Build Quality. Take Pride. Join a Team That Values Craftsmanship.
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve Ltd. is seeking a motivated and dependable Planer Operator to join our team at our Murray Brothers division in Madawaska, Ontario. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with proven equipment, takes pride in producing high-quality lumber, and wants to be part of a team where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are valued every day.
Located on the banks of the Madawaska River, our operation offers rewarding work in one of Ontario's most beautiful outdoor regions. With hospitals, schools, and shopping within 20 minutes, and over 100,000 acres of Haliburton Forest to explore, you'll enjoy an exceptional quality of life while building a long-term career.
More than 30% of our employees have been with us for over 25 years—a testament to the culture, stability, and opportunities we provide.
Your Contribution
As a Planer Operator, you will play a key role in ensuring our finished lumber meets customer specifications for size, grade, and quality. Working as part of the planer mill team, you will safely operate equipment, monitor production, and help maintain efficient workflow while producing a superior finished product.
Compensation
- Competitive wage for Planer Operators with relevant experience
- Comprehensive benefit plan after probationary period
- Recreational access to the 100,000 acres of private land owned and managed by Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve.
Our Schedule
- 44hrs/week.
- Day shift – 6:00AM to 3:30PM Monday-Thursday, 6:00AM to 2:30PM Friday
Role Responsibilities
- Safely operate planer mill equipment in accordance with company procedures.
- Monitor lumber quality, dimensions, and finished appearance.
- Make equipment adjustments to maintain product quality and production efficiency.
- Set up the planer , including changing cutter heads and knives, setting machine tolerances, and optimizing the planer for different lumber dimensions and production runs.
- Identify and report equipment concerns or maintenance requirements.
- Perform routine cleaning and housekeeping to maintain a safe work environment.
- Work closely with teammates to maximize production while maintaining safety and quality standards.
- Follow all health and safety policies and actively participate in our safety culture.
- Identify and support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the operation.
Keys to Success
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Ability to work safely in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Dependability and excellent attendance.
- Ability to perform physically demanding work, including standing for extended periods and working in varying temperatures.
Previous experience operating planer equipment, sawmill machinery, or other industrial manufacturing equipment is considered an asset, but we are willing to train motivated individuals with the right attitude.
Work remotely
If you have the above skills and are interested in filling this role, please submit your resume via Indeed or come visit Madawaska and drop it off at our office. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Information
Murray Brothers Lumber Company is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Employment decisions at Murray Brothers are based on business needs, job requirements, and applicant qualifications. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, language, or membership in any other category protected by laws or regulations. Murray Brothers is fully dedicated to achieving and maintain a diverse and talented workforce.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $22.00-$24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Our sawmill is located in Northern Ontario near the village of Madawaska ON.
Distance from Toronto: 4 hours
Distance from Ottawa: 2.5 hours
Distance from Huntsville: 1.5 hours
Distance from Peterborough: 2.5 hours
Distance from Bancroft: 1 hour
Distance from Barry's Bay: 25 minutes
Will you be planning to relocate or reliably commute?
- Are you able to meet the physical demands of this position?
Are you able to lift 50lbs
- Do you hold a valid Lumber Grading Certificate?
Experience:
- Planer Operator: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
