Supervisor - Boiler​/Kiln

Supervisor

Vaagen Bros. Lumber Inc. is a family-owned wood products manufacturer that has operated in northeastern Washington for over 70 years. We heavily believe in continuous improvement and respect for people and are currently in a Lean transformation. We operate sawmills in Colville and Usk, WA. Vaagen Bros. currently employs over 175 employees.

The primary role of the Supervisor position in the Boiler/Kiln department is to lead the team, creating a culture of teamwork and cooperation between major processing segments and integration of operating personnel and maintenance staff. A successful candidate will be able to elevate company practices, achieve production goals, and problem solve, while working closely with team members across all mill sites.

This position is responsible for the steady flow of inventory through the lumber drying process with a continued focus on safety and productivity.

Job Description:

• Promote safety to the team members and be an example of taking the lead in putting safety first
• Coach, teach, and train team members - including documentation, disciplinary, hiring, training, project management, maintenance, schedules, and coordination with other departments
• Monitoring the drying process with a focus on safety, quality, reliability, and production
• Operate boiler systems to achieve safe and environmentally sound steam production to meet plant heat, drying needs, and power production
• Responsible for Environmental Compliance
• Weekly Gemba Walks with Plant Manager, occasional Gemba Walks with other team members
• Creating, tracking, and achieving department metric goals
• Creates pride, ownership, and trust within the department and amongst operating departments
• Analyzes, identifies causes, and implements corrective action on potential issues or malfunctions
• Monitors line efficiency for maintaining targets for process improvements
• Understanding of company profit, value, and cost analysis
• Coaching and developing personnel with lean manufacturing principles including 6S, A3 thinking, managing for daily improvement, visual management, and other lean tools
• Department metric tracking and problem solving to reach metrics
• Ensure team members have good rapport with other departments, cross training is sufficient for support, and that all departments share common goals
• Attend a variety of daily huddles and Supervisor operating meetings
• Determine how systems should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes
• Ensure proper placement of units and rotate inventory to maintain quality
• Respond promptly to any emergency situations or equipment failures to minimize downtime and prevent safety hazards
• Monitor kiln loading practices, correct issues, and communicate proper kiln loading practices
• Assist in training and mentoring employees
• Support Lean improvements and projects
• Know, understand, and apply the Lock-out Tag-out procedures
• Maintain a clean and safe work area.
• Ensure tools, supplies, and equipment are always in their "home locations"
• Maintain lines of communication with other team members
• Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Specialized training or college courses in manufacturing or boiler technology
• 5+ years in a leadership role overseeing personnel
• 5+ years in a manufacturing plant environment (lumber manufacturing a plus)
• 5+ years' experience in a boiler or environment role, preferred
• Lumber drying experience, preferred
• Excellent in a team environment, with exceptional communication skills
• Self-directed leader, safe leadership record, and can coach, teach, and train others to be leaders
• Working knowledge of CMMS, Microsoft Suite, and Parts
• Problem solving, technical troubleshooting, communication, planning, and organization skills
• Strong computer skills, including knowledge in Microsoft products
• Ensure safe work practices & follow safety procedures
• Dependable and reliable with a good attendance record
• Ability to streamline processes and cut waste within area of responsibility
• Lean techniques and experience preferred
• Safe work record, good attendance record
• Must be 18+ years old to work in an industrial sawmill environment
• Must have HS Diploma/GED
• Must be able to continuously stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, twist, crawl, kneel, climb, and reach above shoulders safely. The weight required to be lifted each normal workday may occasionally exceed fifty (50) pounds at a time
• Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. However, having a criminal record will not automatically eliminate you from consideration for the job. Records will be considered based on the requirements of RCW 9.96A.020, RCW 43.43, WAC
• Must be able to successfully pass a drug test and pre-employment physical exam

Hours/Days/

Schedule:

• Schedule:
  
  50+ hours a week
• Possible shift work and/or weekends when needed
• Full time

Salary/Wage/Benefits:

• Pay: $85,000-$130,000
• Company provided laptop and phone allowance
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt
• Full benefits include: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D insurance, long term disability…