Press Operator at Columbia Forest Group in Klamath Falls, Oregon

Job Description:

Position Purpose: This employee monitors the glue spread for a proper tack and positions the load properly in the pre-press. Then this individual loads the plywood in the hot press while checking for fold-overs and other causes of press faults. The operator unloads the hot press, monitors hot press temperatures, pressures, and times for the appropriate panel thickness.

Key Responsibilities: (1) This individual is responsible for keeping the platens clean. (2) Operator is required to keep MUTS (unit tags) organized and attach them to the right load. (3) This individual should keep the area clean around the elevators and press area. (4) This individual must make sure that there is no trash between the platens or plywood and that the veneer on the panels has not folded over. (5) This individual is also responsible for checking the glue "tacking" and doing glue checks in coordination with the spreader crews. (6) Operator must make sure that the panels do not sit out too long before being fed into the hot press. (7) Timely and consistent attendance is an essential job function. (8) Employees are expected to perform their duties as outlined by their immediate Manager, subject to change based on mill needs.



Performance Standards: Must follow Standardized Work guidelines and meet safety, quality and productivity goals for the department and the mill.



Work Environment/Physical Demands:




(1) Bending: Frequently (loading/unloading hot press). (2) Pushing/pulling: Frequently, with a partner, usually while bending, to handle panels weighing up to 120 lbs. each. This requires repetitive, forceful use of upper body (arms, shoulders, and chest). Each plywood panel is 6 to 10 feet long, roughly 4 feet wide, ¼" to 1 & ¼" thick, and from 5 to 120 lbs. Most panels will average about 60-75 lbs. When panels are stuck in press, operator must hit them on corners with "kick-out rod" to loosen them. Usually the operator can detach the panel by striking it a few times (see "upset conditions" below). (3) Grasping:Frequently. (4) Standing/Walking: Frequently. (5) Lifting:Frequently with a partner (lifts and places a press board for each load). (6) Lifting above shoulders: Frequently (pressboards). (7) Climbing: Frequently (Stepping onto platform). When panels are stuck in the pie rack, operator must climb a ladder to access them, and then use other equipment to dislodge them (see "upset conditions" below). (8) Squatting: Occasionally. (9) This position is considered heavy work, lifting up to 100 lbs. maximum, with frequent lifting/carrying of objects weighing up to 50 lbs., and frequent pushing/pulling/catching plywood panels while bending. (10) This individual should wear gloves, eye protection, and hearing protection.


Upset conditions:

Panels stuck in press plates: Panels get stuck to the plates on a regular basis. Usually the operator can detach the panel by striking it a few times with a kick out bar. This can be very hard on wrists, elbows, and shoulders. This happens more often on low grades, like shop, than on high grade.

Plug-ups in Pie Racks: A plug up in the pie rack happens periodically, potentially daily. To get it out, the employee sometimes will have to climb the ladder and pull the panel out of pie rack with hands, pushing it with a pike pole. Rarely the panel may need to be cut out with a pole saw, or if a panel falls through the pie rack and in to the pit, the operator must lock out and get down in the pit and lift the panel out of the pit.

Qualifications:



(1) This job requires the use of simple arithmetic. This individual must be able to


read and write at least at the junior high school level. (2) It can take over one month and up to six months to adequately learn this job. (3) This job requires the individual to plan and perform a sequence of operations and make general decisions. (4) This job requires a considerable physical effort. The individual works with moderate and heavy weight material. The job also requires some pushing and stooping with heavy weight materials. This job requires frequent mental and visual attention to intermittent work operations.


Columbia Forest Products is North America's largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer products. Columbia's decorative interior veneers and panels are used in high-end cabinetry, fine furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures.

Columbia Forest Products is an employee owned company that has a wide array of benefits: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401K, Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance. Our company stands out because of our commitment to our employees. In fact, we have a CFP Foundation dedicated to helping our employees, employees families and the local community.


Our Core Values we take pride in: Customer Service Above all Else, We Are Family, Share the Success and Absolute Integrity. If these are core values that you represent, please take the time to apply online for this rewarding career with Columbia Forest Products. Please make sure you have a good current phone number and email address on your application and you check them often, as we may contact you during the screening process.


Equal Opportunity Employer Apply Now