Job Description

Level: Entry
Job Location: BEASLEY FOREST PRODUCTS MAIN - HAZLEHURST, GA 31539
Position Type: Full TimeEducation
Level: Not Specified
Salary Range: $41,000.00 - $50,000.00 Salary/year
Travel Percentage: None
Job Shift: Any
Job Category: Installation - Maint - RepairJob Title: Filing Apprentice (Sawmill)
Department: Maintenance / Saw Shop
Reports To: Head Filer / Saw Shop Supervisor / Maintenance Superintendent
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Shift: Varies (days/nights, weekends, overtime and call-ins as needed)
Job

Summary
The Filing Apprentice works in the saw shop under the direction of the Head Filer to learn the safe handling, inspection, maintenance, and preparation of saws and cutting tools used in sawmill operations. This role supports saw performance, lumber quality, and uptime by assisting with sharpening, tensioning, leveling, tooth maintenance, and recordkeeping while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Learn and follow all saw shop and mill safety rules, including PPE, guarding, and safe tool handling.
- Assist with receiving, tagging, and staging saws and knives for service (bands, circle saws, chipper knives, planer knives, edger saws—depending on mill).
- Help inspect saws for issues such as:
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- - cracks, missing teeth, excessive wear, heat damage
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- - improper tension/lead, wobble, dish, or tooth damage
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- Support sharpening processes under supervision:
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- - operate/assist with sharpeners, grinders, swagers, setters, or stellite/tip maintenance (as applicable)
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- Assist with saw tensioning, leveling, and alignment checks using proper measuring tools (gauges, straight edges, tension meters).
- Help prepare saws for installation:
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- - clean, oil/protect, verify tooth profile, confirm correct thickness/kerf, verify target specifications
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- Maintain saw shop cleanliness and organization:
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- - sweeping, dust control, scrap disposal, oil management, tool storage
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- Complete basic documentation:
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- - saw tracking logs, change-out times, condition notes, and production feedback
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- Coordinate with production/maintenance regarding saw change schedules, urgent repairs, and performance issues.
- Safely handle and transport saws using carts/hoists as required.
- Assist in basic troubleshooting of saw performance problems reported by the mill:
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- - washboarding, wavy cuts, burning, deviation, poor finish, excessive sawdust, vibration
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- Perform other duties as assigned to support saw shop operations and mill uptime.
- POSITION REQUIREMENTS - HOURLY PAID - 60 HRS PER WEEK, 5 DAY WORK WEEK WITH OCCASSIONAL WEEKENDS, 12 HRS SHIFTS.
- FULL BENEFITS PACKAGE AVAILABLE - PTO, MEDICAL, DENTAL, VISION, 401K, STD, LTD, LIFE INSURANCE, AND MORE
- MUST BE WILLING TO PARTICIPATE IN PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND BACKGROUND CHECKS.

Qualifications

Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or GED (preferred but may be waived with relevant experience)
- Strong safety awareness; ability to follow detailed procedures
- Basic math and measurement skills (fractions/decimals; tape measure)
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn precision work
- Ability to work in a noisy, dusty industrial environment
- Dependable attendance; able to work overtime, weekends, and shift schedules
Preferred
- Prior sawmill, wood products, or industrial maintenance experience
- Familiarity with any of the following:
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- - bandmill/circle saw operations, edger, trimmer, planer, chipper
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- - sharpening/grinding equipment, basic welding (stellite), or tool-room work
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- Forklift/hoist experience (or willingness to certify)
- Experience using precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges)
- Physical & Work Environment
- Frequent standing/walking; repetitive hand motions; bending, lifting, and carrying
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs (adjust to your site)
- Exposure to noise, dust, metal grinding dust, oils/coolants, and sharp edges
- Safety-Critical Expectations
- Extreme caution around sharp blades, grinders, and rotating equipment
- Never bypass guards or safety devices
- Follow lockout/tagout for servicing equipment
- Report defects, near-misses, and hazards immediately
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- PPE typically required: safety glasses/face shield, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, steel-toe boots, and respiratory protection as needed