Millworker Technician / Machine Operator

Why 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

To 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.