MACHINE OPERATOR

Biewer Lumber, LLC; Town of Prentice (WI); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Biewer Wisconsin Sawmill in Prentice, WI is seeking a Full Time Machine Operator - Edger to efficiently operate and monitor industrial sawmill equipment, including the Edger, Trimmer, Stacker, Strapper, and Tilt Hoist. This role focuses on turning raw timber into finished lumber while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, and reliable attendance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedures.
• Proven reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor high-volume sawmill equipment (Edger, Trimmer, Stacker, Strapper, Tilt Hoist) to convert timber to lumber.
• Maintain steady material flow and ensure production rates meet targets.
• Perform regular inspections for quality and dimensional specifications.
• Report mechanical issues and safety concerns to the Supervisor promptly.
• Assist with basic machine adjustments and maintenance tasks as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading & following instructions

Safety awareness

Team communication

Attendance & reliability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Biewer Wisconsin Sawmill is looking to add a Full Time Machine Operator - Edger to our team in Prentice, Wi. The main responsibilities will be efficiently operate and monitor industrial, high-volume sawmill equipment including the Edger, Trimmer, Stacker, Strapper and Tilt Hoist.

Machine Operator Summary

Efficiently operate and monitor industrial, high-volume sawmill equipment, including the Edger, Trimmer, Stacker, Strapper, and Tilt Hoist, to process raw timber into finished dimensional lumber.

Machine Operator Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Maintain a consistent flow of materials through the machine centers, ensuring equipment operates at designated production rates.
• Perform regular inspections of processed lumber to ensure it meets dimensional specifications and quality standards.
• Perform basic machine adjustments and assist maintenance teams with saw or knife changes as required.
• Monitor machine performance and immediately report any mechanical issues, safety concerns, or production delays to the Supervisor.
• Gain fundamental knowledge of machines and equipment to advance to an equipment operator (forklifts and loaders) or relief operator.
• Consistently meet production quotas by streamlining material flow and performing routine equipment calibrations.
• Optimize lumber recovery by removing defects and squaring edges to maximize grade and volume.
• Manage the mechanical stacking of lumber for drying or further processing, ensuring stable and uniform loads.
• Secure finished lumber packs using automated strapping machines for safe transport and storage.
• Perform lockout/tagout procedures as required.
• Follow all safety procedures and policies, and work together with co-workers to ensure a safe working environment.
• Report all near misses, incidents, or potentially unsafe conditions to a supervisor.
• Ensure clean work areas by sweeping floors, picking up broken pieces of lumber, shoveling, and disposing of material or debris.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Machine Operator Basic Qualifications

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

Education, Experience, And Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous general labor experience in a sawmill or lumber treating facility or manufacturing experience preferred.

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery and mechanical equipment.
• Exposure to bark, sawdust, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures (hot, cold, humid).
• Due to exposure to noise above the permissible exposure limit (PEL), falling hazards, and sawdust, employees must wear hearing protection, a hard hat, safety glasses, safety footwear, and a high-visibility shirt/vest.
• This safety-sensitive position requires employees to comply with all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required drug and alcohol testing procedures.

Physical Demands

• Stand 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.
• 4:30am-2:30pm Monday - Thursday