Production Associate

Black Bear Talent; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Black Bear Talent is seeking a Production Associate for our client’s lumber manufacturing team. The role rotates through sawmill, planer mill, or finishing departments, performing tasks safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

You will operate equipment, inspect product quality, and support daily production goals while adhering to safety guidelines and standard operating procedures. Training and cross-training are involved to enhance flexibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in a sawmill, planer mill, lumber manufacturing facility, or wood production environment is required.
• Ability to learn and safely operate assigned production machinery and equipment.
• Ability to recognize unsafe conditions, equipment abnormalities, and potential quality issues.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, SOPs, and safety requirements.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced manufacturing environment and rotate between machine centers.

Responsibilities

• Operate assigned machinery, production equipment, and basic tools in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Perform production tasks within assigned machine centers to support daily production schedules and goals.
• Inspect lumber and finished products for defects and report issues to supervision.
• Follow safety procedures, company policies, and workplace regulations at all times.
• Complete basic equipment checks and routine maintenance tasks as trained, including checking fluid levels and reporting leaks.
• Demonstrate teamwork and meet production and quality expectations.

Skills

Sawmill environment experience

Safety-conscious

Teamwork

Machine operation

Forklift experience

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Black Bear Talent is recruiting for a Production Associate to join our clients manufacturing team. he Production Associate performs a variety of tasks throughout the lumber manufacturing process in a fast-paced production environment. Associates may be assigned to different machine centers within the Sawmill, Planer Mill, or Finishing departments based on operational needs, production requirements, and employee qualifications. Job rotation is used to develop employee skills, promote cross-training, support operational flexibility, and help reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries. The Production Associate is responsible for operating equipment safely, maintaining product quality, supporting production goals, and contributing to an organized and efficient work environment.

Schedule

8 hour shifts - 8:00am - 4:00pm - Monday - Friday, with occasional mandatory Saturday work

Essential Duties

• Operate assigned machinery, production equipment, and basic tools in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Perform production tasks within assigned machine centers to support daily production schedules and operational goals.
• Inspect lumber and finished products for visible defects, damage, or quality concerns and report issues to the appropriate supervisor.
• Follow established safety procedures, company policies, and applicable workplace regulations at all times.
• Complete basic equipment checks and routine maintenance tasks as authorized and trained, including checking fluid levels and reporting leaks or equipment abnormalities.
• Follow established lockout/tagout procedures before performing maintenance, clearing jams, or servicing equipment when required.
• Never reach into, service, or perform work on equipment until hazardous energy has been properly isolated and the equipment has been verified safe.
• Ensure electrical panels and equipment are handled only by authorized, qualified personnel in accordance with established electrical safety procedures.
• Operate a forklift or other material-handling equipment when trained and authorized.
• Safely lift, move, stack, and handle dimensional lumber and other production materials as required by the assigned position.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and hazard-free work area.
• Communicate production issues, equipment malfunctions, safety hazards, and quality concerns promptly to the appropriate supervisor.
• Participate in job rotation and cross-training as assigned to support workforce flexibility and operational efficiency.
• Work cooperatively with team members, maintenance personnel, and supervisors to meet production and quality expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the position and operational needs.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience in a sawmill, planer mill, lumber manufacturing facility, or other wood production environment.
• Ability to learn and safely operate assigned production machinery and equipment.
• Ability to recognize unsafe conditions, equipment abnormalities, and potential product quality issues.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions, standard operating procedures, and safety requirements.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced manufacturing environment..
• Ability to adapt to changing assignments and rotate between machine centers as needed.
• Forklift operating experience is preferred; current training and authorization are required before operating company equipment.
• Willingness to participate in required safety training, equipment training, and cross-training.
• Must pass pre-employ

Physical and Work Requirements

• Standing for extended periods, including a minimum of four hours at a time.
• Lifting and handling dimensional lumber weighing up to 50 pounds, with appropriate assistance or material-handling equipment used when needed.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, kneeling, climbing, and material handling, depending on the assigned machine center.
• Repetitive movements and working around operating production machinery.
• Working in environments where noise, wood dust, changing temperatures, and moving equipment may be present.
• Wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and following all designated safety precautions.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable occupational safety requirements.
• Comply with lockout/tagout procedures and never bypass machine guards, safety devices, or other protective equipment.

Expections

• Follow safe work practices consistently and demonstrate a commitment to injury prevention.
• Meet established production and quality standards for the assigned machine center.
• Maintain reliable attendance and report to work prepared to perform assigned duties.
• Follow work instructions and complete assigned tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Minimize material waste and promptly report quality or equipment issues.
• Maintain good housekeeping and proper care of tools and equipment.
• Demonstrate teamwork, adaptability, accountability, and a willingness to learn new skills.
• Support continuous improvement efforts that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Show up to work wearing all required PPE - steel-toed footwear and additional PPE as designated by the company for assigned areas in accordance with company policy.