Heavy Equipment Operator

Vaagen Brothers Lumber Co Inc; Usk (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

AD&D insurance

PTO

401k with match

Job summary

Vaagen Bros. Lumber Inc. operates a family-owned wood products facility in northeastern Washington, with sawmills in Colville and Usk. The Heavy Equipment Operator role focuses on safe operation of multiple machines, routine inspections, and supporting lean practices to improve productivity.

The position is full-time, with 40+ hours per week, offering full benefits and opportunities to cross-train across departments while contributing to a safety-first culture in a historic industry.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operating heavy equipment (CDL is a plus).
• Identify tree species and assess safety risks during operation.
• Lean techniques and continuous improvement mindset preferred.
• Must be 18+ and able to work in a sawmill environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate production machine centers and equipment safely (front-end loader, backhoes, excavators, graders, dozers).
• Perform pre-use inspections and report issues.
• Relieve crane operators as needed and cross-train across machine centers.
• Maintain cleanliness and conduct basic maintenance and records.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Tree species identification

Lean techniques

Safety compliance

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Regular Manual Labor USK, WA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1127

Salary Range: $20.00 To $32.00 Hourly

Vaagen Bros. Lumber Inc. is a family-owned wood products manufacturer that has operated in northeastern Washington for over 70 years. We heavily believe in continuous improvement and respect for people and are currently in a Lean transformation. We operate sawmills in Colville and Usk, WA. Vaagen Bros. currently employs over 175 employees.

The primary role of the Heavy Equipment Operator is to operate a variety of rolling stock and production machine centers with a continued focus on safety, and productivity. The desirable applicant will have a mindset of constant improvement and high level of respect for company property.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Proficiently and safely operate production machine centers and equipment including but not limited to front-end loader, backhoes, excavators, graders, dozers, etc.
• Performs mandatory visual inspection of the equipment before use, looking for signs of obvious structural damage, oil leaks around and under machine and low tire pressure
• Relieve Crane Operators as needed (Colville only)
• Cross train on multiple machine centers, rolling stock, and other departments
• Check all fluid levels before operating equipment
• Responsible for cleaning equipment after each use and perform basic scheduled maintenance
• Keep daily maintenance service records
• Perform various tasks assigned by the supervisor, involving keeping area around mill clean of debris and roadways traveled by other equipment clear
• Float between departments to assist in areas of greatest need
• Operates equipment safely and efficiently
• Assist in training and mentoring employees
• Know, Understand, and Apply the Lock-out Tag‑out procedures
• Entry level laborer sawmill duties, including but not limited to, stacking boards, general cleanup, removal of wood waste and debris, and tending machines
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Ensure tools, supplies, and equipment are always in their “home locations”
• Maintain lines of communication with other team members
• Learning and applying lean business practices
• Fill out a maintenance request and Idea Cards when needed
• Other duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 5+ years of operating heavy equipment (CDL is a plus)
• Identify tree species
• Ensure safe work practices & follow safety procedures
• Dependable and reliable with a good attendance record
• Ability to streamline processes and cut waste within area of responsibility
• Lean techniques and experience preferred
• Must be 18+ years old to work in an industrial sawmill environment
• Must have HS Diploma/GED
• Must be able to continuously stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders safely. The weight required to be lifted each normal workday may occasionally exceed fifty (50) pounds at a time
• Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. However, having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from consideration for the job. Records will be considered based on the requirements of RCW 9.96A.020, RCW 43.43, WAC
• Must be able to successfully pass a drug test and pre‑employment physical exam
• This is a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death

HOURS/DAYS/SCHEDULE:

• 40+ hours a week
• Full time

SALARY/WAGE/BENEFITS:

• Full benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D insurance, long term disability, PTO, and 401k with match

For more information, please visit our website www.vaagenbros.com or our social media platforms.