Lead Sawmill Operator: Master Production & Safety

Plain Dealing Lumber, LLC; Shreveport (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Plain Dealing Lumber, LLC is seeking a Lead Operator – Sawmill to head daily production, ensure safety, quality, and efficiency in turning logs into lumber. You will supervise sawmill operators, coordinate workflows, monitor equipment, and troubleshoot to maximize recovery and minimize downtime.

You will lead by example, enforce PPE and LOTO, train new operators, and work with maintenance to keep mill running smoothly.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 2–3 years of experience as a machine operator in a sawmill or lumber environment.
• Experience operating head rig, band saw, edger, or trimmer preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude; recognize wear and deviations; understand lumber recovery.
• Clear verbal communication; hold crew accountable to pace and safety.
• Ability to read run sheets, interpret lumber dimensions, and maintain logs.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up head rig, band saw, edger, trimmer and related equipment.
• Verify run sheet settings and adjust during production to meet targets.
• Monitor saw guides, blade tension, feed speed and carriage settings.
• Coordinate product flow from log deck to green chain with continuous pace.
• Inspect lumber for target specs; flag off-spec material immediately.
• Maintain production logs; perform end-of-run checks and communicate findings.
• Serve as first point of contact for crew when supervisor unavailable; train new operators.
• Enforce PPE and LOTO procedures; ensure safety compliance.
• Report equipment issues to Maintenance; coordinate downtime to minimize impact.
• Maintain upstream/downstream line communication and housekeeping.
• Report safety hazards or near-misses to supervisor; perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Verbal communication

Mechanical aptitude

Independent decision making

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Plain Dealing Lumber, LLC is seeking a Lead Operator – Sawmill to head daily production, ensure safety, quality, and efficiency in turning logs into lumber. You will supervise sawmill operators, coordinate workflows, monitor equipment, and troubleshoot to maximize recovery and minimize downtime.

You will lead by example, enforce PPE and LOTO, train new operators, and work with maintenance to keep mill running smoothly.