Swing Prefinish Line Operator

Job DetailsJob Location: States Industries Panel Plant - Eugene, OR 97402Salary Range: $21.40 - $23.40 HourlyJob Shift: SwingPrefinish Line Operator About the Role At States Industries, our Prefinish Line Operators are responsible for safely and efficiently running our prefinish line while ensuring finished panels meet our quality and customer requirements. This is a hands-on, skilled production role that includes line setup, feeding, coating application, quality inspection, troubleshooting, and coordination of employees working throughout the line. Operators are expected to understand the entire prefinish process and help keep the team working safely and efficiently. We’re especially interested in candidates with previous finishing, coating, roll-coater, woodworking, or manufacturing experience. Experience with flat-panel roll coaters, water-based coatings, or UV coatings is highly valued. Bilingual English/Spanish candidates are encouraged to apply. What You’ll Do As a Prefinish Line Operator, you will: Set up, operate, and monitor the prefinish line. Perform a pre-shift walkthrough to make sure equipment is clean and ready and required tools, materials, and coatings are available. Monitor coating application and finished product quality throughout production. Ensure products consistently meet established quality and customer requirements. Follow required prefinish quality checks and maintain established audit standards, including a 98% quality audit target. Make operating adjustments as needed to maintain coating quality and line efficiency. Identify coating, equipment, or product quality issues and help determine the cause. Use production and quality equipment such as spectrophotometers, electronic scales, tachometers, UV equipment, and other required tools. Read and follow production schedules, load tickets, work instructions, and customer requirements. Verify the correct order, material, quantity, and panel side before finishing begins. Communicate short loads, order changes, second-side processing, and completion of orders to the team. Identify and communicate incorrect load tickets, panel markings, or other order discrepancies. Coordinate closely with graders, feeders, forklift drivers, other operators, and Supervisors. Help organize work and adjust priorities when equipment issues or production changes occur. Assist with training employees in their assigned areas using established work standards. Learn and be able to perform all required positions throughout the prefinish line. Complete required JSAs, training, and certifications for the area. Maintain a clean and organized work area. Support the team in achieving safety, quality, and production goals. Perform other duties as assigned to support the Prefinish operation. Line Feeder Responsibilities As part of learning and supporting the complete Prefinish operation, employees may also: Verify that the correct order is loaded onto the feeder hoist and infeed belts. Make sure the correct quantity of material is available. Confirm the correct side of each panel is being finished. Read and understand production lists and load tickets. Communicate order status and potential shortages to the team. Notify the team when the final panel of an order is being processed or when second-side finishing begins. Identify and communicate incorrect load tickets or panel printing. Assist the Line Operator and other team members as needed. Maintain production pace while meeting safety and quality expectations. QualificationsWhat We’re Looking For This role is a good fit for someone who is mechanically inclined, quality-focused, organized, and comfortable helping coordinate a production line. Successful candidates will bring: Previous finishing, coating, or manufacturing experience strongly preferred. Experience with flat-panel roll coaters, industrial finishing equipment, or similar production equipment is highly valued. Experience with water-based and/or UV-cured coatings is a strong plus. Previous plywood, cabinetry, millwork, furniture, or other wood products manufacturing experience is a plus. Bilingual English/Spanish candidates are encouraged to apply. Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working around production machinery. Ability to safely use basic hand and power tools. Knowledge of wood species, panel products, or wood characteristics is a plus. Strong attention to detail and an eye for finish and coating quality. Basic computer skills and comfort learning production systems. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize production needs. Ability to read production schedules, load tickets, safety procedures, operating instructions, and work standards. Good communication and listening skills. Ability to help train, direct, and support other employees on the line. Basic math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot quality and production issues. Willingness to learn all positions throughout the Prefinish line. Dependability, a strong safety mindset, and a team-first attitude. Safety & Quality Prefinish Line Operators have a direct impact on the appearance and quality of our finished product. Employees in this role are expected to: Consistently follow established coating and quality requirements. Recognize finish defects and respond quickly when something doesn't look right. Maintain required quality and audit performance. Safely work around UV-curing equipment, rotating machinery, coatings, and material-handling equipment. Follow all safety procedures when operating, adjusting, cleaning, or troubleshooting equipment. Communicate safety, equipment, and quality concerns immediately. Help continuously improve the safety, quality, and efficiency of the Prefinish operation. Physical Requirements This is an active manufacturing position. Employees in this role must be able to: Stand and walk for most of the shift. Frequently use hands and arms to operate equipment, handle panels, and perform inspections. Bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, balance, and reach as required. Safely lift and handle materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Perform repetitive physical activities throughout the shift. Work safely around moving machinery and production equipment. Work Environment This position works in an active plywood manufacturing environment and may include: Exposure to water-based and UV-cured coatings. Work around UV-curing equipment and rotating machinery. High noise levels. Wood dust and other manufacturing-related conditions. Forklift and pedestrian traffic. Fast-moving production equipment and material. Required personal protective equipment must be worn as designated and includes safety glasses and hearing protection. What Success Looks Like A successful Prefinish Line Operator understands that running the line and producing a quality finish go hand in hand. You know what a good finished panel should look like, recognize when something isn't right, make or communicate the necessary adjustments, and keep the team moving toward the production goal. You become someone others can rely on for quality, equipment knowledge, communication, and coordination of the line. Most importantly, you work safely, support your teammates, and take pride in sending a high-quality finished product to our customers.