Job Overview
At Nelson Wood Shims, we believe in the principles of the Nelson Way: working hard, supporting one another, continuously improving, taking ownership, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. The Production Floater plays a critical role in supporting shim production, sawmill operations, product repackaging, and palletizing activities throughout the facility. This position requires flexibility, dependability, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn a variety of tasks while helping ensure products are produced safely, efficiently, and to our high-quality standards.
Duties/Responsibilities
Production Support
- Assist with production activities on shim manufacturing lines.
- Load, sort, stack, package, and move materials as needed.
- Assist with machine operation, setup, cleanout, and basic troubleshooting as trained.
- Maintain product quality standards and follow established work instructions.
Sawmill Operations
- Assist with sorting, stacking, and handling lumber.
- Guide and organize materials through production processes.
- Examine lumber for defects and assist with material separation.
- Support sawmill operators with production tasks as needed.
- Maintain clean work areas and remove debris safely.
Product Redistribution, Repackaging, and Palletizing
- Repack finished products according to work instructions, customer requirements, or inventory needs.
- Sort and organize products for redistribution.
- Place repacked products into the appropriate boxes, containers, or packaging.
- Build and stack pallets safely and securely according to company standards.
- Wrap, label, and stage completed pallets in the designated area.
- Inspect products and packaging for quality, accuracy, and damage during the repacking process.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain flexibility to work in various departments, assist with changing production priorities, and adjust duties or schedules as needed to support business and customer needs.
- Work in various departments based on production and business needs.
- Demonstrate the behaviors and values of the Nelson Way through teamwork, accountability, respect, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and willingly assist in areas where help is needed.
- Contribute ideas and suggestions that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and the overall work environment.
- Support coworkers and help foster a culture where people care about each other and work together to achieve shared goals.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Follow all company safety rules, policies, and procedures.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Manufacturing, warehouse, production, lumber, or sawmill experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
- Strong attention to safety and quality standards.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality are required.
- Willingness to learn multiple jobs and work in different departments as needed.
Work Environment
- Manufacturing and industrial work environment.
- Regular exposure to machinery, moving equipment, wood products, sawdust, and varying temperatures.
- Frequent exposure to noise requiring hearing protection.
- Temperatures may vary throughout the facility and during different seasons.
- Required PPE may include safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, steel-toed boots, and other protective equipment as needed.
Physical Requirements
This is a physically demanding position. To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to:
- Stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday.
- Frequently bend, twist, squat, kneel, reach, push, pull, and climb stairs.
- Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Occasionally lift more than 50 pounds with assistance or mechanical equipment.
- Use hands, arms, and upper body strength continuously to grasp, move, and position materials.
- Work safely and effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Maintain attention and focus while performing repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Character Traits
- Hard Working & Ownership Mindset: Takes pride in their work, puts forth consistent effort, accepts responsibility for results, and takes ownership of equipment, materials, quality, and company standards.
- Dependable & Accountable: Shows up ready to work, follows through on commitments, maintains reliable attendance, and can be counted on by teammates and supervisors.
- Team Player with a Servant’s Heart: Willingly supports coworkers, contributes to the success of the team, and looks for ways to help wherever needed while fostering a culture where people care about one another.
- Positive & Respectful: Brings enthusiasm, professionalism, kindness, compassion, and respect to daily interactions with coworkers, supervisors, customers, and company resources.
- Adaptable & Eager to Learn: Embraces new challenges, willingly learns new skills, works across departments, and remains open to growth and development opportunities.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Looks for ways to improve processes, eliminate waste, increase efficiency, improve quality, and contribute ideas that make the workplace better.
- Safety Minded: Makes safety a priority in every task and encourages safe behaviors that protect themselves and those around them.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodation
Nelson Wood Shims is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, Minnesota, or local law.
