What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pine Finishing Pro position at HANCOCK LUMBER CO., INC.?
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Pine Finishing Pro is responsible for ensuring the highest quality finish on pine boards through precise set up, operation, and maintenance of finishing equipment. This role requires a strong understanding of wood characteristics, stain behavior, and defect identification. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and committed to continuous improvement and teamwork.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Understand and follow all safety policies and procedures.
- Take personal responsibility for their own safety and those working around them.
- Participate in safety huddles, stretch huddles, and near miss program.
- Use Personal Protective Equipment when and where it is required.
- Perform proper set up and feeding of boards into finishing equipment.
- Ensure optimal coverage and consistent high-quality output.
- Basic set up and operation of Heeseman drum sander, including, changing belts, cleaning, feeding, and unloading.
- Basic set up and operation of Cantek end-matching machine, including cleaning, feeding, and unloading.
- Conduct calibrations and board measurements during downtime (DT).
- Utilize downtime to improve accuracy and machine performance.
- Identify and communicate defects, tracing them back to sources such as the Planer, Kilns, Yard, or Sawmill.
- Monitor wood and stain stability to maintain finish integrity.
- Inspect for contaminants such as dirt, mud, and rocks, cull defective boards, and report issues.
- Place boards strategically for maximum grade and coverage.
- Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for pattern runs.
- Understand causes and remedies for machine-related defects.
- Adhere to skip response procedures and maintain proper machine adjustments.
- Ensure all staples are removed from incoming wood.
- Maintain a clean and organized work area.
- Collaborate effectively with team members and contribute ideas for process improvement.
- Other duties may be assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Strong understanding of wood types, stain behavior, and finishing techniques.
- Ability to identify and diagnose defects and their sources.
- Familiarity with machine calibration and adjustment procedures.
- Knowledge of SOPs related to finishing operations.
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Effective communication skills for reporting issues and collaborating with team members.
- Ability to work safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
DESIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Prior experience in wood finishing, sawmill operations, or related manufacturing environments preferred.
- Experience with machine operation, calibration, and maintenance is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and contribute to a positive work culture.
REPETITIVE PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- Lift 60# from floor to waist, lift 40# from waist to shoulder
- Carry 60# over a distance exceeding 12 feet
- Push 100# in a wheeled cart
- Stand on a cement floor for long periods of time
- Bend, stoop, or squat to floor level repeatedly
- Reach overhead to grasp materials
- Ability to walk up and down stairs to access machinery
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the job role. They may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.