Operator Apprentice

West Fraser; Lufkin (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting Day 1

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with company match

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid vacations and holidays

Wellness Pay Programs

Job summary

West Fraser’s Angelina Lumber is hiring for an entry-level Operator Apprentice role. The successful candidate will train on lumberyard duties, housekeeping, and equipment operation, with cross-training across departments to build skills.

This position emphasizes safety, quality checks, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather. Starting pay is competitive with benefits from Day 1, and there are opportunities for advancement as you gain experience within the plant.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum age 18 years.
• Excellent safety record and compliance with safety standards.
• Willing to work any shift and cross-train across departments.
• Proven mechanical aptitude and basic maintenance skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry-level lumberyard duties and housekeeping tasks.
• Stack lumber, monitor movement, and clear jams as needed.
• Inspect equipment and perform preventative maintenance.
• Operate equipment per procedures and document results.
• Provide safety observations and support for continuous improvement.
• Assist teammates and learn across departments.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Basic maintenance

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Clear communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job description

Working experience: No Experience
West Fraser’s Angelina Lumber is hiring for an entry-level general labor role.

The Operator Apprentice position is an entry-level role with the expectation that self-motivated individuals will advance into progressively skilled positions. The successful applicant will be allowed an appropriate amount of time to train for this job and must be willing to cross-train within any department.

What you will do:

• Must be willing to perform entry-level lumberyard duties, housekeeping duties, including use of a shovel, ground keeping, painting, janitorial, etc.
• Must be willing to stack various lengths of lumber
• May be assigned tasked indoors and outdoors, no matter the weather conditions
• Monitor lumber movement
• Move lumber through the process ensuring no lumber cross-ups
• Clear jammed lumber as necessary
• Assist others as necessary
• Perform quality checks
• Perform safety observations
• Follow all Safe Work Procedures
• Follow all Zero Energy State procedures
• Utilize downtime or slow time to enhance the appearance and productivity of the department
• Perform all job assignments in an effective and timely manner with minimal supervision
• Operate necessary equipment according to procedures
• Monitor assigned area and related area visually and via monitor screen.
• Remove/straighten out cross-ups using pike pole or picaroon
• Inspection of equipment
• Servicing and minor adjustments to the equipment (when necessary)
• Preventative maintenance
• Assist maintenance with servicing of equipment
• Cleaning of the equipment
• Documentation and reporting of results
• Daily greasing of necessary equipment and/or related equipment

What you need to be successful:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Minimum age of 18 years
• Excellent safety record
• Follow all safety criteria and contribute to the safety program
• Follow all electrical safety standards
• Willing to work any shift
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent attendance record
• Proven mechanical aptitude
• Basic maintenance skills
• Capability to troubleshoot issues and diagnose problems within the department and/or related equipment.
• Able to maintain or assist with maintaining the assigned area and/or related equipment.
• Capability to perform preventative maintenance on your assigned machine
• Able to climb ladders and work in elevated workplaces
• Capable of working in tight close spaces
• Ability to make quality control checks and adjustments at the assigned area and/or other related equipment.
• Ability to keep the department clean and meet housekeeping standards.
• Willingness and ability to learn and use some basic computer-related operating skills
• Willing to train others within the department and/or related equipment
• Willing to cross-train on other equipment

What will make you stand out:

• Minimum of six (6) months in a manufacturing or industrial environment

With our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits, you will get:

• Benefits starting Day 1
• Competitive starting pay
• On-the-job training
• A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401k with company match
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Paid vacations and holidays
• Wellness Pay Programs

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check, a drug screen test, and a physical.

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with over 60 facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels, and the world’s largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB).

We are a growing company, believe strongly in promoting from within, and pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company. We offer a competitive benefits package including, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, 401-k savings plans with company match, and vacation.

West Fraser believes inclusive, diverse teams build a more vibrant workforce, safer operations, and a stronger company overall. We strive to create workplaces and leadership teams that are reflective of the diverse communities we are a part of. We will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, gender, national origin, or any other protected legal characteristic.

West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace

Experience

Required

• 1 year(s): Manufacturing Experience

Education

Required

• High School or better in General Studies or related field

Preferred

• GED or better

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the notice from the Department of Labor.