Finishing Operator

Position Summary

Operates the sander, saw line, and tongue & groove line, ensuring the production of finished panels. Takes on responsibilities, providing leadership and guidance to team members, coordinating workflow, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and assisting with troubleshooting and resolving production issues. 

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs all set-up, adjustments, and operations of sander and all associated finishing equipment. 
• Monitors overall operation of the sander and finishing area, including leading the finishing crew members, assisting maintenance with troubleshooting, reporting issues and assisting the shift supervisor with finishing area decisions. 
• Lubricates and inspects equipment for proper operation.  Checks: Air pressure; Line speeds; Sanding unit, pressures and belts; Edge coating equipment; Pressures and settings on tongue and groove machine and heads; Stacker operation; All other sanding related equipment. Grade stamp (corresponds to board thickness) ;Saw alignment; Chain alignment; Grade line belts; IMAL and Vision system; Nail grid system; Stacker condition and air supply; Paint booth and associated equipment; Bar code equipment 
• Checks and records on the Production Report all panels through operation for: Dimensions (width, length, and thickness), Quality of cut on tongue and groove heads, Legibility of panel grade mark. Squareness, Quality of cut (lack of chip out, snipped, etc.), Measure stack height for board thickness, Legibility of panel grade mark 
• If a deviation from standard is discovered, shuts down and corrects problem and notifies Shift Supervisor or Press Operator of problem.  Receives assistance from Utility operator and/or Forklift operator in making corrections. 
• Maintains cleanliness of equipment and work area. 
• Operates air lines to blow down saw line, stackers, and board cooler. 
• Grades panels in accordance with plant and association grading rules. 
• Monitors operation of grade bins continuously to assure undamaged, square stacking of panels. 
• Observes Finishing operations and performance relative to placement of edge protectors and skids.  If deviation is noted, directs and assists in correcting problem. 
• Completes grade out production report upon completion of the shift, which includes: 
• Counting all panels according to grade. 
• Checking and re-setting counters prior to shift. 
• Operates forklift in the process of correcting problems. 
• Maintains operations by reading, interpreting and applying complex written instructions in the form of Standard Operating Procedures and other written instructions. 
• Maintains inter crew workflow by communicating and coordinating awareness of operational issues   
• Performs general physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs, moving whole body and multilimbed coordination 
•  Performs other duties as may be assigned. 

Specialized/Technical Knowledge or Required Skills