Machine Center Operator - Swing Shift

Machine Center Operators

Vaagen Timbers, LLC. is a family-owned glue laminate facility located in Colville, WA. We pride ourselves in sustainably creating Cross Laminated & Glue Laminated Timber products. Our products are created with byproduct from the restoration of our forests to a sustainable state so that future generations can enjoy the unprecedented beauty and allure that is the Pacific Northwest. We heavily believe in continuous improvement and respect for people and are currently in a Lean transformation.

The primary role of the Machine Center Operator is to set up, run, and monitor machines that aid in producing cross laminated and glue laminated timber products with a continued focus on safety, and productivity. Through cross training, the Machine Center Operator is expected to assist with all positions across the facility.

Job Description:

• Operate automated finger jointing machines that cut triangular profiles (fingers) into wood ends
• Fill machines with glue and ensure it is applied correctly to the cut wood ends
• Load lumber onto conveyors, feed pieces into the machine, and stack the finished, long beams
• Check for proper glue application, accurate finger cuts, and strong bonds, adjusting machine settings (pressure, speed, temperature) as needed
• Monitor for malfunctions, remove jammed materials, and perform basic troubleshooting to keep the line running
• Reas work orders and communicate with coworkers to meet product specifications
• Record data such as the quantity of timber processed, glue usage ratios, and any machine malfunctions or downtime
• Hand-placing or feeding boards into the lay-up line, often alternating layers to stagger joints.
• Apply adhesive precisely to the faces, managing open time to ensure proper curing
• Verifying the correct grade and orientation of lumber
• Operate power tools (drills, grinders, reciprocating saws, skill saws, etc.) and hand tools (wrenches, ratchet drivers, screw drivers, hammers, etc).
• Understand the correlation between fractional and decimal measurements, and comfortable dealing with precision measurements down to.001 of an inch and the instruments used to do so
• Keeping track of various metrics and preparing daily reports
• Computing basic and intermediate math
• Know, Understand, and Apply all aspects of the Quality Management System, and Standard Quality Control Procedures
• Monitor the quality of product and notify the appropriate personnel if substandard conditions exist
• Cross train on multiple machine centers, rolling stock, and departments
• Performs mandatory pre-shift checklists and daily maintenance records
• Assist with preventive/predictive maintenance activities and cleaning
• Assist in training and mentoring of team members
• Float between departments to assist in areas of greatest need
• Know, Understand, and Apply the Lock-out Tag-out procedures
• Entry level laborer duties, including but not limited to, stacking boards, general cleanup, removal of wood waste and debris, and tending machines
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Ensure tools, supplies, and equipment are always in their "home locations"
• Maintain lines of communication with other team members
• Learning and applying lean business practices
• Fill out a maintenance request and Idea Cards when needed
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Ensure safe work practices & follow safety procedures
• Dependable and reliable with a good attendance record
• Ability to streamline processes and cut waste within area of responsibility
• Lean techniques and experience preferred
• Must be 18+ years old to work in an industrial sawmill environment
• Must have HS Diploma/GED
• Must be able to continuously stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders safely. The weight required to be lifted each normal workday may occasionally exceed fifty (50) pounds at a time
• Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. However, having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from consideration for the job. Records will be considered based on the requirements of RCW 9.96A.020, RCW 43.43, WAC
• Must be able to successfully pass a drug test and pre-employment physical exam
• This is a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death

Hours/Days/Schedule:

• 40+ hours a week
• Shift work and/or weekends
• Full time

Salary/Wage/Benefits:

• Pay: $19-$30/hr
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Full benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D insurance, long term disability, PTO, and 401k with match