Explore Green Jobs

Machine Operator

Machine Operators work with mill-related mechanical and computer-operated machinery. They oversee various pieces of equipment, working to transform logs into lumber, pulp or paper products purchased by lumber yards, other mills, contractors and other customers.

A Machine Operator in the forestry industry operates equipment in mills such as lumber, pulp and paper mills. This individual monitors the process of creating products from harvested logs.

A Machine Operator will know how to fix equipment when there's an emergency breakdown, how to set up new equipment and how to do routine maintenance to keep equipment running smoothly.

This position may also be referred to by the specific type of mill, such as a Sawmill Operator, Pulp Mill Operator or Lumber Mill Operator.

Chris Taunt

Machine Operator, Sierra Pacific Industries

I start each day making sure my machine center is prepped. It is important for safety and production that my photo eyes are clean and the chains are operating correctly. While running the machine, I watch the production cameras for any hang-ups. I communicate with operators around me and help others keep production flowing. At the end of my shift, I make my area cleaner than when I arrived so the next operator has a great start.

Education

To become a Machine Operator in the forestry space, formal education is not required but can be helpful. College courses such as wood science or wood technology are beneficial.

Helpful courses to take in high school include algebra, agricultural courses, business and computer courses, as well as mathematics. Basic welding courses and training in mill maintenance are helpful.

Tools of the Trade

  • Heavy machinery such as skidders, feller bunchers, sawmills, paper machines and loaders are common pieces of equipment Machine Operators use.
  • Hand tools such as a 2-ton jack, lift hook, saw and axe.
  • Protective gear including leather gloves, steel-toe boots and a hard hat.

Important Skills

Confidence working with large machinery.

The ability to work well with others in a fast-paced environment.

Skills in maintaining and repairing machinery used in the mill are also useful.

Safety and spatial awareness are important when working directly with sawmill machinery.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities a mill machine operator might have include:

  • Operate a mill to transform logs into products.
  • Install and maintain mill machinery and equipment.
  • Use woodworking tools such as a miter saw, sander, band saw, etc.
  • Operate a loader and forklift to move logs and materials around the mill.
  • Stack and organize lumber products.

Final products are sold to finished products companies, such as building supply companies, or to mills that use the products to make other products. Often, machine operators work in teams, rotating stations within the mill during a shift.

< Back to all job profiles