Lumber Yard Sawmill Apprentice

• Do you have experience in a lumber yard or working around large saws?
• Would you enjoy a long-term career as a Sawmill Operator?
• Are you a physically strong person who enjoys working outdoors? 
• Do you live within a 40-minute commute of Richmond, CA  
• If so, please keep reading…. 

About the opportunity 

In this position, you’ll join a highly experienced team of professionals who are known for their ability to transform a wide variety of trees into dimensional lumber and slabs. Our Sawmill Apprentice will work alongside an experienced Sawyer to learn how to operate sawmill machinery including Wood-Mizer, Mighty Mite, and Lucas Mill brand transportable sawmills.  

The person who fills this position must be comfortable working outdoors year-round and able to lift one hundred pounds (100 lbs. Yes, really!) He/She/They should have a keen awareness of safety, great attention to detail, and be willing to work in a dusty, noisy environment that requires wearing a full-face dust mask, safety goggles, and hearing protection at all times when working. He/She/They should also be somewhat computer savvy since lumber orders may be communicated via email, and your time tracking will be done from your own phone. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: 

This is a full-time, permanent position with a starting hourly rate of between $20.50 to $22.00, depending on relevant experience. At 90 days of employment our Apprentice will be eligible for benefits, which include: 

• 50% contribution toward medical (Kaiser), dental, and optical insurance for employees, plus the opportunity to purchase benefits for legal dependents 

• On-the-job training, and development resources  

• PTO-Paid Time Off (earned/accrued as you accumulate hours) 

• 6 paid holidays  

• Paid sick leave 

• Access to a 401(k) account  

• Company-issued safety equipment & gear 

• Employee referral program 

• Opportunities for overtime during busy seasons 

REQUIREMENTS 

• Having experience in a lumber yard or environment where you used a saws, cut lumber, used a chainsaw and/or worked with a sander
• Being physically fit, able to lift to 100 pounds (one hundred pounds) on a regular basis, and able to pass a physical exam proving that you’re fit to work 
• CLEAN and valid CALIFORNIA driver’s license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation to and from work 
• Excellent attention to detail with a strong ability to follow instructions accurately 
• Having transportation the the GreenWasteRecycleYard (.com) location
• Living within a 40-minute commute of the Green Waste Recycle Yard in Richmond, CA. If you do not currently live within a 40-minute drive at high traffic times (7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) please indicate when you’ll be moving to the area. Unfortunately, we are unable to hire folks who live farther than 40-minutes from this location
• Bonus points for speaking any level of Spanish

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Moving quickly yet safely. These is LOTS to be done. The person who lands this job is someone who likes to be busy for an entire 8 hours and has the hustle to keep asking for work just before their current project is completed
• Assist the sawmill team, gaining hands-on experience and skills to develop into a professional sawyer 
• Operate and maintain power tools including chainsaws, grinders, sanders and a forklift with safety and proficiency 
• Perform general labor tasks around the yard, including organizing and cleaning efficiently 
• Work outdoors five days a week, adapting to diverse weather conditions 
• Collaborate with experienced sawyers to learn new milling techniques and operate machinery
   

Bonus Skills & Qualities: 

• Lumber Knowledge: Familiarity with lumber dimensions, wood identification by grain patterns, and prior woodworking experience. (Please research these if you are asked to interview).
• Spatial Conceptualization: Strong spatial awareness and an ability to maximize lumber yield when cutting logs. 
• Imperial Measurements: The person we hire will know how to use a tape measure and will be able to add fractions in their head
• Industry Knowledge: Applicants who review the Green Waste Recycle Yard website, as well as the following sites regarding information on the sawmills used, will be better prepared for the interview: 
• Woodmizer LT70 Bandsaw 
• Mighty Mite Series W Circular Sawmill 

• Soft Skills: Demonstrated leadership through example, exceptional work ethic, and emotional intelligence—awareness and management of personal and team emotions
• Mechanical Skills: Hands-on experience with power tools and ability to repair motors, machinery, or heavy equipment. Owning tools is a plus
• If able, act as a language liaison between English-speaking and Spanish-speaking team members, ensuring clear communication across the team 
• If able, translate various documents, such as special orders and equipment instructions, from English to Spanish