Sawmill Material Handler

Position Summary The Sawmill Material Handler is responsible for managing lumber and material flow at key production areas in a pine sawmill environment. This position supports the material flow from the gang box saw and edger, two of the largest production machine centers in the mill. This role requires strong safety awareness, good judgment, physical stamina, and the ability to make quick decisions to keep material moving properly. The Sawmill Material Handler helps separate good material from waste, redirect larger pieces or specific components to the proper conveyance line, and support steady production flow through the mill. Essential Functions Monitor material coming from the gang box saw, edger, or other assigned production areas. Sort good lumber or components from waste material based on production requirements. Redirect large pieces, boards, cants, or components to the appropriate conveyance line. Help prevent bottlenecks, jams, mis-sorts, and material backup at major machine centers. Identify material that should continue through production versus material that should be removed as waste. Safely handle, pull, push, turn, or redirect lumber and components as needed. Communicate with machine operators, sawyers, forklift operators, supervisors, and other production employees to maintain proper material flow. Watch for quality issues, equipment problems, unsafe conditions, or material flow concerns and report them promptly. Keep the assigned work area clean and free of debris, broken boards, waste buildup, and tripping hazards. Follow all company safety procedures, including PPE requirements, lockout/tagout rules, machine guarding, and safe work practices around sawmill equipment. Perform other duties as assigned to support sawmill operations. Safety Responsibilities Maintain awareness of moving lumber, conveyors, saws, forklifts, and other employees. Keep hands, clothing, and tools clear of moving conveyors, pinch points, and machine areas. Never reach into moving equipment or bypass safety devices. Stop and report unsafe conditions, jams, equipment issues, or abnormal material flow immediately. Use proper body positioning and safe material-handling practices when redirecting or moving lumber. Help maintain a clean and organized work area to reduce trip hazards, debris buildup, and unsafe conditions. Required Qualifications Ability to work safely in a sawmill, manufacturing, warehouse, construction, farming, or similar hands-on environment. Ability to perform physically active work throughout the shift. Ability to make quick decisions in a fast-paced production environment. Strong attention to safety, material flow, and quality. Ability to communicate clearly and work well as part of a team. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Reliable attendance and willingness to support multiple production areas as needed. Must be at least 18 years old. Preferred Qualifications Previous sawmill, lumber, pallet, manufacturing, warehouse, construction, farming, or equipment operation experience. Prior experience sorting lumber, handling material, working near conveyors, or supporting machine centers. Basic understanding of lumber defects, waste separation, production flow, or sawmill equipment. Forklift or equipment experience. Physical Requirements / Work Environment This position works in an industrial pine sawmill environment with exposure to noise, sawdust, moving equipment, conveyors, lumber, sharp edges, forklifts, weather conditions, and varying temperatures. This is a physically active production role. The employee may be required to stand and walk for extended periods, bend, twist, reach, pull, push, turn, and redirect lumber or components throughout the shift. This position may involve more frequent manual effort than other general labor roles due to the need to manage large pieces and maintain material flow at major machine centers. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Schedule This is a full-time position. Overtime, weekends, and schedule flexibility may be required based on production needs. Advancement Opportunity Employees in this position may have the opportunity to advance into sawmill machine operator roles based on safety record, attendance, work ethic, communication, teamwork, and ability to learn mill operations. Equal Opportunity Statement The company is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. on Pay Range: $20.00–$24.00 per hour, depending on experience. Candidates with strong sawmill experience, proven mechanical aptitude, and the ability to recognize, troubleshoot, and communicate equipment issues may be considered for a higher starting wage. Currently offered to our employees: Medical insurance Health savings account with company contribution Dental insurance Vision insurance Basic and voluntary life insurance Disability insurance 401(k) plan with company match Paid vacation and holidays Stock purchase program with employee discount Educational reimbursement Wellness programs and challenges Other supplemental benefits The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please watch our welcome video below to learn more about UFP Industries! Click Here to Review Truck Driver Postings Wondering what the companies of UFP Industries are all about? We're successful. We've been around for more than 65 years, and we've been profitable every year since our founding. We work hard, and we know how to set and beat records. We're competitive. Our line of work is demanding, but you'll get back what you put in and have fun doing it. We're family. We care for each other and want to see each other succeed. We enjoy watching each other build great careers and take advantage of the many opportunities we have to advance. And that makes UFP Industries a great place to be. We work hard and smart. We learn and grow from each other, from experience, from trial and error, from success. We collaborate to maintain our competitive edge. And we do it all on a global scale.