Production Technician

WESTFRASER; Lanett, Northern (AL, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting Day 1

On-the-job training

Relocation available

401k with company match

Medical

Life Insurance

Paid vacations and holidays

Job summary

West Fraser in Lanett, AL seeks Production Technicians to operate OSB machinery, manage product flow with forklifts, and perform routine maintenance. You will work in a safety-conscious team, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to continuous process improvements while completing shift documentation and training.

The role offers 12-hour rotating shifts, strong teamwork, and opportunities for growth through a Pay for Skills framework within a supportive, equal-opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Eligible to work in the United States.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Willing to work a 12-hour rotating schedule including weekends/holidays.
• Team player with ability to learn new tasks.

Responsibilities

• Operate manufacturing equipment that produces OSB.
• Operate forklifts and other mobile equipment for product flow.
• Perform preventive maintenance and clean-up on equipment.
• Work safely and efficiently in a team environment.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process issues regularly.
• Participate in process improvement in the work area.
• Complete shift paperwork and records.
• Attend team meetings and training sessions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Cross-training

12-hour shift flexibility

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

In general, all Production Technician roles are required to operate or assist with machinery to produce oriented strand board (OSB) using materials, methods, processes, and procedures as adopted by management for the safety and productivity of the plant and all employees and contractors. While most production employees have a certain location and certain daily job duties assigned, it is critical to the team process that all employees understand that they are required to work in any capacity to support their team.

Duties and Responsibilities

Production Technicians are responsible for the daily operation of manufacturing equipment that produces oriented strand board (OSB) and are responsible for safe operation, producing quality OSB, achieving production targets, and maintaining all equipment at a very high standard. To that end, these responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Operate manufacturing equipment that produces oriented strand board (OSB)
• Operate forklifts and other mobile equipment to manage product flow
• Perform regular preventive maintenance and clean-up on equipment
• Work safely and effectively in a team environment
• Problem solve and troubleshoot equipment and issues on a regular basis
• Involvement in ongoing process improvement in the work area
• Complete shift paperwork and recordkeeping
• Attend team meetings and regular training sessions
• Other duties as assigned

Roles and Levels

The title of Production Technician universally encompasses all the roles involved in the actual production or processing of OSB. Assignment to a specific portion of the production process is normal, to allow for employees to grow through our “Pay for Skills” program (demonstrated skills result in designation of grade levels).

Production positions:

• Dryer Tech
• Finishing Tech
• Press Tech
• Woodyard Tech

Normal daily operations areas:

• Woodyard
• Heat Energy
• Forming/Blending
• Press
• Finishing
• Shipping
• Base
• Core
• Level I
• Level II
• Level III
• Level IV

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications required to successfully perform these roles. These are the qualifications that are necessary for someone to be considered for the position. A reasonable accommodation may be allowed for some aspects of the role as determined by Human Resources.

• Eligible to legally work in the United States
• High School diploma or equivalent education
• Willing and able to work a 12-hour rotating schedule which will include weekends and holidays
• Ability to work as part of a team and deliver value to the team
• Willingness and ability to cross-train to learn new jobs and skills

Specialized knowledge or skills needed for promotion into certain roles:

• Ability to maintain all equipment in assigned area
• Ability to enhance or improve processes and procedures
• Working at heights up to 100 feet above the ground

Working conditions

All roles require a person to work in working conditions such as heat, cold, snow, rain, ice, frost, humidity, severe storms and so forth. Special working conditions include regular evening and weekend work, shift work, working outdoors, working as a team regardless of challenge, and so forth. Exposure to noise, dirt, grease, water and sawdust is common.

Physical requirements

Physical ability to perform the essential job functions of the position, which includes climbing stairs, navigating catwalks, working at heights up to 30 feet above the ground, lifting up to 50 pounds (from floor to shoulder height), stooping, and bending, carrying up to 50 pounds at least 40 feet.

Direct reports

These positions do not have direct reports, but Levels III and IV are required to be trainers for new employees and employees of lesser grade levels. Level IV is considered an expert in a particular area of the OSB process and must perform as such.

Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:

Benefits starting Day 1

Competitive starting pay

On-the-job training

A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within

Medical

401k with company match

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid vacations and holidays

Relocation is available for this role

West Fraser is a diversified North American wood products company producing southern yellow pine lumber and wood chips across the Southern US and Western Canada. We are the largest lumber producer in North America!

Our employees operate in a culture that values safety first and rewards hard work. We recognize and support our team culture and focus on growing our team by promoting from within – many of our employees have built their careers with us. West Fraser is a growing company that believes strongly in promoting from within and prides ourself on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company.

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