Interested in working with machinery but don't have much experience – try a sawmill in Queensland
If you like hands on work, are interested working with machinery and would enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a difference because you’re producing one of the world’s most environmentally friendly building materials consider a job in a sawmill in Queensland.
Roles in this sector include activities ranging from sawing logs, producing hardwood or softwood chips, kiln drying, conducting end matching and finger jointing operations to weighing loads. Skilled trades include Saw Technicians who responsible for making, repairing and maintaining saws and a wide range of cutting tools and Wood Machinists who are one of the most highly skilled people in a saw mill, setting up and operating planers, saws, moulders and more.
What type of person would thrive working in a sawmill in Queensland?
If you’ve got some of the following attributes you should consider applying for a job in a sawmill in Queensland:
- Practical
- Enjoys teamwork
- Alert and safety-conscious
- Good hand-eye co-ordination
- Enjoys hands-on work
- Likes high-tech machinery
- Good communication skills
What level of education do you need to work in a sawmill in Queensland?
You can work in the sawmilling and processing sector straight out of school without formal qualifications. On the job training will be provided and you might choose to do a Certificate II or III in Sawmilling and Processing or Timber Manufactured Products. People interested in
taking things to the next level might consider a Certificate III in Saw Technology or Certificate IV in Timber Processing.
What are some of the job titles of people working in a sawmill in Queensland?
Jobs include
- Wood Machinist
- Saw Technician
- Sawmill Timber Production Operator/
- Coordinator / Technical Manager
- Engineered Timber Product
- Technician
- Panel & Board Production Operator /
- Coordinator / Technician / Manager
What Queensland sawmill job could I apply for with little or no experience?
If you’d like a job where you’re part of a team – and a chain in which other people rely on you and what you do – check out a career as a Timber Production Operator.
You could start off in a simple labouring job – but you’ll have opportunities to skill-up and learn every job your team does. Typically, you’ll rotate through a range of roles every shift. You’ll also make a difference because you’ll be producing one of the world’s most environmentally friendly building materials – sustainably sourced timber. As you gain skills you could advance to a Timber Production Technician or Timber Production Coordinator
As a Timber Production Operator you could do a wide range of tasks including:
- Lifting and carrying timber
- Operating high-tech machinery
- Timber grading and selection.
You’ll enjoy working in a team environment, have good hand-eye coordination, be interested in the timber you are producing and understand the value of the product you are handling. You won’t mind shift work and will always put your safety and that of your workmates first (as working safely and following appropriate occupational health and safety practices is essential).
You can start out as a Timber Production Operator with no qualifications, however many people in the role study Certificate I and higher qualifications. Employers of Timber Production Operators include hardwood and softwood sawmills and processors.
With little experience you could also enter working in a Queensland sawmill as a Panel and Board Production Operator. In this role you’ll work in a factory environment manufacturing a range of products that could include:
- wood panels and boards
- veneers and plywoods
- engineered wood products.
You will be responsible for helping to produce a quality product to specification, performing your role in the manufacturing team and working safely at all times. Your role will vary according to your employer and the position, and you’ll usually have the opportunity to learn more than one skill.
Your working day could include:
- Timber stacking and packing
- Bundling, loading and dispatching orders
- Machine monitoring
- Forklift and mobile equipment operation
- General maintenance
You’ll be comfortable with reading and writing, have good hand-eye coordination and enjoy doing practical, manual work in a team environment. You’ll also be happy doing shift work. A high level of understanding and commitment to occupational health and safety is essential.
Typically, starting a Panel and Board Production Operator requires some secondary education. On the job training to Certificate II and III levels will broaden and improve your skills and career.
Potential employers are wood panel and board manufacturers and plywood and engineered wood products manufacturers.