Lead Planer Operator-1st shift

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Lead Operator – Planer Mill is responsible for leading the daily operation of the planer mill production line while ensuring the safe, efficient, and high-quality processing of lumber. This position provides direction and support to planer mill operators, coordinates workflow, monitors equipment performance, and assists with troubleshooting operational issues to maximize production and minimize downtime. The Lead Operator serves as the primary point of contact for the shift, promotes compliance with safety, quality, and production standards, and works closely with supervisors and maintenance to ensure continuous, efficient operations. This role is expected to lead by example, reinforce company policies, and foster teamwork and accountability within the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set up, operate, and monitor the planer, trimmer, edger, and associated equipment during production runs to achieve target dimensions, surface quality, and throughput.

• Perform and oversee accurate machine setups for each species, dimension, and grade run; verify settings against run sheets before production begins.

• Monitor feed speed, knife condition, and pressure settings throughout the run; make minor in-run adjustments to maintain product quality.

• Identify and communicate equipment issues, unusual sounds, vibration, or reduced performance to maintenance before they escalate to a breakdown.

• Visually and dimensionally inspect finished product throughout the run; verify that planed lumber meets specified thickness, width, surface quality, and grade requirements; pull and flag off-specification product immediately.

• Maintain accurate tally records, run logs, and production documentation; ensure the line is producing to the day’s run sheet; conduct end-of-run and end-of-shift equipment checks and communicate findings to the oncoming shift Lead or Supervisor.

• Act as the first point of contact for crew members when the supervisor is unavailable; communicate issues up the chain promptly; assist in orienting and training new operators on machine operation, quality expectations, and safety procedures in coordination with the supervisor.

• Model and enforce PPE requirements at all times, including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vest; ensure LOTO procedures are followed before any clearing, cleaning, or minor maintenance tasks on planer mill equipment.

• Communicate all equipment issues, observations, and concerns to the Maintenance department promptly; coordinate with maintenance during planned and unplanned downtime to minimize production impact and ensure safe re-start procedures.

• Keep the line organized and communicating — upstream with the green chain and sawmill, downstream with sorting and stacking; operate stacking and sorting equipment and ensure proper product staging at the outfeed end of the line.

• Identify and immediately report all safety hazards, near-misses, and incidents to the supervisor; maintain a clean, organized workstation and enforce housekeeping standards with the crew throughout the shift.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Planer Supervisor.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required.

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience as a machine operator in a sawmill, planer mill, or lumber manufacturing environment required.

• Direct experience operating a planer, trimmer, or edger in a production environment strongly preferred.

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify and communicate equipment issues clearly; thorough understanding of planer mill quality standards, dimensional tolerances, and surface grading requirements.

• Clear and effective verbal communication skills for coordination across the production line and with supervisors; comfortable holding crew members accountable to production and safety standards.

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret run sheets, tally documents, and dimensional specifications.

• Ability to work independently and make sound in-the-moment production decisions within established guidelines; reliable and punctual with the ability to set the example for the crew.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience in a lead or informal leadership capacity on a production line.

• Experience with stacking, sorting, and outfeed equipment in a planer mill environment.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position works in an active planer mill production environment with regular exposure to moving machinery, noise, sawdust, and vibration. The incumbent must be able to stand and walk for the full shift, lift and carry lumber and materials up to 50 lbs frequently, and bend, reach, and kneel during equipment checks and setups. All required PPE — including safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, and high-visibility vest — must be worn at all times in the production area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Plain Dealing Lumber is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable la w.