Overview
Sawmill machine operators operate, 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 are employed in sawmills and planing mills.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Operate 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 determine the most productive and profitable cutting patterns
Operate automated lumbermill from control rooms or 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
Operate 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 ensure cuts are made according to specifications, and print production reports
Clean and lubricate sawmill equipment.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$36,289
$66,739
$79,253
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
262expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
College courses in wood processing technology may be required.
Several weeks of on-the-job training are usually provided.
Additional information
There is some mobility among jobs in this occupational group.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.