OBJECTIVE

The Mill Associate supports daily mill operations by safely handling materials, operating and maintaining woodworking machinery, and producing high-quality lumber and mill products. This role requires a strong commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and efficiency, while contributing to production goals and maintaining a clean and organized work environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow all company safety standards, policies, and procedures; immediately report hazards or unsafe conditions.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas throughout the mill and surrounding yard, including sweeping, shoveling, and removing debris, wood waste, and sawdust.
• Load, unload, move, stack, flip, sort, and handle lumber and wood products safely and efficiently.
• Assist with and independently operate woodworking machinery and equipment, including but not limited to resaws, planers, chop saws, stake cutters, moulders, routers, and related mill equipment.
• Set up machines, monitor operations, make adjustments, and perform basic troubleshooting to ensure proper function and product quality.
• Use hand tools, power tools, air tools, and pneumatic equipment (including nail guns and staplers) to process materials and assemble products such as fence and lattice panels.
• Read measurements, production schedules, and specifications to ensure accurate cutting, milling, and finishing of products.
• Inspect finished products to ensure quality standards are met and identify defects or issues.
• Perform and document routine preventative maintenance and daily safety checks on equipment.
• Assist with inventory handling, material storage, and organization to support efficient mill operations.
• Support production goals by maintaining productivity, minimizing waste, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts.
• Assist with training and mentoring team members as needed and work collaboratively with supervisors and peers.
• Attend required company training, safety meetings, and ongoing skill development sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong commitment to workplace safety and quality standards.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding mill environment.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to operate, adjust, and maintain woodworking machinery.
• Proficiency reading measurements, specifications, and basic technical drawings or blueprints.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, air tools, and precision measuring instruments.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and craftsmanship.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work independently, and collaborate effectively within a team.
• Dependable, reliable, and punctual with good attendance.
• Effective communication, math, and organizational skills.
• Forklift operation skills preferred; certification a plus.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing, mill, or woodworking environment preferred.
• Prior experience operating woodworking machinery and power tools strongly preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, crouch, and move for extended periods (8+ hours per day).
• Regularly lift, push, pull, or carry materials weighing up to 60 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in variable weather conditions.
• Tolerance for exposure to sawdust, noise, and moving machinery.
• Ability to safely use ladders, steps, machinery, hand tools, and power equipment.

BENEFITS

Available to all Full-Time employees.

• Paid Time Off (Vacation Pay)
• Paid Sick Leave (Sick Pay)
• 6 Paid Holiday Days
• 401(K) with employer contribution
• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance

SALARY RANGE

$18.00 - $21.00 DOE

Berco Redwood/Berry Lumber, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.