OneFortyOne looks to add to the kilns team

20 May 22

News

OneFortyOne’s Jubilee Sawmill is amid a site-wide modernisation program, which has seen state of the art equipment upgrades, the addition of robotics to assist packing and wrapping timber, and new multi-million dollar Continuous Drying Kilns.

To add to this futureproofing work in Mount Gambier, Kilns Manager Michael Olle and the Jubilee Sawmill team are now recruiting another Kilns Operator.

Kilns Manager Michael Olle with now retired Kilns Manager Roger Davis

Michael said it’s about finding the right person, not necessarily the most experienced.

“We want to open this job up to find the right person with the right attitude, who may not necessarily have the most if any experience,” Michael said.

“Most of the job is operating a 20 tonne forklift to load and unload our Continuous Drying Kilns, troubleshooting any issues, and communicating with other teams onsite.”

Experience isn’t necessary as training can be provided.

“This position has been designed so you’ll be buddied with an experienced operator,” Michael said.

“They’ll be mentoring you and guiding you through our processes for the first few months.”

“There is an annualised salary tied to the role, with 5 weeks annual leave and depending on shifts you could have a 2, 3 or 4 days off between rotations.”

“The most challenging part of this job is the rotating roster. It rotates through day, afternoon, and night shifts and every two weeks you’ll do a 12 hour shift to allow for the next rotation.”

“You’re also responsible for shift coverage so need to be flexible with your time.”

Most of the Kilns Operator position is operating a 20 tonne forklift to load and unload our Continuous Drying Kilns

Kilns Manager Michael said it’s been exciting to see investment in new technologies throughout the business.

“Along with the new kilns, we have new forklifts and use the latest technology across site,” Michael said.

“With the Kilns Operator position there’s potential to eventually move around to different roles across the Sawmill or even the forest.”

We’re starting to futureproof our workforce, bringing some different people on board, and the kilns operator position is a great opportunity to be a part of that.”

For more information on the Kilns Operator position and others at OneFortyOne, see the Careers section of our website.


OneFortyOne acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their deep connections to land, water, and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations people today.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori communities have a strong spiritual connection between people and the land – the wellbeing of one sustains the wellbeing of the other. We strive to build meaningful relationships with iwi as tangata whenua (people of the land/region), to be responsible intergenerational kaitiaki (stewards/guardians) of the land where our forests grow.