How to hire a panel saw operator

How to hire a panel saw operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step panel saw operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a panel saw operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new panel saw operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

Post a panel saw operator job for free, promote it for a fee

Post free

1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a panel saw operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A panel saw operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, panel saw operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of panel saw operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Panel Saw Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Panel Saw Operator	Woodworkers manufacture a variety of products such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers, and laminates. They often combine and incorporate different materials into wood.	$13-18
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Press Operator	A press operator is responsible for the maintenance of printing machines and other equipment to ensure smooth operations while meeting the clients' needs with the highest quality standards. Press operators duties' include performing troubleshooting, replacing defective machine components, upgrading the systems for efficiency, analyzing blueprints and instructional guides, determining product suitability, and inspecting irregularities before and after the use of press machines... Show more	$12-20

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Safety Guidelines
   • Routine Maintenance
   • RAN
   • Tape Measure
   • Equipment Set-Up
   • Assembly Line
   • Control Panels
   • Panel Saw
   • Quality Standards
   • Circular Saws
   • MDF
   • Production Process
   • Machine Operators
   • Inventory Control

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
   • Operate battery of circular saws to cut plastic blocks containing ceramic-coat aluminum rods to length for processing into electronic resistors.
   • Operate 3000 ton extrusion press utilizing computerize control panels and diagnostics systems.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your panel saw operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A panel saw operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, panel saw operators' average salary in texas is 34% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level panel saw operators earn 26% less than senior-level panel saw operators.
   • Certifications. A panel saw operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a panel saw operator's salary.

   Average panel saw operator salary

   $16.25hourly

   $33,795 yearly

   ---

   Entry-level panel saw operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a panel saw operator job description

   A panel saw operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a panel saw operator job description:

   Panel saw operator job description example

   Responsible for manufacturing feed in accordance with standard operating procedures established at the feed mill. Manages the operation of the computer automation systems required to receive ingredients, grind grains, mix and pellet feed. Operate processing equipment according the established standard operating procedures. In addition to feed manufacturing the operator will perform housekeeping activities, maintenance and repair of equipment, and quality checks on feed and ingredients. Responsible for compliance to all company policies and Local, State and Federal policies, laws and regulations.
   **Duties/Activities Required by Job**
   
   + Work and cooperate with the batch operator in keeping them informed of run status, for mash supply needs, can also run batch operating equipment.
   
   + Produce pellets set by the quality control department. Make sure all mixing is done accurately in accordance with the formulation. Any errors in mixing should be called to the attention of the superintendent immediately.
   
   + Will make sure coolers are clean and working properly. Keep accurate records of drugs used print deviation report at the end of the shift and turn in all records to the Quality Control Technician.
   
   + Will operate the pellet mills in a proficient and efficient manner for optimum production and quality. Do all scheduled mixing in a proficient and efficient manner for optimum production
   
   + Keep Food Mill area clean, well swept and neat in appearance at all times. Cooperate and work with ingredient unloading in transferring of ingredients to eliminate any possible contamination of ingredients.
   
   **Educations/Experience Requirements**
   
   + High school. Technical training in mechanics, computer skills
   
   + 1+ yrs. mechanical experience or feed mill.
   
   + Experience in 3 phase electric. Hydraulics
   
   **ABOUT US**
   
   Are you looking for more than just a job? The culture at Mountaire is one of our greatest strengths and most valued assets. We maintain the same core values and family-focused work environment that we've operated with since day one. You will find that your peers, supervisor and team members are genuinely committed to, not only your success, but also working together to provide high-quality products to our customers. We are a service to one another and to our customers, demonstrating operational excellence and outstanding performance.
   
   **ABOUT THE TEAM**
   
   **Mountaire Overview**
   
   Mountaire Corporation and its two operating affiliates, Mountaire Farms Inc. and Mountaire Farms of Delaware, Inc. (collectively, "Mountaire Farms" or "Mountaire"), are agricultural food production and processing companies providing competitive jobs to almost 10,000 dedicated employees at facilities in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Now the fourth largest chicken company in the United States, we are still family owned and fully committed to giving back to the communities where we do business. At Mountaire Farms, our culture is what defines us. It sets us apart from our competition and reinforces what we stand for. Supporting each other, uplifting each other, and helping each other succeed -- that's the Mountaire way! Our vision is to provide growth, stability, and opportunities for our people, our customers, and our communities by profitably delivering wholesome quality chicken.
   
   **Total Compensation**
   
   Mountaire also offers an amazing total compensation package! A few examples of our benefits that may be offered to you are: eight paid holidays, Medical Plans with free onsite Health and Wellness Centers, Dental and Vision Programs, Employee Assistance Program for you and your family, Retirement Planning with 401(k), Profit Sharing, Employee Discounted Chicken Sales, Employee Discounts with partners (Car Purchase, Phone Plans, & Shopping), Tuition Reimbursement at up to $6,000 annually, and many exciting career development programs!

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find panel saw operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any panel saw operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level panel saw operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your panel saw operator job on Zippia to find and recruit panel saw operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting panel saw operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new panel saw operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect panel saw operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new panel saw operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

   Sign up to download full list

   Sign up

How much does it cost to hire a panel saw operator?