What are the responsibilities and job description for the Dryer Grader - Graveyard - Springfield, OR position at Swanson Group, Inc.?
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.
At Swanson Group, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working alongside dedicated employees who share a passion for excellence. We believe in building a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and long-term success.
Explore our current job openings and discover how you can become a valued member of the Swanson Group family today!
Position Title: Dryer Grader
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.
Wage: Level 2
Position Purpose: Responsible for continuous monitoring and operation of boiler fuel system. Perform Firewatch and Maintenance Helper duties when required. Maintain safety and quality standards as outlines in the Job Hazard Analysis, Standard Operating Procedures and other requirements as directed by the Supervisor for the safe and efficient operation of the Boiler.
Position Functions:
Dryer Feeder: Essential Functions*
These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.
Visual inspection of veneer sheets and accurate grading of veneer by referring to the plant’s dry veneer grade spec sheet. Grading based on the number and size of knots, splits, and open defects. Responsible for understanding and applying veneer grade spec information in the grading process.
Pull dry veneer sheets from the dryer onto a dry veneer conveyor and into proper carts according to grade. Grader is required to pull anywhere from 6-20 veneer sheets a minute into proper-grade carts.
Worker is required to stand and walk constantly for 8 hours. Worker must use shoulders, arms, hands and wrists to pull veneer into carts. Larger pieces of veneer are slid from conveyor to cart while smaller pieces of veneer may be lifted between waist and shoulder level and carried 1’- 5’ to the cart
Grader is to use buddy system and help push full carts of veneer out to be picked up by forklift. Full carts weigh between 500 to 650 pounds. Grader is to push back the empty cart after forklift has picked up veneer
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.
Grader 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.
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 Descriptions.
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.
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.
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.
Non-Essential Functions
These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.
The worker may be required to rotate to different positions for cross training purposes or to facilitate production. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual job descriptions. Assist Co-Workers or maintenance personnel in basic maintenance and upkeep of machine.
Working Environment: (1) Inside 95%, average temperature 80 degrees, extreme low temperature 10 degrees F, extreme high temperature 120 degrees F. (2) Outside 5%. Noise or vibration: Machine noise to include machine being operated as well as other machines close by including Forklifts. Hazards: See Job Hazard Analysis. (3) Atmospheric conditions: Dust: Limited, Mist: Water, Odors: Dry wood, Gasses: None, Poor Ventilation: None. The worker in this position will be standing on a slightly elevated wooden platform with rubber mats. The worker will move back and forth on this platform in front of an elevated dry conveyor measuring 3 ½ to 4’ above the ground.
Personal Protective Equipment Required: (1) Eye Protection. (2) Hearing Protection. (3) Blue Atlas gloves when feeding re-dry veneer. (4) Approved Footwear.
Physical Demands: See the attached Job/Task Evaluation and Physical Capabilities portion; this position requires constant use of hearing and vision, frequent bending, twisting, pushing/pulling and reaching, and occasional lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling more than 50 lbs.
Skills: Must successfully complete structured job training and testing to become a certified operator. Have excellent hand eye coordination. Use vision/hearing continuously and must have peripheral vision to see the carts and co-workers. Reading and speech required to communicate comprehension of Job Hazard Analysis, machine specific lockout procedures, monthly safety training, etc. Worker generally works with other puller(s) with little supervision. Operators must be self-directed in identifying and efficiently completing each task. Ability to prioritize, organize, and make necessary decisions.
Safety: (1) Do only maintenance you are trained to do and keep all body parts out of machinery. (2) Always use our 14-step lockout/tagout procedure before doing any maintenance, clearing jams, or getting into machinery for any reason; be aware of stored energy. (3) Always use proper body mechanics (ex: don’t overreach, get help as needed to push loads out). (4) Use proper PPE (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection). (5) Be aware of and always communicate with your co-worker (ex: forklift driver). (6) Will be required to read and write during safety training.
