Utility Operator

Nwh-; Hacker Valley (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus program

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k with match

HSA

Employee assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Northwest Hardwoods in West Virginia is seeking a dedicated Utility Operator to support our sawmill and manufacturing operations. You will operate the chipper, debarker, and trimmer, ensuring safe, reliable production and assisting with other mill duties as needed.

The role emphasizes safety, attention to detail, and teamwork, with opportunities to cross-train and contribute to a global operation.

Qualifications

• Must be able to communicate clearly with managers and coworkers.
• Able to perform strenuous and heavy work.
• Must be flexible in work hours.
• Must follow attendance policy.
• Previous experience in lumber manufacturing or lumber handling is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate wood chipper, debarker, and trimmer to keep production moving.
• Fill in as Green Chain puller and assist other mill positions as needed.
• Monitor logs and lumber flow; report blockages or quality concerns.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance tasks.
• Keep work areas clean and organized; remove debris and obstructions.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and supervisors; cross-train as required.

Skills

Effective communication

Strenuous work tolerance

Flexible hours

Attendance discipline

Lumber handling experience

Job description

About NWH

Northwest Hardwoods is a leading manufacturer of hardwood lumber in North America and a fully integrated global supplier serving the furniture, cabinet, molding, and millwork industries. Our plant team brings together the sawmill operations, production, grading, kiln drying, surfacing, packaging, and quality control to transform hardwood logs into high-quality lumber products for customers around the world. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a visible contribution to a global operation.

At Northwest Hardwoods (NWH), you’ll play a critical role in keeping our sawmill and manufacturing operations running safely, reliably, and efficiently. As a Utility Operator you will be the jack of all trades within our facility. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to make a visible contribution to a global operation by keeping the equipment and people behind our products running at their best.

Why This Role Matters:

This position is all about safety, reliability, and attention to detail. You’ll be responsible for operating the wood chipper, debarker, and trimmer, as well as filling in as a Green Chain puller. This role is important and will be considered "the-jack-of-all-trades" of the plant.

• Maintain a strong safety-first mindset, follow all safety procedures, and use required PPE, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and fall protection. Remain alert when working around moving equipment, machinery, and material flow.
• Be trained or willing to learn to safely operate the Chipper, Debarker, Trimmers, Edgers, and other mill equipment. Learn proper operating procedures, make safe decisions, and operate equipment efficiently.
• Monitor the flow of logs, lumber, cants, slabs, and edger strips throughout the mill. Identify material blockages, equipment issues, and quality concerns, and communicate with the appropriate personnel to maintain safe, efficient production and product quality.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and maintenance, including greasing bearings, monitoring component wear, changing Chipper knives when trained, cleaning equipment, and reporting maintenance concerns.
• Maintain clean and organized work areas by removing debris, trash, bark buildup, and material obstructions. Perform general cleanup and other groundskeeping duties as needed.
• Communicate and work effectively with coworkers, operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors. Be willing to cross-train, fill in at different mill positions, and assist with other duties as needed.
• Maintain reliable attendance and arrive on time, ready to work. Ensure assigned equipment is prepared for operation before production begins.

Requirements

Required:

• Effectively communicate with managers and coworkers
• Must be able to perform strenuous and heavy work
• Must be flexible in work hours
• Must follow NWH Attendance Policy
• Previous experience in lumber manufacturing, lumber material handling

You’ll Thrive Here If You:

• Experienced and dependable, with a strong work ethic and a positive, team-oriented attitude
• Enjoy working in a hands-on, physically active role and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty
• Have strong attention to detail and take pride in doing the job right the first time
• Are dependable and reliable, with a strong attendance record
• Can work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, where keeping equipment running is important
• Are comfortable working independently as well as part of a team

What We Offer:

Northwest Hardwoods provides a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive salary
• Bonus opportunity based on company performance
• Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k Retirement Saving with Company Match
• Health Saving Account (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.