Machine Operators in Woodworking and Wood Processing
(NOC 9434, 9437)
in All NS OccupationsThis group includes machine-related jobs that require some skill and are generally performed inside a building. These workers assist with repairs and maintenance of machinery; feed conveyors and other equipment; handle materials; monitor machine operations; and clean work areas. Other machine operators in wood processing remove bark from logs, produce wood chips, preserve and treat wood, and produce wood products such as particle board, plywood, or veneer. They are employed in sawmills, pulp mills, planing mills, wood treatment plants, waferboard plants and other wood processing plants. Woodworking machine operators make and repair wooden parts for furniture and other wood products. They are employed in furniture, fixture and other wood products manufacturing establishments.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All NS Occupations
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. 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. Machine Operators in Woodworking and Wood Processing most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 60% of Machine Operators in Woodworking and Wood Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,660. 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
$12.80
Minimum$19.00
Median$24.52
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,766
Minimum$29,631
Median$63,100
MaximumCompared to: All NS Occupations
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$19.89
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,872
Minimum$29,983
Median$83,126
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
This group includes machine-related jobs that require some skill and are generally performed inside a building. These workers assist with repairs and maintenance of machinery; feed conveyors and other equipment; handle materials; monitor machine operations; and clean work areas.
Other machine operators in wood processing remove bark from logs, produce wood chips, preserve and treat wood, and produce wood products such as particle board, plywood, or veneer. They are employed in sawmills, pulp mills, planing mills, wood treatment plants, waferboard plants and other wood processing plants.
Woodworking machine operators make and repair wooden parts for furniture and other wood products. They are employed in furniture, fixture and other wood products manufacturing establishments.
Job duties
Machine operators in this group perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate and tend various wood processing equipment and machines to remove bark, knots and dirt from logs; reduce logs or sawmill waste into wood chips or flakes; stack and band lumber; screen wood chips; and produce waferboards, particleboards, hardboards and insulation boards.
- Operate and tend conveyors, lathes, sanding machines and other equipment to peel and slice veneer from logs and log sections, and to glue, press, trim, sand and splice veneer sheets.
- Operate and tend kilns, treating tanks and other equipment to dry lumber and other wood products, and to treat chemically and impregnate wood products with preservatives.
- Observe equipment, panel indicators, video monitors, and other instruments to detect malfunctions and ensure that processes are operating according to specifications.
- Assemble plywood panels and repair plywood and veneer mechanically or manually.
- Start up, shut down, set up, adjust and assist in maintaining processing equipment and machines as required.
- Complete and maintain production reports.
Woodworking machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Set up, program and operate one or more computer numerically controlled (CNC) or manual woodworking machines such as saws, moulders, lathes, routers, planers, edgers, pressing machines, shapers, drills and sanders to fabricate or repair wooden parts for furniture, fixtures and other wood products.
- Operate gluing machines to glue pieces of wood together or press and affix wood veneer to wood surfaces.
- Operate preset special-purpose woodworking machines to fabricate wood products such as coat hangers, mop handles, clothes pins and other products.
- Read and interpret specifications or follow verbal instructions.
- May clean and lubricate equipment, and replace parts as necessary.
Sample job titles
- chipper operator - wood processing
- drill press operator - woodworking
- lathe operator - woodworking
- lumber kiln operator
- machine plywood patcher
- machine sander - woodworking
- planer - woodworking
- plywood press operator
- power saw operator - woodworking
- wood treater
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical aptitude are important. You must be accurate and attentive to detail. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Completion of some high school is usually required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided.
- Some college or company courses may be required for some jobs within this group.
Other considerations
These are largely rural jobs, and self-employment is not common. Generally, work is carried out in shifts at various hours of the day. Previous experience as a labourer within the same company is usually required as an entry point to this group of jobs. Mobility is common among jobs in this group. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All NS Occupations
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
Northern
Cape Breton
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Wood Product Manufacturing
Textiles, Furniture and Other Manufacturing
Forestry and Logging
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
25-34
45-54
65+
15-24
Compared to: All NS Occupations
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
N/ALess than high school
$60,425 median annual incomeHigh school
$52,600 median annual incomeTrades certificate
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 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 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.