Site Search

Career Profiles

Technical Employees

Operating the very finest in quality machinery!

Technical Employees are trained and skilled in the operation of equipment used to produce precision wood products or wood product components. This can include a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine as well as planers, shapers, moulders, and lathes. A Technical Employee is responsible for making sure that equipment is working properly and used safely, and that the products meet specifications. The salary range is from $25,000 to $40,000 annually depending on skill level and knowledge, experience, and the complexity of the machinery and equipment used. The work is entirely in the production area, around others but not on the same tasks, for up to 40 hours per week. Overtime may sometimes be required in order to fix a mechanical problem or to meet a production deadline. Travel is unlikely unless it is required for specialized training.

Technical Employees often have post-secondary education or training in machine operations. They like working with machines, can work independently, and have an aptitude for interpreting designs, and/or programs that specify what the final product should look like. The most important essential skills are reading skills for understanding equipment manuals and interpreting designs, and numeracy skills in measurement.

Requires: Trades Certificate, Production Experience

CNC Machine Operator

Jose Lacayo is a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machine operator at Pacific Rim Cabinets in Delta, BC. He arrived in Canada nine years ago from Nicaragua. Jose had studied engineering and manufacturing at Central American University and he had also operated his own business designing and building educational wooden toys. Jose did not speak English when he arrived in Canada, however he quickly picked up the language and soon began working as a designer in the plastics sector. He was eventually recruited into wood manufacturing. Jose is committed to lifelong learning and wants to take a course in Computer Aided Design (CAD) as well as an art and design course at Emily Carr Institute.

NOTE: The abbreviation CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, and refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads G-code instructions and drives the machine tool.

View Career Profile

CNC Technician

Marc Gallant is a Computer Numeric Control (CNC) technician at Shorewood Furniture in Greater Lakeburn, New Brunswick. He is a graduate of the Woodworking Program at the Campbellton Campus of New Brunswick Community College. Marc was hired at Shorewood after his work term. Within six months he was working on the CNC machine full time.

NOTE: The abbreviation CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, and refers specifically to a computer "controller" that reads G-code instructions and drives the machine tool.

View Career Profile

Moulder Operator

Ed Oakford is a moulder operator at Hunter Lake Lumber, a small, family-run business in Upper Golden Grove, New Brunswick. Ed completed the cabinet and millwork program as well as his GED at New Brunswick Community College. He also did two years of electrical engineering.

View Career Profile

Career Profiles

Suite 1016, 130 Albert Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4
Phone: 613-567-5511 | Fax: 613-567-5411 | General Email: info@careersinwood.ca

© 2012 Wood Manufacturing Council. All rights reserved.
This program is funded by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program.
Government of Canada Wood Manufacturing Council