Wood processing plant operators monitor, operate, and control automated lumber mill equipment for sawing timber logs into rough lumber, cutting veneer, making plywood and particle board, and otherwise preparing wood for further use.
Skill level:
Semi-skilled
Check your pay
- The majority of Wood processing plant operators earn a salary between $3,350 and $5,867 per month in 2024.
- A monthly wage for entry-level Wood processing plant operators ranges from $3,350 to $4,559.
- After gaining 5 years of work experience, their income will be between $3,625 and $4,906 per month.
Job Responsibilities
- Examining logs and rough lumber to determine size, condition, quality and other characteristics to decide best lumber cuts to carry out, or operating automated equipment to convey logs through laser scanners which determine the most productive and profitable cutting patterns
- Operating and monitoring log in-feed and conveyor systems
- Operating and monitoring head saws, resaws and multiblade saws to saw logs, cants, flitches, slabs or wings and remove rough edges from sawn timber into dressed lumber of various sizes, and to saw or split shingles and shakes
- Operating and monitoring plywood core-laying machines and hot-plate plywood presses and machines which cut veneer
- Cleaning and lubricating sawmill equipment
