Entry Level Production Associate

Posted Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Since our founding in 1951, Swanson Group has proudly remained a multigenerational, family-owned company. We are committed to fostering a welcome and supportive workplace where every team member is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.

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Reports To: Dryer Supervisor

Department: Dryers

Hours per shift: Employee works 8-hour shifts, with two 10-minute breaks, and 30-minute unpaid lunch.

Day: 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Swing: 3:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. Graveyard: 11:00 P.M. to 7:30 A.M.

Dryer Feeder will keep the veneer dryer at least 97% full of quality veneer while maintaining safety and quality by feeding sheets into the dryer. The worker will feed while moving back and forth on a platform in front of different sized stacks of green veneer. Feeder will keep up with the pace of the dryer, while maintaining safety and quality standards as outlined in the Job Hazard Analysis, Standard Operating Procedures, and other requirements as directed by the supervisor for the safe and efficient operation of the plant.

These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.

The worker is responsible for reaching forward, picking up individual sheets of veneer with one or both hands, and moving them forward several inches so that they can be picked up by the rollers of the veneer dryer equipment.

Movement back and forth on a platform as necessary, pushing sheets forward and properly aligning them to the receiving end of the dryer. Feeder will remove overlaps, ensure all fed sheets are unstacked, and discarding wane sheets as necessary.

Feeder must ensure dryer is full of veneer sheets and fed timely with each dryer cycle, according to supervisor expectations and production needs. You are responsible for radio communication when the dryer is down.

At times, the machine will jam or plug up which will at times require the worker to remove or assist in removing the blockage. Both human and mechanical assistance will be available upon request, should the worker be unable to perform this activity alone. Proper Lock-out-tag-out procedures must be performed. Worker must use and understand dryers’ manual button operating system for power control.

Breaking of other dryer employees and rotation to different positions for cross‑training purposes or to facilitate production as designated by the supervisor. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual Job Description s.

Assist co‑workers or Maintenance personnel in basic maintenance procedures or fixing dryer plug‑ups. Perform weekly maintenance, including greasing and oiling of machine parts as necessary for proper dryer function.

Breaking of other dryer employees and rotation to different positions for cross‑training purposes or to facilitate production as designated by the supervisor. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual Job Description s.

Perform routine weekly dryer cleanings: including the removal of cans/tubes and other machine parts from dyer basement, using water hoses to remove debris from inside the dryer, shoveling and sorting debris into proper waste boxes (by size and makeup), and replacing cleaned machine parts.

Assist co‑workers or Maintenance personnel in basic maintenance procedures or fixing dryer plug‑ups. Perform weekly maintenance, including greasing and oiling of machine parts as necessary for proper dryer function.

Feeder is responsible for cleanup activity during down times, changeovers, and between shifts. This activity will consist of removing veneer scrap or debris from the work area using a broom, rake, or shovel.

These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.

The worker may be required to rotate to…