Sawmill Machine Operators
(NOC 9431)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesSawmill machine operators use, monitor and control automated lumbermill equipment to saw timber logs into rough lumber; saw, trim and plane rough lumber into dressed lumber of various sizes; and saw or split shingles and shakes. They work in sawmills and planing mills.
Job Outlook
Limited
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$20.15
Median$27.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$12,465
Minimum$31,089
Median$50,375
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$20.80
Median$33.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Sawmill machine operators use, monitor and control automated lumbermill equipment to saw timber logs into rough lumber; saw, trim and plane rough lumber into dressed lumber of various sizes; and saw or split shingles and shakes. They work in sawmills and planing mills.
Job duties
Sawmill machine operators:
- Use front-end loaders and stationary deck cranes to feed logs into the sawmill.
- Examine logs and rough lumber to determine size, condition, quality and other characteristics to decide best lumber cuts to carry out or use automated equipment to convey logs through laser scanners which decide the most productive and profitable cutting patterns.
- Use lumbermill equipment from control rooms or equipment consoles to saw logs into rough lumber; saw, trim and plane rough lumber into dressed lumber of various sizes; and saw or split shingles and shakes.
- Start conveyor system to move logs and lumber to and from saws.
- Set up and adjust saw equipment and replace blades or bands using wrenches, gauges and other hand tools.
- Use equipment to sort and stack lumber by length and thickness, move stacks to storage areas or drying kilns, and feed lumber through planers.
- Monitor movement of lumber and computer screens to make sure cuts are made according to specifications, and print production reports.
- Clean and lubricate sawmill equipment.
Sample job titles
- circular saw operator - sawmill
- edger - sawmill
- head-saw operator - sawmill
- planer - sawmill
- saw operator - sawmill
- splitter - sawmill
- trimming machine operator - sawmill
Skills
- You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and mechanical ability are important. You must be able to follow directions and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- College courses in wood processing technology may be required.
- Several weeks of on-the-job training are usually provided.
- A certificate in industrial first aid may be required.
Other considerations
- These are largely rural jobs, and self-employment is not common. There is some movement among jobs in this group and movement to supervisor positions is possible with experience. Head sawyers and planer operators usually require several years of experience in other sawmill machine operating positions in the same company.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
$39,218 median annual incomeSouthern
$27,661 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$27,235 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/AHalifax
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Utilities
Construction
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$29,919 median annual incomeLess than high school
$33,010 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
N/ATrade Certification
N/ADoctorate
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.