and cuts to proper size.
• Maintain grinding equipment and filing gear settings.
• Assist in maintaining filing room inventory and support quality troubleshooting with other departments.

Skills

Precision measurement

Self-motivated

Instruction following

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Grinding equipment

Saws & guides

Job description

The Filer Benchman is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all saws, guides, and knives used in mill operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Comprehend and perform all duties in accordance with rules, regulations and JSAs
• Follow safety protocols and report hazards to ensure a safe work environment
• Tip and grind all saws
• Hammer and roll saws to ensure they are level and properly tensioned
• Weld or replace tips and sharpen saws
• Changes saws and guides
• Pour babbitt for guides and cuts to proper size
• Maintain grinding equipment and ensure proper settings of filing equipment
• Maintain all saw guide lube and water systems
• Work with other departments to ensure lumber quality and troubleshoot any quality issues
• Assist head filer in maintaining filing room inventory
• Maintain a production level work pace
• Keep work area clean at all times - cleanup during and after shift
• Other duties as needed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of Filer-Fitter 1-3 required hours (2,480-3,180 minimum) and work-up steps of the Intermountain Saw Filer Association apprenticeship program or equivalent
• Skills:
  • Ability to use and read precision measurement devices
  • Self-motivated
  • Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions
• Ability to read and understand printed materials
• Ability to adjust work schedule, perform shift work, work overtime as needed
• Ability to pass a hair follicle drug test, post-offer pre-employment physical, and background check.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver\'s license
• 1+ year sawmill machine operator experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS- Production

Ability to sit and/or stand for shift, reach with hands and arms, stoop, squat, bend at the waist, kneel, walk varying distance, and climb stairs.

• Bend at waist - frequent
• Twist upper body - frequent
• Lift above waist height - frequent depending on machine center
• Repetitive use of hands - constant
• Stand/walk - constant
• Vision - near and far correctable; depth perception
• Hearing - preferred for awareness of surrounding machinery, mobile equipment, emergencies

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to tolerate all weather elements, loud conditions, airborne particles (sawdust).

Idaho Forest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, family medical history, or any other status protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.