MACHINE OPERATOR

Biewer Lumber; Winona (MN); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Biewer Lumber in Minnesota seeks a skilled Equipment Operator to efficiently operate industrial sawmill machinery (Edger, Trimmer, Stacker, Strapper, Tilt Hoist) converting raw timber into finished lumber. The role emphasizes safe operation, quality control, and consistent production flow.

You will inspect lumber for dimensional accuracy, perform basic machine adjustments, and support maintenance with tool changes. Adherence to safety rules is essential in this industrial setting.

Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to speak effectively and professionally to customers or employees.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude to operate industrial equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor high-volume sawmill equipment (Edger, Trimmer, Stacker, Strapper, Tilt Hoist).
• Maintain material flow and ensure production rates are met.
• Inspect processed lumber for dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Make basic machine adjustments and assist maintenance with tool changes.
• Report safety concerns or production delays to supervisor.
• Aim to maximize lumber recovery and optimize stacking for drying.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading safety rules

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

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.

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.

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.