Filer Apprentice – Job Description (Beasley Group)
Overview
A Filer Apprentice is an entry-level position in a sawmill’s saw shop. The role focuses on learning how to maintain, and service saw blades and cutting tools that are essential to lumber production. You work under a senior filer (Head Filer) and support safe, efficient mill operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Learn and follow all saw shop safety procedures and PPE requirements
- Assist with inspecting saw blades for damage, wear, or defects
- Help sharpen, grind, and maintain saws and cutting tools
- Support saw tensioning, leveling, and alignment using precision tools
- Prepare saws for use (cleaning, oiling, verifying specifications)
- Assist in troubleshooting cutting or performance issues (e.g., rough cuts, vibration)
- Maintain shop cleanliness and organization
- Track and document saw maintenance, repairs, and performance
- Safely handle and transport saws using carts or hoists
- Work with production teams to coordinate repairs and replacements
These tasks directly support production efficiency, product quality, and equipment uptime.
QualificationsRequirements
- High school diploma or GED (preferred)
- Strong attention to safety and detail
- Basic math and measurement skills (fractions, tape measure)
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn hands-on work
- Ability to work in a noisy, dusty industrial environment
- Reliable attendance and flexibility for shifts/overtime
Preferred (Not Required)
- Experience in sawmills, manufacturing, or maintenance
- Familiarity with saw equipment or sharpening tools
- Experience using measuring tools
- Basic welding or tool-room experience
Work Environment
- Industrial sawmill setting
- Exposure to noise, dust, and heavy machinery
- Physically active (standing, lifting, handling equipment)
- Must be able to lift over 50 lbs. in repetitive tolerances
- Must be able to work weekends and holidays
- You must also be able to work 12-hour shifts
Career Path
This role is designed as a training position. With experience, a Filer Apprentice can advance to:
- Saw Filer (skilled trade role)
- Maintenance technician
- Specialized tool or equipment technician
Summary
The Filer Apprentice role is essentially a skilled-trade training position focused on precision maintenance of sawmill cutting equipment. It combines mechanical work, safety discipline, and hands-on learning in a production environment.
Skills Required
- Strong attention to safety and detail
- Basic math and measurement skills (fractions, tape measure)
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn hands-on work
- Ability to work in a noisy, dusty industrial environment
- Reliable attendance and flexibility for shifts/overtime
- Ability to lift over 50 lbs repetitively
- Ability to work weekends and holidays
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts
- High school diploma or GED
- Experience in sawmills, manufacturing, or maintenance
- Familiarity with saw equipment or sharpening tools
- Experience using measuring tools
- Basic welding or tool-room experience
What We Do
The Beasley Group is a third-generation family business and a vertically integrated leader in the forest products industry, headquartered in Hazlehurst, Georgia. Founded in 1968, the company operates a comprehensive supply chain from timberland management to the production of hardwood lumber, crane mats, and flooring. It is recognized as one of the largest hardwood sawmills in the United States and North America.
