Loader Operator – Log Yard / Sawmill

Brownlee Lumber Company, Inc.; Brookville (PA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading hardwood products manufacturer as a Loader Operator in Brookville, PA. In this full-time role, you will operate heavy machinery, support log yard operations, and ensure safety compliance. Enjoy a competitive starting wage of $20+ per hour along with comprehensive employee benefits and the opportunity for growth in a rewarding work environment.

Benefits

Health, Life, Vision and Dental Insurance

PTO – Paid Vacation and Floating Holidays

Paid Sick Leave

Rewards and Recognition Programs

401(k) Matching

Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account

Learning and Development Opportunities

Regular Company Celebrations / Events

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Proven proficiency with heavy equipment operation, especially knuckle-boom loaders and/or front-end loaders.
• Previous experience in sawmill, lumber, or related production environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate a knuckle-boom loader to unload, sort, and stage logs.
• Load and unload log trucks, ensuring proper staging and safety.
• Step out of equipment for manual labor tasks and maintenance.

Skills

Equipment Operation

Coordination

Safety Compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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Starting at $20+ per hour

Brownlee Lumber, Inc. is a global leader in the production of premium quality hardwood products. With a proud tradition of craftsmanship and reliability, we are committed to excellence in every board we produce. Join our team as a Loader Operator and play a vital role in supporting our production line while working in a focused, structured, and rewarding environment.

Brookville, PA

Starting at $20+ per hour

Brownlee Lumber, Inc. is a global leader in the production of premium quality hardwood products. With a proud tradition of craftsmanship and reliability, we are committed to excellence in every board we produce. Join our team as a Loader Operator and play a vital role in supporting our production line while working in a focused, structured, and rewarding environment.

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator who focuses on doing quality work and working well with others to keep operations moving? This position offers the opportunity to operate knuckle-boom and/or front-end loaders while playing a key role in the daily flow of logs through our yard and into production.

Brownlee Lumber Company, Inc. is seeking a dependable and safety-minded Loader Operator to support our log yard and sawmill operations. This role requires more than seat time—it’s about maintaining flow, coordinating with the yard team, and stepping out of the cab when needed to ensure safe, clean, and efficient operation of the yard.

Key Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate a knuckle-boom loader to unload, sort, and stage logs by species, diameter, and length.
• Operate a front-end loader to transport logs and lumber, organize decks, and handle wood byproducts.
• Supply the sawmill log deck with proper flow, working in coordination with the production team.
• Load and unload log trucks, ensuring proper staging, stability, and safety.
  
  

Log Yard Support & General Duties

• Step out of equipment when needed to complete yard support tasks, including manual labor such as chainsaw use or minor maintenance.
• Maintain log decks, staging zones, and travel lanes in clean and functional condition.
• Assist with seasonal yard maintenance such as snow or mud control.
  
  

Safety & Compliance

• Perform pre- and post-operation inspections of all equipment.
• Follow OSHA standards and all internal safety policies.
• Maintain full awareness of surroundings, including personnel, equipment, and terrain.
  
  

Communication & Documentation

• Coordinate effectively with log scalers, truck drivers, and supervisors to manage yard flow.
• Accurately record inventory movements and report quality issues or anomalies.
• Participate in daily communication with yard and production staff to support smooth operations.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Proven proficiency with heavy equipment operation, especially knuckle-boom loaders and/or front-end loaders.
  
  

Preferred:

• Previous experience in sawmill, lumber, or related production environments.
• Familiarity with log grading, scaling, or related forestry practices.
• Mechanical aptitude and awareness of basic equipment troubleshooting.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit in a cab and operate machinery for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform outdoor physical tasks in rugged conditions.
• Regular exposure to noise, dust, uneven terrain, and changing weather.
  
  

Work Environment

• Outdoor log yard and industrial sawmill setting.
• Interaction with moving equipment, trucks, and byproduct-handling zones.
• PPE required: steel-toe boots, hard hat, safety glasses, high-visibility vest, and hearing protection.
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

Starting at $20+ per hour, with opportunities for overtime based on workload and performance.

Our Employees Enjoy Competitive Benefits, Including

• Health, Life, Vision and Dental Insurance
• PTO – Paid Vacation and Floating Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave
• Glove / Work Boot Allowances
• Rewards and Recognition Programs
• 401(k) Matching
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• Learning and Development Opportunities
• Regular Company Celebrations / Events
• Employee Assistance Program
  
  

Brownlee Lumber Company – The Best Place to Grow Your Career in Lumber Manufacturing

Apply today and become part of a company that values your expertise, encourages your growth, and offers a rewarding career in the hardwood lumber industry.

Apply here or visit https://brownleelumber.catsone.com/careers/

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Wholesale Building Materials

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