Mid - Level Sawmill Operator

Bourgeois Guitars is a world-renowned maker of high-end, handcrafted instruments. Our sawmill produces premium red spruce and hardwood tonewoods used in our guitars and supplied to respected luthiers worldwide.  Blending traditional craftsmanship with modern milling practices, our small, skilled sawmill team plays a direct role in shaping the quality, consistency, and artistry Bourgeois Guitars is known for.

Bourgeois Guitars is seeking a Mid-Level Sawmill Operator to support and execute the processing of red spruce and hardwood logs into instrument-grade tonewood. This hands-on role is critical to daily sawmill operations and directly contributes to materials used in world-class instruments.

The position involves operating sawmill equipment, handling materials, performing quality inspections, and maintaining efficient production flow. With experience, the operator will take increasing responsibility in saw setup and adjustment, workflow coordination, and cutting decisions that maximize material quality and yield.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and takes pride in producing exceptional materials in a collaborative, production-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Process red spruce and hardwood logs into instrument-grade tonewood components
• Evaluate logs and apply appropriate cutting strategies to maximize yield and quality
• Perform material handling including staging, loading, stacking, sorting, and banding
• Set up and adjust saws; assist with changeovers and routine equipment maintenance
• Conduct quality inspections to ensure tonewood meets established standards
• Monitor material flow and output to support efficient mill operations
• Communicate observations on log quality, cutting strategy, and equipment performance
• Support daily workflow coordination across the sawmill
• Assist in training and supporting less-experienced team members
• Troubleshoot and help resolve production issues as they arise
• Perform basic inventory tasks including labeling, counting, and organization
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment
• Follow all safety policies and consistently use required PPE
• Uphold high standards for safety, quality, and organization on the mill floor

Qualifications

Required

• Strong work ethic with reliable attendance
• Ability to perform physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs and standing for extended periods
• Experience or demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced production environment
• Basic ability to read measurements and use common hand tools
• Familiarity with power tools and shop equipment (e.g., saws, drills, sanders)
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship
• Ability to follow safety procedures and properly use PPE
• Team-oriented mindset with initiative to help maintain efficient, safe operations

Preferred

• Experience in sawmill operations, lumberyards, woodworking, or manufacturing
• Forklift experience or certification
• Mechanical aptitude or experience assisting with equipment maintenance
• Experience supporting workflow coordination or production leadership