Performs routine tasks in a sawmill or timber yard such as sorting and stacking timber, assisting timber machinists, assembling orders and racking off-cuts.

• Rolls logs from trucks and conveyors to log decks, saw carriages and stacking bays; places logs and wood billets onto conveyors and lathes for processing into chips, veneers and pulp; sorts and stacks timber during milling; places timber for processing by machines and unloads cut timber from tail end of machines; assists with setting up and operating plant and ancillary equipment used in the manufacture of sheets and boards; cleans work areas, tools and equipment.

• Works outdoors in the timber yard or log storage areas, or inside at timber processing areas. If outdoors, works in all weathers.
• Protective clothing such as gloves, steel cap boots and ear muffs are utilised where appropriate.
• Carries out work in dirty, dusty or wet and hot conditions and may also work on and amongst stacks of timber and where mobile equipment is operating.
• Sharp saw blades, noise, sawdust and timber or bark chips are common on-site hazards within sawmills.

• Heavy physical demand level.
• Constantly stands walks and moves about the worksite as required.
• Sitting is not required.
• Stretching up or across is a frequent requirement.
• Squatting, crouching or kneeling movements may be required when inspecting machinery and wood piles.
• Bending is frequently required when lifting.
• Twisting of the body or neck is frequent.
• Contact with skin irritants may result due to physical handling of timber and contact with lubricants used on saws and machinery. Cuts and abrasions may also occur.
• Heavy lifting, carrying and pulling or pushing movements are likely to be frequent.
• Repetitive movements of the hands are frequent due to the use of cutting machines and the tensioning of ties around timber packs.
• Driving of forklifts or other loading equipment is likely to be frequently required.
• May use a range of simple, mechanical and electrically driven hand tools.
• Mental skills necessary include practical and organisational skills.

An NZQF Level 4 qualification or at least one year of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 4).

A Forklift Certificate is also often required. To operate on a road or in a public space, operators must have a full Class 1 Drivers Licence with a Forklift (F) Endorsement. To operate a heavy forklift, operators also need to have a full Class 2 Drivers Licence with an F Endorsement.

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