Other Wood Processing Machine Operators
(NOC 9434)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesOther wood processing machine operators use and tend wood processing equipment and machines to remove bark from logs, produce wood chips, preserve and treat wood, and produce waferboards, particleboards, hardboards, insulation boards, plywood, veneers and similar wood products. They work for sawmills, woodrooms of pulp mills, planing mills, wood treatment plants, waferboard plants and other wood processing plants.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Other Wood Processing Machine Operators most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 54% of Other Wood Processing Machine Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $50,061. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.95
Minimum$20.00
Median$24.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$33,724
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Other wood processing machine operators use and tend wood processing equipment and machines to remove bark from logs, produce wood chips, preserve and treat wood, and produce waferboards, particleboards, hardboards, insulation boards, plywood, veneers and similar wood products. They work for sawmills, woodrooms of pulp mills, planing mills, wood treatment plants, waferboard plants and other wood processing plants.
Job duties
Machine operators in this group:
- Use and tend wood processing equipment and machines.
- Use and tend conveyors, lathes, sanding machines and other equipment.
- Use and tend kilns, treating tanks and other equipment to dry lumber and other wood products, and to treat products with preservatives.
- Watch equipment, panel indicators, video monitors, and other instruments to find errors and make sure that processes are operating as they should.
- Assemble plywood panels and repair plywood and veneer mechanically or by hand.
- Start up, shut down, set up, adjust and help in maintaining processing equipment and machines as needed.
- Complete and maintain production reports.
Sample job titles
- barker operator
- chipper operator
- lumber kiln operator
- particleboard line operator
- plywood panel assembler
- timber treating tank operator
- veneer dryer tender
- veneer lathe operator
- waferboard press operator
- wood treater
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
- Some high school is usually necessary.
- Several months of on-the-job training are provided.
- Lumber kiln operators, particleboard operators and waferboard operators, need some combination of college or company courses and up to one year of on-the-job training.
- Experience as a labourer in wood processing may be necessary.
Other considerations
These are largely rural jobs, and self-employment is not common. There is some movement among jobs in this group. Movement to other positions in the wood, pulp and paper industries is possible with experience.
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?
Southern
North Shore
Cape Breton
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
15-24
65+
25-34
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$29,587 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,939 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/AApprenticeship
N/ABachelor
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 incomeApprenticeship
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Machine tool technology/machinist
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to plan, manufacture, assemble, test, and repair parts, mechanisms, machines, and structures in which materials are cast, formed, shaped, moulded, heat treated, cut, twisted, pressed, fused, stamped or worked.
Institutions providing this program
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 1256 Barrington Street, 3rd Fl, Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
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