Machinist Apprentice at Columbia Forest Group in Klamath Falls, Oregon

Job Description:

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. We are a leader in sustainable forestry practices and green manufacturing technology.


Columbia Forest Products is an employee-owned company that offers competitive pay, and a wide array of benefits, including: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401K, Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, 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.



Position Purpose: The machinist apprentice assists in machining a variety of parts and makes spare parts to keep the mill operational and running efficiently; efficiency is especially critical in break down situations. The machinist apprentice will also maintain all shop equipment in clean and good working order and be a resource to others. All work is to be done in a safe, professional manner.



Key Responsibilities: (1) Perform work in a safe and expeditious manner. (2) Report any unsafe conditions/practices. (3) Handle projects with little or no supervision. (4) Report any repairs needed beyond capabilities to his/her Shift Lead Machinist, Maintenance Supervisor. (5) Machine all parts to get them up and running; break down situations are fast-paced, but must be handled in a safe manner. (6) Support company safety, lean, and gain sharing principles through involvement in tailgate meetings, problem-solving sessions, safety observations, daily contacts, etc. (7) Perform other duties as assigned.(8) Timely and consistent attendance is a requirement (9) Employees are expected to perform their duties as outlined by their immediate Manager, subject to change based on mill needs.



Work Environment/Physical Demands: (1) Most work is done indoors in the maintenance shop, but must work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments under all conditions (heat, cold, noise, dust, and rain/snow). (2) Must work in awkward positions. (3) Endurance-Moving about: Medium work, requires frequent walking throughout the shop and occasional walking around mill, including climbing of steps/ladders. (4) Endurance-Overall strength: Heavy work, requires occasional to frequent use of hands, arms, feet, knees, and legs to drive forklifts and other equipment, including twisting/turning of neck and upper body to see all around forklift during operation; frequent pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying of heavy machine parts and other objects. Objects frequently weigh up to 50 lbs., but must get help handling objects that are heavy (over 50 lbs.) and/or awkward. (5) Sitting: Rarely (1hour/week) remains in seated position to prepare for meetings or perform other paperwork. (6) Walking: Frequently moves about on foot, especially around the shop. (7) Standing: Continuously remains on feet in upright position for most of the work shift. (8) Bending/Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching: Frequently bends body downward/upward or extends spine forward/backward.



Qualifications: (1) High school diploma or equivalent required. (2) Must have basic mechanical knowledge. (3) Must have developed a good awareness of cause and effect of his/her actions. (4) Must be able to work overtime and during off-shift hours/days as needed to keep the mill running efficiently.


Equal Opportunity Employer