Saw Filer Trainee

Saw Filer Trainee

Northwest Hardwoods, Inc. Dorchester, WI

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 Saw Filer Trainee for our Dorchester, WI facility.

Position Summary

The Saw Filer Trainee is an entry-level position designed for an individual with strong mechanical aptitude and an interest in developing saw filing skills within a sawmill manufacturing environment. This role will support the filing room and sawmill operations by learning how to inspect, maintain, sharpen, repair, and change saws, knives, and related cutting tools used in the production process.

This position reports directly to the Sawmill Supervisor and will receive training and guidance from experienced team members. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, dependable, detail-oriented, and willing to learn the technical skills required to support effective sawmill operations.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn basic saw filing practices, procedures, tools, and equipment
• Assist with inspection, cleaning, sharpening, and preparation of saws and knives
• Learn how to grind, swage, shape, and maintain band saws, round saws, and chipper knives
• Assist with changing saws, canter knives, and related cutting tools as trained
• Learn how to identify wear, damage, alignment concerns, and other saw-related issues
• Assist with maintaining filing room equipment, tools, and work areas
• Develop an understanding of how saw condition impacts lumber quality, recovery, and production performance
• Support filing room activities to help maintain safe and efficient sawmill operations
• Assist experienced saw filers and sawmill employees with assigned tasks
• Learn how to recognize saw-related production issues, including lumber marking or off-size lumber
• Communicate equipment, saw, knife, or quality concerns to the Sawmill Supervisor or experienced team members
• Follow instructions carefully and ask questions when information, expectations, or procedures are unclear
• Support production needs by helping ensure saws, knives, and related tools are prepared and available when needed
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and work rules
• Maintain awareness of hazards when working around saws, knives, grinders, machinery, and production equipment
• Use proper personal protective equipment and safe work practices at all times
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe filing room and work area
• Report unsafe conditions, equipment concerns, or incidents promptly
• Practice good housekeeping and support a safe, professional work environment
• Demonstrate a strong willingness to learn saw filing and sawmill operations
• Accept coaching, feedback, and instruction from supervisors and experienced employees
• Build technical knowledge through hands-on training and daily work experience
• Work cooperatively with team members to support production and maintenance needs
• Demonstrate dependability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic
• Support continuous improvement by identifying issues, asking questions, and helping solve problems

Required Qualifications

Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn saw filing skills

Basic understanding of safe work practices in an industrial or manufacturing environment

Ability to follow instructions, procedures, and training guidance

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and team members

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds

Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform physical work for extended periods of time

Ability to work primarily day shift, with flexibility to work other shifts, overtime, weekends, or adjusted schedules as needed

Strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to learn new skills

Preferred Qualifications

Prior sawmill, wood products, manufacturing, or industrial experience preferred

Prior exposure to saw filing, filing room work, saw maintenance, or cutting tools preferred

Mechanical knowledge or hands-on mechanical experience preferred

Grinding, machining, or similar shop-related experience preferred

Understanding of sawmill manufacturing processes preferred

Demonstrated interest in developing a long-term skill set within saw filing or sawmill operations