ENDURANCE Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100% Total hours at one time Total hours in a workday
SITTING X 1 8
STANDING X 6 8
WALKING X 1 8
CHANGE POSITIONS X
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Enter actual maximum weight in pounds in the box)
LIFTING Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
1-10 LBS 10 LBS
11-20 LBS 20 LBS
21-50 LBS 50 LBS
51-75 LBS 75 LBS
76-100 LBS 100 LBS
>100 LBS > 100 LBS
Maximum weight lifted by worker without assistance: 50 LBS
If required, lifting over 50 LBS is performed with two or more people and/or lifting devices.
CARRYING Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
1-10 LBS 10 LBS
11-20 LBS 20 LBS
21-50 LBS 50 LBS
51-75 LBS 75 LBS
76-100 LBS 100 LBS
>100 LBS > 100 LBS
Maximum weight carried by worker without assistance: 10-50 LBS
If required, carrying over 50 LBS is performed with two or more people and/or lifting devices.
PUSHING/PULLING FORCE TO BE EXCERTED Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
1-10 LBS 10 LBS
11-20 LBS 20 LBS
21-50 LBS 50 LBS
51-75 LBS 75 LBS
76-100 LBS 100 LBS
>100 LBS >100 LBS
Maximum weight of object pushed/pulled by worker: 75 Lbs. Distance: 4’
Type of surface (i.e. level, carpet, incline): Level / Incline
OTHER Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
BEND/STOOP X
TWIST X
CROUCH/SQUAT X
KNEEL X
CRAWL X
WALK-LEVEL SURFACE X
WALK-UNEVEN SURFACE X
CLIMB STEPS X
CLIMB LADDER X
WORK AT HEIGHTS X
REACH AT OR ABOVE SHOULDER X
REACH BELOW SHOULDER X
USE OF ARMS X
USE OF WRISTS X
USE OF HANDS X
GRASPING/SQUEEZING X
OPERATE FOOT CONTROLS X
ENVIRONMENT
INSIDE: 95%
OUTSIDE: 5%
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: YES
VIBRATION: NO
WORKS ON OR AROUND MOVING MACHINARY OR MECHANICAL PARTS: YES
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
BOOTS YES HARDHAT NO GLOVES YES EYE PROTECTION YES HEARING PROTECTION YES OTHER?
Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law.
At Swanson Group, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, working alongside dedicated employees who share a passion for excellence. We believe in building a culture that encourages growth, collaboration, and long-term success.
Explore our current job openings and discover how you can become a valued member of the Swanson Group family today!
Position Title: Dryer Grader
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.
Wage: Level 2
Position Purpose: Responsible for continuous monitoring and operation of boiler fuel system. Perform Firewatch and Maintenance Helper duties when required. Maintain safety and quality standards as outlines in the Job Hazard Analysis, Standard Operating Procedures and other requirements as directed by the Supervisor for the safe and efficient operation of the Boiler.
Position Functions:
Dryer Feeder: Essential Functions*
These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.
Visual inspection of veneer sheets and accurate grading of veneer by referring to the plant’s dry veneer grade spec sheet. Grading based on the number and size of knots, splits, and open defects. Responsible for understanding and applying veneer grade spec information in the grading process.
Pull dry veneer sheets from the dryer onto a dry veneer conveyor and into proper carts according to grade. Grader is required to pull anywhere from 6-20 veneer sheets a minute into proper-grade carts.
Worker is required to stand and walk constantly for 8 hours. Worker must use shoulders, arms, hands and wrists to pull veneer into carts. Larger pieces of veneer are slid from conveyor to cart while smaller pieces of veneer may be lifted between waist and shoulder level and carried 1’- 5’ to the cart
Grader is to use buddy system and help push full carts of veneer out to be picked up by forklift. Full carts weigh between 500 to 650 pounds. Grader is to push back the empty cart after forklift has picked up veneer
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.
Grader 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.
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 Descriptions.
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.
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.
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.
Non-Essential Functions
These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.
The worker may be required to rotate to different positions for cross training purposes or to facilitate production. Job duties for other positions are outlined in their individual job descriptions. Assist Co-Workers or maintenance personnel in basic maintenance and upkeep of machine.
