Sawmill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Background:

Northwest Hardwoods is the leading manufacturer of hardwood lumber in North America, as well as a leading supplier of panel products from around the world. A fully integrated, global supplier of wood products, NWH serves the furniture, flooring, cabinet, molding, and millwork industries. We are committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement in everything we do.

We are currently seeking a full-time Swing Shift Sawmill Lead for our Dorchester, WI facility.

Position Summary:

The Swing Shift Sawmill Lead is responsible for helping lead and coordinate sawmill operations on second shift. This role supports the safe, efficient, and productive operation of the sawmill during swing shift, including production flow, safety, quality, work assignments, communication, troubleshooting, and shift handoff.

This position reports directly to the Sawmill Supervisor and serves as the primary on-shift lead when direct supervisor oversight is not present. The Swing Shift Sawmill Lead is expected to provide day-to-day direction, support, and accountability for employees assigned to the shift, while also performing hands-on production work as needed.

This is an hourly, non-exempt lead position. The role is not responsible for hiring, termination, formal discipline, or final performance management decisions; however, it is expected to communicate concerns, reinforce expectations, and partner with the Sawmill Supervisor to support a safe, productive, and accountable work environment. This position is a strong opportunity for an experienced operator or developing leader who is ready to take on increased responsibility within sawmill operations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Swing Shift Leadership & Coordination

Coordinate daily sawmill operations on swing shift in alignment with production goals and supervisor direction

Provide day-to-day direction, support, and follow-up for employees assigned to the shift

Help assign work, monitor production flow, and adjust priorities as needed to support efficient operations

Serve as the primary point of contact for sawmill employees during the shift when direct supervisor oversight is not present

Reinforce expectations related to safety, quality, productivity, attendance, communication, and teamwork

Communicate employee performance, attendance, safety, quality, or conduct concerns to the Sawmill Supervisor

Support a positive, professional, and accountable work environment

Sawmill Operations & Production Support

Support the safe and efficient operation of sawmill production equipment and processes

Monitor production flow and help identify issues that may impact throughput, quality, or uptime

Work in production positions as needed to support staffing needs, breaks, coverage, and production priorities

Assist employees with operational questions, equipment concerns, and production-related issues

Help ensure employees understand assigned tasks, work expectations, and production priorities

Support start-up, shutdown, cleanup, and shift transition activities

Help maintain consistent production performance during the shift

Safety & Quality

Lead by example in following all company safety policies, procedures, and work rules

Reinforce safe work practices and ensure employees are working in a safe and responsible manner

Identify and communicate unsafe conditions, behaviors, or equipment concerns promptly

Support completion of safety checks, housekeeping expectations, and corrective actions as needed

Monitor lumber quality and production standards throughout the shift

Identify quality concerns and take appropriate action to communicate or correct issues

Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment

Troubleshooting & Maintenance Coordination

Identify production, equipment, and process issues that may impact safety, quality, or production flow

Communicate equipment problems, downtime, and repair needs to maintenance and site leadership as appropriate

Coordinate with maintenance employees regarding equipment issues, lockout/tagout needs, repair priorities, and operational impacts

Support troubleshooting efforts by providing clear information about equipment conditions, timing, and production concerns

Help restart and return equipment to operation after repairs or adjustments when appropriate

Escalate urgent issues to the Sawmill Supervisor or other appropriate leadership as needed

Communication & Shift Handoff

Maintain clear communication with employees, maintenance, and site leadership throughout the shift

Provide accurate updates regarding production status, staffing, equipment issues, safety concerns, quality issues, and other shift activity

Support effective handoff between shifts to ensure continuity of operations

Document or communicate key issues, follow-up items, and unresolved concerns as needed

Partner with the Sawmill Supervisor to ensure expectations are understood and consistently reinforced

Training, Teamwork & Continuous Improvement

Assist with training employees on sawmill processes, safe work practices, and job expectations

Provide coaching and guidance to employees in a professional and constructive manner

Support development of newer employees by helping them understand production flow, equipment operation, and quality expectations

Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, communication, and work processes

Participate in continuous improvement efforts and support implementation of operational changes

Demonstrate leadership maturity, dependability, and sound judgment in daily decision-making

Requirements

  Required Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent preferred

3+ years of sawmill, wood products, or manufacturing experience preferred

Prior lead, relief lead, trainer, or informal leadership experience preferred

Strong understanding of sawmill production flow, safety, quality, and equipment operation

Ability to provide direction, coaching, and support to employees in a professional manner

Ability to communicate clearly with employees, supervisors, maintenance, and site leadership

Ability to identify production, safety, quality, and equipment concerns and respond appropriately

Ability to work independently and make sound decisions when direct supervisor oversight is not present

Strong work ethic, dependability, and commitment to accountability

Ability to work hands-on in production positions as needed

Ability to work swing shift/second shift, overtime, weekends, and adjusted schedules as needed

Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and perform physical work in a manufacturing environment