TRIMMER APPRENTICE-BFP-SWM

Job Title: Trimmer Apprentice (Sawmill)
Department: Sawmill / Lumber Production
Reports To: Trimmer Operator / Sawmill Supervisor
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Shift: Varies (days/nights, weekends, overtime as needed) 

   HOURLY PAID POSITION - 5 DAY WORK WEEK WITH SOME WEEKENDS, 12 HOURS SHIFTS 5PM - 5AM. 

NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTAL PAY AVAILABLE. AND OTHER INCENTIVES. 

FULL BENEFITS PACKAGE AVAILABLE. 

- MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, 401K, PTO, STD, LTD, LIFE INSURANCE, AND MORE. 

Job Summary

The Trimmer Apprentice supports the Trimmer Operator and production team by learning safe operation of the trimmer line and related equipment. This role assists with inspecting lumber, maintaining product flow, removing defects, and performing housekeeping and basic line checks. The apprentice is trained to operate controls, identify lumber grades/defects, and maintain quality and production targets while following all safety rules.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Trimmer Operator with daily start-up, shutdown, and safe operation of the trimmer line.

• Learn to identify lumber defects and trim requirements (wane, splits, knots, length defects, end checks).

• Help maintain smooth lumber flow to prevent jams, pileups, and downtime.

• Remove debris, misfeeds, or damaged pieces from the line following lockout/tagout rules as required.

• Perform quality checks on trimmed lumber: correct length, square ends, acceptable defect removal, and grade requirements.

• Stack, sort, and align lumber as directed; banding/tagging support as needed.

• Monitor and report equipment issues such as dull saws, misalignment, air/hydraulic leaks, sensor problems, or unusual noises/vibration.

• Assist with blade changes and minor adjustments under supervision and per company procedures.

• Support preventive maintenance tasks: cleaning, lubrication checks, guarding checks, and inspection rounds (as assigned).

• Maintain housekeeping standards around the trimmer, conveyors, and surrounding work areas (dust, bark, wood pieces).

• Follow all safety procedures including PPE, machine guarding, pinch-point awareness, and safe lifting practices.

• Communicate clearly with upstream/downstream operators (edger, sorter, stacker) to maintain coordinated production flow.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support mill production.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED (preferred but may be waived with relevant experience)

• Ability to work safely in a fast-paced industrial environment

• Ability to read a tape measure and perform basic math (fractions/decimals)

• Strong attention to detail (quality and safety)

• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, and overtime

Preferred

• Prior sawmill, lumber, or industrial production experience

• Familiarity with lumber grades, defect identification, or trimming concepts

• Forklift or industrial equipment experience (if applicable)

• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to recognize equipment problems early

• Physical & Work Environment

• Frequent standing/walking; repetitive lifting, bending, twisting

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (adjust to your site standard)

• Work around moving equipment, noise, dust, vibration, and varying temperatures

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  Safety Critical Expectations

• Consistent use of PPE and adherence to all safety policies

• Follow lockout/tagout and never bypass guards or safety devices

• Stop work and report hazards, near misses, and injuries immediately

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• Required PPE may include: hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, hard hat, steel-toe boots, and respiratory protection as needed

Salary : $47,320 - $56,000