Job Title: Machine Operator
Date: April 2026
Department: Production
Job type: Fulltime, non-exempt
Wage: $21.00 – $25.00 (D.O.E)
Day Shift: M – Th, 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Swing Shift: M- Th, 4:00pm – 2:30AM (plus $1.00 Shift Differential)
Reporting To: Production Supervisor
Location: Columbia Falls, MT
Travel: None
Summary
The Machine Center Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting assigned machines. This role includes performing preventive maintenance, inspecting parts to meet specifications, and making necessary adjustments or tool changes to ensure product quality. The operator supports efficient, continuous production, follows all safety procedures, maintains accurate records, and maintains a clean and organized work area.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Set up and operates a production machine in accordance with established procedures and guidelines
- Perform necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper equipment startup and operation on multiple pieces of equipment
- Adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications and in a timely fashion
- Operate tools to aid in the manufacturing process
- Reads and interprets blueprints and diagrams to select, position and secure machinery
- Operate/monitor multiple pieces of equipment during operation to ensure quality production and minimal unplanned stops
- Communicate with team members and support teams to ensure continuous production of the correct product at high quality levels with minimal wasted time and materials
- Troubleshoot issues and perform maintenance
- Perform quality control, follow reporting and recordkeeping procedures, and report problems to supervisor
- Comply with all safety and health regulations
- Clean machinery and maintain cleanliness in work area
- Cross train in other machine centers such as Sort Line, Finger Joint, Press, Finish, and CNC
- Overseeing training of new or Junior Machine Operators
Preferred Skills & Experience
- High School Diploma or GED
- Previous machine operator experience in a manufacturing facility, or similar relevant experience
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-speed environment, follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environment
- Proficiency with hand tools
- Must be detail-oriented
- Knowledge of production and plant processes
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Strong written and verbal communicator
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Willingness to work in shifts (late or early hours, weekends, and overtime if necessary)
- Well organized, creative problem solver
- Self-motivated and capable of operating with minimal supervision
- Reliable individual with an excellent time and attendance record
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Regularly lift and/or move unaided up to 60 pounds and exert force of up to 100 pounds to lift or move objects with the aid of a manual lifting device. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles. The employee is regularly exposed to wood dust, moving equipment, vibration, exposed to glue, and material kickback. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
SmartLam North America is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. This applies to all employment practices, and the company is committed to maintaining compliance with applicable laws and preventing interference with employees’ ability to perform their duties.