Millworker Technician / Machine Operator

Job DetailsJob Location: STORE 1 - Sherwood, OR 97140Salary Range: $20.00 - $22.00Why Work at Hardwood Industries, Inc.?

Hardwood Industries, Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of premium hardwood products, supplying customers across the country. We take pride in craftsmanship, safety, teamwork, and long-term employment. Our mill and warehouse teams play a critical role in ensuring accurate production, order fulfillment, and customer satisfaction.

If you enjoy hands-on work, learning skilled trades, and being part of a production team that values quality and accountability, we invite you to apply.

Position Summary

The Millworker position supports both mill operations and warehouse order fulfillment in a continuous improvement–focused manufacturing environment. Employees in this role are encouraged to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and workflow while performing hands‑on production, material handling, and order processing tasks. This position includes operating mill equipment, pulling and staging orders, performing quality checks, and maintaining a clean and safe work area.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Mill Operations

Sander Operator / Off‑Bearer

Operate and off‑bear behind sanders
Rack and stack lumber properly
Identify belt issues affecting surface quality
Change sanding belts as required
Maintain clean and organized work area
Learn complete sander and millwork processes

Planer Operator / Off‑Bearer

Set up and off‑bear in front of and behind planer
Stack lumber properly
Identify surface defects
Set planer thickness as required

Rip Saw Operator / Off‑Bearer

Set up and off‑bear behind rip saw
Stack lumber and monitor dimensional accuracy
Identify dimensional issues
Change arbor and shoes as needed
Assist with tallies after production
Maintain safe and clean saw area

Chop Saw Operator

Operate chop saw with safety as highest priority
Follow emergency procedures
Set up and cut material to specified lengths
Identify dimensional defects
Label and tally material accurately
Maintain cleanliness around saw area

Dust Collection & Safety Systems

Follow startup and shutdown procedures
Use dust collection systems properly
Wear required PPE (safety glasses, dust masks)
Use Clark Pyro Guard equipment safely
Empty dust collection bins into trucks

Order Processing & Warehouse Duties

Safely operate forklifts
Identify wood species
Pull orders accurately (lumber, sheet goods, mouldings, sundry items)
Hand stack and re‑stack materials as required
Sort lumber by width, length, and special instructions
Utilize Voice Directed Tally System (VDTS)
Perform quality control checks
Complete bill of lading (BOL) processes
Use Epicor and inventory systems to update and maintain accuracy
Communicate with sales staff regarding orders and issues
Update inventory mapping in Excel
Stage orders for loading
Perform occasional loading and unloading

Tallying & Inventory Accuracy

Accurately tally lumber using tally sticks or VDTS
Complete customer work orders
Calculate board footage accurately
Identify defects such as splits during tallying

General Responsibilities

Identify lumber grades and species at a basic level
Operate banding and band‑chopper equipment
Stack materials according to standard unit widths with proper stickers
Follow all safety practices and procedures
Maintain clean, organized work areas
Support continuous improvement initiatives
Perform other duties as assigned

QualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Ability to learn and safely operate mill and warehouse equipment
Forklift experience preferred or ability to become certified
Basic math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide; calculate linear, board, and square footage)
Ability to read, understand, and communicate job‑related information in English
Ability to use computer software, including Microsoft Office and Epicor
Strong attention to detail and teamwork

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

Stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and balance
Use hands and arms to handle materials and operate equipment
Lift up to 25 pounds regularly, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds occasionally

Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

Indoor manufacturing and warehouse environment
Frequent exposure to moving mechanical parts
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles, and chemicals
High noise levels
Strong emphasis on safety, PPE, and teamwork

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hardwood Industries, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.