Production Technician

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company producing lumber, OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and energy with facilities in Canada, the United States, and Europe. We are the largest lumber producer in North America, a leading global manufacturer of wood-based panels and the world’s largest producer of oriented strand board (OSB).

Are you interested in working for a company that offers both a challenging work environment and a rewarding career path?

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

• Comply with all Company safety standards and protocols

• 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 increased responsibility and pay). 

Normal daily operations areas:

• Woodyard

• Heat Energy

• Forming/Blending

• Press

• Finishing

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications required to successfully perform these roles 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.

Minimum qualifications include:

• 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 nights, 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

• Consistent, predictable attendance

• Must be able to pass a post offer drug screen and criminal background check

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

• Ability to wear a respirator in specific assigned areas

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

• Standing/walking – working on feet standing or walking constantly

• Pushing/pulling – may be required to push/pull up to 150 lb. logs dependent upon individual strength.  (Can get help in many cases)

• Climbing – occasional climbing up and down from lift truck/ladders/stairs and such

• Lifting – lifting up to 50 lbs. (from floor to shoulder height); lifting up to 75 lbs. occasionally (can get help in many cases) and lifting up to 100 lbs. rarely

• Carrying up to 60 lbs. at least 50 feet

• Able to reach at various angles on a frequent basis

• Able to grasp lightweight material (less than 5 lbs.) on a frequent basis

• Stooping and bending on a frequent basis

• Kneeling/crawling frequently

• Able to navigate catwalks

• Able to work at heights up to 150 feet above the ground

Direct reports

These positions do not have direct reports.