Machine Operator Latrobe, PA

Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc.; City of Cortland (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Retirement plan

Job summary

Gutchess Lumber Co., Inc. is seeking a Machine Operator to support the production line in our lumber facility. You will learn how your part of the operation affects the overall process and contribute to a safe, efficient workflow.

You'll operate equipment, monitor quality, and perform basic maintenance while keeping your area organized. This role requires physical stamina, reliability, and a willingness to learn from experienced teammates.

Qualifications

• Able to perform physical work and lift 50+ pounds.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Experience in manufacturing or hands-on environments is helpful but not required.
• Willingness to learn and take direction.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor production equipment.
• Move lumber through the process and keep lines running smoothly.
• Inspect for quality and report any issues.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance and keep the workspace clean.

Skills

Physically fit

Read tape measure

Reliability

Team player

Able to lift 50 lbs

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Are You the Person Others Can Count On?

Some people want a job where they can simply punch in, keep their head down, and get through the day.

This probably isn't that job.

We're looking for people who like staying busy, learning how things work, and knowing their effort matters to the people working beside them.

About

You don't need to know everything about lumber or manufacturing when you walk through the door. What matters more is what you bring with you:

You show up. You pay attention. You take pride in doing things right. You help your crew. And when there's an opportunity to learn something new, you step up.

If that sounds like you, we can teach you the operation.

What Kind of Person Succeeds Here?

You’ll Probably Enjoy This Job If You're Someone Who

• Likes staying busy. You'd rather have a productive day than spend eight hours watching the clock.
• Takes pride in your work. If something isn't right, you notice—and you want to fix it.
• Can be counted on. Your crew shouldn't have to wonder whether you're going to show up.
• Learns by doing. You like understanding machines, equipment, processes, and how everything works together.
• Doesn't need someone watching constantly. Once you're trained, you take ownership of your responsibilities.
• Looks out for others. If a teammate needs a hand, you're willing to help.
• Can take feedback. You don't expect to know everything on day one, and you're willing to learn from experienced people.
• Respects safety. You understand that shortcuts around equipment can hurt you or someone working beside you.
• Wants to get better. You're interested in becoming more valuable by learning equipment, troubleshooting problems, and taking on additional responsibility.

What You'll Actually Be Doing

As a Machine Operator, you'll learn how your part of the operation affects the entire production process.

Your responsibilities may include operating and monitoring production equipment, keeping lumber moving efficiently through the process, straightening and positioning boards on conveyors, watching for quality problems, performing basic preventative maintenance, and keeping your work area clean and organized.

You'll also learn to recognize when something doesn't look, sound, or operate correctly and communicate the issue before a small problem becomes a bigger one.

This is hands‑on work. You'll be standing, moving, lifting, bending, and occasionally climbing or crawling while completing housekeeping and maintenance‑related tasks.

Know What You're Signing Up For

We want candidates to understand the environment before accepting the job.

This is a working lumber facility—not an office or climate‑controlled warehouse.

It's physical. It's noisy. Temperatures change with the weather. You'll get dirty. You'll be around lumber, machinery, conveyors, and production equipment.

You'll also be part of a crew where people depend on one another to keep the operation running.

If you enjoy hands‑on work and like seeing what your crew accomplished at the end of the shift, you may fit in very well here.

Safety Isn't Optional

Working around industrial equipment requires people who pay attention.

You'll be expected to follow established safety procedures, use required PPE, communicate hazards, and look out for the people working around you.

Required PPE includes safety glasses, hearing protection, head protection, steel‑toed boots, and other protective equipment when required.

What We're Looking For

You must be at least 18 years old, able to perform physical work including lifting 50+ pounds, and able to read a tape measure accurately.

Experience in manufacturing, lumber, farming, construction, equipment operation, mechanical work, or other hands‑on environments can be helpful—but attitude, reliability, and willingness to learn matter just as much.

Where Can This Job Take You?

We aren't only looking for someone to operate a machine.

We're looking for people who can become really good at what they do.

Learn the equipment. Understand the process. Become someone your crew trusts. Learn to troubleshoot. Help train the next person.

Those are the behaviors that can lead to opportunities such as advanced machine operation, training responsibilities, lead positions, and supervision.

You don't have to walk in as a leader.

You Can Earn That Opportunity By How You Work.

Pay & Benefits

Benefits include 401(k), 401(k) matching, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, health savings account, flexible spending account, paid time off, employee assistance program, referral program, and retirement plan.