Planer Operator

J.D. Irving Sawmills Division; Dixfield (ME); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Career advancement

Job summary

J.D. Irving Sawmills Division is seeking a skilled Planer Operator to run a high-speed planer mill, set up tooling, and monitor automated scanning to yield dressed lumber to exact specifications.

You will maintain safety, perform basic preventive maintenance, and coordinate with upstream and downstream teams to minimize downtime while meeting production targets.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–3 years operating machinery in sawmill, planer mill, or heavy industrial setting preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work in dusty/noisy environments.

Responsibilities

• Operate the planer mill machinery and conveyor systems safely.
• Set up cutting speeds, depths of cut, and guide rails to production specs.
• Monitor automated laser scanning to ensure lumber meets grade standards.
• Clear jams quickly and communicate with team to minimize downtime.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and clean work area to protect safety.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures and company safety rules.

Skills

Machinery operation

Safety awareness

Quality control

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Planer mill equipment

Laser scanning systems

Precision gauges

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Planer Operator to join our wood manufacturing team. In this role, you will set up, operate, and monitor high-speed industrial planer mill machinery to process rough Eastern White pine lumber into high-quality, finished dressed lumber. You will ensure maximum production efficiency, prevent material jams, and strictly adhere to dimensional tolerances and grade specifications using both manual controls and automated scanning technology.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wages based on experience. $20.00-$29.00
• Full benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Career advancement and equipment cross-training opportunities.

• Machine Operation: Inspect, start up, and safely operate the planer machine, infeed/outfeed components, and corresponding conveyor systems.
• Setup & Calibration: Set up and adjust cutting speeds, depth of cuts, and guide rails according to production dimensions using wrenches, gauges, and hand tools.
• Quality & Grading Standards: Monitor automated laser scanning systems and display monitors to ensure pine lumber is surfaced exactly to correct specifications and quality grading rules.
• System Monitoring: Clear lumber jams quickly and safely, minimizing downtime while keeping upstream and downstream team members informed.
• Routine Maintenance: Perform basic preventive maintenance, including checking machine lubrication, replacing worn planer knives or cutter heads, and clearing sawdust accumulation using compressed air, brooms, and shovels.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain a clean, organized workstation and adhere strictly to all company safety policies, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, and machine guarding rules.

• Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience operating machinery in a sawmill, planer mill, or heavy industrial manufacturing or machinist environment is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Ability to use mechanical hand tools, precision gauges, and basic computer interfaces. Knowledge of lumber grading standards (e.g., Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association/NELMA rules) is a strong asset.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for long periods, work in dusty or high-noise environments, and tolerate varying temperature conditions.
• Attributes: Strong spatial awareness, rapid problem-solving skills, and a reliable team-first attitude.