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: Entry Level Production Associate (Mentor Trainee)
Reports To: Department Supervisor
Department: General Plant
Hours per shift: Employee works 10-hour shifts, with three 10- minute breaks, and a 30- minute unpaid lunch break.
(Planer) Days: M/T/W/F 6:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. TH 5:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
(Planer)Swing: M/T/W/F 5:30 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. WED 6:30 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. (schedules will change based on mill/production needs)
(Sawmill) Days: M/W/F 6:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. T/TH 5:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
(Sawmill) Swing: M/W/F 5:30 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. T/TH 6:30 P.M. to 5:00 A.M.
Wage: Level 2
Position Purpose: The purpose of the Mentor Trainee position is to provide training in entry level positions so when open spots in production become available, we have trained and competent operators who can perform these job duties. Mentors hired will be assigned a shift and a department and will then learn jobs in that department as needed. There will sometimes be opportunities for them to cross train in other departments.
Position Functions:
Entry Level Production Associate: Essential Functions*
These duties are designated as ADA Essential Functions and must be performed in this job.
Essential Functions will change based on position Mentor is placed in. Please see each job description for their specific job tasks and duties. Some of these jobs could be but are not limited to: Sticker Operator, Bander/Endwax, Paperwrap, Stacker 2, Sawmill Sorter Help and Dispatch.
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 procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Non-Essential Functions
These duties are secondary in nature and are not classified as ADA essential.
Perform other duties and functions as assigned by supervisor for production and cleaning purpose.
Working Environment: (1) Inside 90%, average temperature 80 degrees, extreme low temperature 10 degrees F, extreme high temperature 120 degrees F. (2) Outside 10%. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Personal Protective Equipment Required: (1) Eye Protection. (2) Hearing Protection. (3) Blue Atlas gloves. (4) Approved Footwear (5) High Visibility Clothing.
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: (1) must have excellent hand eye coordination. Use vision/hearing continuously and must have peripheral vision to see forklifts 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 another clean up member with little supervision. Clean up members 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.
Employee Name:
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 10
STANDING X 2 10
WALKING X 2 10
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: 90%
OUTSIDE: 10%
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?
The information provided in this job description, including strength and physical requirements, is based on observation of the job and is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
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.