Working Environment: (1) Inside 95%, average temperature 80 degrees, extreme low temperature 10 degrees F, extreme high temperature 120 degrees F. (2) Outside 5%. Noise or vibration: Machine noise to include machine being operated as well as other machines close by including Forklifts. Hazards: See Job Hazard Analysis. (3) Atmospheric conditions: Dust: Limited, Mist: Water, Odors: Dry wood, Gasses: None, Poor Ventilation: None. The worker in this position will be standing on a slightly elevated wooden platform with rubber mats. The worker will move back and forth on this platform in front of an elevated dry conveyor measuring 3 ½ to 4’ above the ground.
Personal Protective Equipment Required: (1) Eye Protection. (2) Hearing Protection. (3) Blue Atlas gloves when feeding re-dry veneer. (4) Approved Footwear.
Physical Demands: See the attached Job/Task Evaluation and Physical Capabilities portion; this position requires constant use of hearing and vision, frequent bending, twisting, pushing/pulling and reaching, and occasional lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling more than 50 lbs.
Skills: Must successfully complete structured job training and testing to become a certified operator. Have excellent hand eye coordination. Use vision/hearing continuously and must have peripheral vision to see the carts and co-workers. Reading and speech required to communicate comprehension of Job Hazard Analysis, machine specific lockout procedures, monthly safety training, etc. Worker generally works with other puller(s) with little supervision. Operators must be self-directed in identifying and efficiently completing each task. Ability to prioritize, organize, and make necessary decisions.
Safety: (1) Do only maintenance you are trained to do and keep all body parts out of machinery. (2) Always use our 14-step lockout/tagout procedure before doing any maintenance, clearing jams, or getting into machinery for any reason; be aware of stored energy. (3) Always use proper body mechanics (ex: don’t overreach, get help as needed to push loads out). (4) Use proper PPE (gloves, eye protection, hearing protection). (5) Be aware of and always communicate with your co-worker (ex: forklift driver). (6) Will be required to read and write during safety training.
ENDURANCE Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100% Total hours at one time Total hours in a workday
SITTING X 1 8
STANDING X 6 8
WALKING X 1 8
CHANGE POSITIONS X
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Enter actual maximum weight in pounds in the box)
LIFTING Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
1-10 LBS 10 LBS
11-20 LBS 20 LBS
21-50 LBS 50 LBS
51-75 LBS 75 LBS
76-100 LBS 100 LBS
>100 LBS > 100 LBS
Maximum weight lifted by worker without assistance: 50 LBS
If required, lifting over 50 LBS is performed with two or more people and/or lifting devices.
CARRYING Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
1-10 LBS 10 LBS
11-20 LBS 20 LBS
21-50 LBS 50 LBS
51-75 LBS 75 LBS
76-100 LBS 100 LBS
>100 LBS > 100 LBS
Maximum weight carried by worker without assistance: 10-50 LBS
If required, carrying over 50 LBS is performed with two or more people and/or lifting devices.
PUSHING/PULLING FORCE TO BE EXCERTED Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
1-10 LBS 10 LBS
11-20 LBS 20 LBS
21-50 LBS 50 LBS
51-75 LBS 75 LBS
76-100 LBS 100 LBS
>100 LBS >100 LBS
Maximum weight of object pushed/pulled by worker: 75 Lbs. Distance: 4’
Type of surface (i.e. level, carpet, incline): Level / Incline
OTHER Never/Not Required Seldom 1-5% Occasionally 6-33% Frequently 34-66% Continuous 67-100%
BEND/STOOP X
TWIST X
CROUCH/SQUAT X
KNEEL X
CRAWL X
WALK-LEVEL SURFACE X
WALK-UNEVEN SURFACE X
CLIMB STEPS X
CLIMB LADDER X
WORK AT HEIGHTS X
REACH AT OR ABOVE SHOULDER X
REACH BELOW SHOULDER X
USE OF ARMS X
USE OF WRISTS X
USE OF HANDS X
GRASPING/SQUEEZING X
OPERATE FOOT CONTROLS X
ENVIRONMENT
INSIDE: 95%
OUTSIDE: 5%
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES: YES
VIBRATION: NO
WORKS ON OR AROUND MOVING MACHINARY OR MECHANICAL PARTS: YES
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
BOOTS YES HARDHAT NO GLOVES YES EYE PROTECTION YES HEARING PROTECTION YES OTHER?
Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law.
