Hotpress Operator - Swing - Springfield Plywood

Position Title

Press Operator

Spreader Supervisor

Spreaders

Employee works 10‑hour shifts, with three 10‑minute breaks, and a 30‑minute unpaid lunch.

Day: 4:45 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Swing: 3:15 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.

Level 3

Pressing veneer into plywood by operating the hot press, controlling temperature, pressure, and timing, and maintaining a safe, clean work environment. Communicate with the Line Tender to meet quality standards.

• Guide un‑pressed veneer into the press area using controls and buttons.
• Ladies the elevator with veneer unit and load multiple layers into a press opening.
• Repeat the loading process for each opening until all veneer is processed.
• Complete loading within 1.5 minutes to prevent glue from drying.
• Operate controls to close the press.
• Set time, heat, and pressure based on panel thickness and veneer species.
• Use computer‑based inventory system to print and attach tickets to pressed wood.

May rotate to other positions for cross‑training or production needs. Assist co‑workers or maintenance personnel with basic machine upkeep.

Inside average temperature 70 °F; outside ranging from 0 % to 115 °F. Machine noise, forklifts, and vibration present. Exposure to wood fumes limits dust; mist from water; odors of wood particles; no gases.

• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Blue Atlas gloves when feeding re‑dry veneer
• Approved footwear

Constant use of hearing and vision; frequent bending, twisting, pushing/pulling, reaching; occasional lifting/pushing of >50 lbs.

Excellent hand‑eye coordination, continuous use of vision/hearing, reading and speaking proficiency to understand job hazard analysis, lockout procedures, and safety training. Works with one other operator with little supervision. Self‑directed, prioritizes, organizes, and makes necessary decisions.

Follow lockout/tagout procedures, maintain proper body mechanics, use PPE, keep machinery clear, communicate with co‑workers, read/write during training.