Makes repairs, sets and sharpens blades for circular, band and other saws.

Dismantles precision instruments, repairs and replaces defective parts, and reassembles articles using hand and power tools and specially designed machines; makes blades for circular, band and other power saws and repairs, sets and sharpens blades for hand and power saws; may estimate costs and prepare quotes for repairs.

• Works indoors in workshops at sawmills or in independent workshops to which saws and other blade equipment is taken for sharpening.
• Indoor work spaces will usually be adequately heated and ventilated and may include an attached retail/customer service area if it is an independent workshop.
• Work sites will often be noisy and dirty, with grease, sawdust oil and metal filings common.
• There is a requirement for constant work with very sharp blades and a range of engineering and metal sharpening equipment.
• Saw doctors will utilise a variety of personal protective equipment including eye protection glasses, gloves, safety footwear and over-alls.

• The physical demand is up to medium.
• Standing is constantly required. Walking about the worksite to move equipment, carry out various sharpening and re-setting tasks is frequently required. Sitting is not required.
• Stretching up and across is frequently required.
• Squatting, crouching or kneeling and twisting of the body or neck are occasionally required if adjusting or repairing a saw on site.
• Lifting, carrying and holding blades and equipment about the worksite is frequently required but is unlikely to exceed medium physical demand.
• Repetitive movements are frequently required especially in use of hands and arms for hand sharpening and hammering to straighten out bumps and twists.
• Driving may be required to facilitate visits to client’s premises. May travel to worksites such as large sawmills to carry out repair or maintenance work.
• Saw doctors frequently to constantly use a range of general engineering and specialised saw sharpening hand, power and machine tools and equipment.
• Bending is frequently required when sharpening.
• Mental skills include technical and problem-solving skills.

Have a New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level ). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.