RELIEF OPERATOR

Biewer Lumber; Winona (MS); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Biewer Lumber in Winona, MS seeks an Industrial Machine Operator to rotate across machine centers and process raw timber into finished lumber.

Responsibilities include operating sawmill equipment, monitoring production rates, inspecting lumber for dimensions, and assisting maintenance with blade changes. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adherence to OSHA guidelines in an industrial setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Industrial machine operator experience required.
• Previous machine operator experience in a sawmill or lumber facility preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor sawmill equipment across machine centers.
• Relieve other machine operators to ensure continuous operations.
• Maintain material flow and ensure production rates are met.
• Inspect lumber for dimensional accuracy and quality.
• Assist maintenance with blade changes and basic adjustments.
• Monitor performance and report safety or production issues to supervisor.
• Assist with lumber stacking and drying preparation.
• Follow safety policies and report near misses or hazards.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading comprehension

Effective communication

Safety awareness

Attendance reliability

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Summary

Rotate amongst machine centers throughout the workday to operate high-volume sawmill equipment and process raw timber into finished dimensional lumber.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Demonstrate in-depth expertise and comprehensive knowledge of all sawmill machinery for efficient operation, monitoring, advanced troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Provide coverage for continuous operations by rotating to each machine center and relieve other machine operators.
• Maintain a consistent flow of materials through the machine centers, ensuring equipment operates at designated production rates.
• Perform regular inspections of processed lumber to ensure it meets dimensional specifications and quality standards.
• Perform basic machine adjustments and assist maintenance teams with saw or knife changes as required.
• Monitor machine performance and immediately report any mechanical issues, safety concerns, or production delays to the Supervisor.
• Consistently meet production quotas by streamlining material flow and performing routine equipment calibrations.
• Optimize lumber recovery by removing defects and squaring edges to maximize grade and volume.
• Manage the mechanical stacking of lumber for drying or further processing, ensuring stable and uniform loads.
• Secure finished lumber packs using automated strapping machines for safe transport and storage.
• Perform lockout/tagout procedures as required.
• Follow all safety procedures and policies, and work together with co-workers to ensure a safe working environment.
• Report all near misses, incidents, or potentially unsafe conditions to a supervisor.
• Ensure clean work areas by sweeping floors, picking up broken pieces of lumber, shoveling, and disposing of material or debris.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Language skills to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to speak effectively and professionally to customers or employees of an organization.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate industrial equipment.
• Proven reliable attendance and punctuality.

Education, Experience, And Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Industrial machine operator experience.
• Previous machine operator experience in a sawmill or lumber treating facility or manufacturing experience preferred.

Work Environment

• Industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to moving machinery and mechanical equipment.
• Exposure to bark, sawdust, and fluctuating seasonal temperatures (hot, cold, humid).
• Due to exposure to noise above the permissible exposure limit (PEL), falling hazards, and sawdust, employees must wear hearing protection, a hard hat, safety glasses, safety footwear, and a high-visibility shirt/vest.
• This safety-sensitive position requires employees to comply with all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and required drug and alcohol testing procedures.

Physical Demands

• Stand or walk for extended periods (8-12-hour shifts).
• Climb and descend steps, stairways, or ladders several times per shift.
• Lift, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. regularly and use hand tools.