As a Utility Worker you will play a vital role in operating and supporting various machinery essential to the manufacturing process. This entry-level position requires adaptability and a proactive approach to learning different job functions across the production floor. You will be cross trained in multiple roles to build expertise and will be placed were production demands are highest. Once you have developed the necessary skills, you will have the opportunity to bid for higher-level positions when they become available, which may come with increased pay. The work environment is fast-paced and production-focused, with assignments based on current needs. Employees should expect to work five days, occasionally six days a week in 8-hour shifts, contributing to a team-oriented and physically demanding setting that values reliability and flexibility.
Employees may be trained to work in one or all of the following titles: Dryer Feeder, Dryer Grader, or LUL Patcher. Utility P3 is an entry level position and on-the-job training is provided.
- Job Title
- Production Worker – Plant 3 (Mill City)
- Branch
- Plywood and Veneer Manufacturing
- Report To
- Shift Supervisor
- Schedule
- 24/7 operation - must be available for all shifts
- Status
- Full-time
- Wage Range
- $21.01
- Date
- Open
Essential Functions
Dryer Feeder : keeping dryers full of veneer at maximum capacity, positioning veneer into the feeding station using automatic and manual transfers, removing objects from veneer prior to feeding, preventing and removing plug-ups
Dryer Grader : grading and pulling veneer from drying table, stacking veneer in carts in an even manner concentrating on the quality of the stack. Stacks must be tight, neat and against the backboard to facilitate transport and later use on the plywood layup line
LUL Patcher : patching holes within specifications of the product being made, removing overlapped veneer, assuring the patches are the same thickness as the core, marking defects that cannot be fixed.
Physical Demands
- Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physical tasks, including pushing, pulling, twisting, bending, stooping, and lifting materials weighing up to 40 pounds regularly.
- Comfort with repetitive tasks while maintaining focus and efficiency throughout the shift.
- Working shift work and weekends, working six days per week
Qualifications
Requirements:
- Physical ability to stand, push, pull, twist, bend, stoop, and lift materials weighing up to 40 pounds regularly.
- Competence in basic technology to operate machinery and tools.
- Strong work ethics demonstrating reliability, punctuality, and dedication to high-quality results.
- Adaptable to changing tasks and work environments
- Comfort with repetitive tasks while maintaining focus and efficiency throughout the shift.
- Commitment to following safety protocols and maintaining a safe work environment. Awareness of potential hazards and proactive in risk mitigation.
- Critical thinking skills for problem-solving and decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred:
- Prior experience in lumber mills.
- Knowledge of the lumber industry.
- Basic understanding or experience of production processes.
Benefits
Health, Dental, Life, Short-term Disability, Section 125, Discretionary Quarterly Profit Sharing and 401 (K), Paid time off, Holiday Pay, and Employee Discounts
Our Company
Freres Engineered Wood, formerly Freres Lumber Co., Inc. was established in 1922 in Lyons, Oregon as a family-owned and operated wood products manufacturing business. Three generations of family management have led the Company’s veneer and plywood manufacturing facilities to sustain in the Santiam Canyon and we are committed to operating for another 100+ years.
We operate six processing plants, including a small log veneer plant, large log veneer plant, veneer drying facility, plywood plant and cogeneration facility. We are dedicated to reinvesting in our modern manufacturing facilities, providing high-quality wood products, and providing family wage jobs within our communities. We specialize in creating the highest quality wood products, from raw log to finished products, including hog fuel, bark fines, chips, shavings, specialty veneer, grade lumber, high-quality sheathing grade plywood and even electricity.
Our passion for continuous improvement aligned with our innovative approach to manufacturing has led us to become the sole producer and developer of a unique, patented wood product, the Mass Plywood Panel. If you have a growth mindset and thrive under pressure, you’re probably a great fit for our team!