Home Jobs JOB VACANCIES: Coolrain Sawmills currently seeking to fill a number of roles

JOB VACANCIES: Coolrain Sawmills currently seeking to fill a number of roles

Coolrain Sawmills Job Ad

Coolrain Sawmills Ltd. is a progressive Irish owned company that since it’s foundation in 1983, has become one of Ireland’s top producers and suppliers of timber products to the Irish and UK markets.  

Headquartered in Coolrain, we are part of CJ Sheeran Group which has several manufacturing sites throughout Ireland.  

This is a great opportunity to join a progressive and dynamic company and represents a stable long-term career opportunity, with room for career development.

We are currently hiring for the following roles which you can read about in full below:

  • Maintenance Fitter
  • Apprentice Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitter
  • Production Operative (Day Shift, 8am–6pm; Night Shift, 6pm to 4am)
  • Loader/Timber Handler Driver (Part Time & Full Time)

Role Description – Maintenance Fitter

Our Sawmill in Coolrain, Co. Laois has undergone significant plant upgrade and investment over the past number of years and now has an opportunity available for a Maintenance Fitter within our Maintenance team.  

Reporting to the Head of Maintenance, the successful person will be expected to carry out the following duties daily

  • Maintenance and repair of all plant and equipment on site.
  • Learn the operation and requirements of all plant to understand and resolve production issues.
  • Assist in the setup and operation of maintenance programs for all machines.
  • Work with Electro-Pneumatic & Hydraulic Systems.
  • Work with automated control systems.
  • Work on heavy-duty, industry-specific, mechanical equipment.
  • Maintain and (where possible) improve mechanical services throughout the site.
  • Record job requests and job completion.
  • Comply with good maintenance practices and safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A mechanical/fitter apprenticeship
  • Experience with all types of plc-controlled plant
  • Confidence in welding and fabrication
  • Basic electrical experience
  • Previous experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, preferably timber
  • The ability to work on own initiative and under pressure
  • Be self-motivated, with the ability to work on your own initiative.

Salary commensurate with experience. 


Role Description – Apprentice Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitter

The main responsibility of the Maintenance department in Coolrain Sawmills is to ensure the smooth and consistent running of all equipment that is required to keep a modern high-tech sawmill facility up and running.  

The work of the Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitter involves plant and machinery installation, maintenance and repairs, replacement of broken or worn parts, adjustment, and servicing. 

Reporting to the Head of Maintenance, the key outputs and deliverables of the role are as follows:

The apprentice will be required to follow a specific course of training and undergo a series of assessments and exams throughout the apprenticeship which in turn comprises seven phases, three off the job in college and four on the job 

Phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 will take place with the employer on our premises here in Coolrain. Phases 2, 4 and 6 will take place off the job in various technological institutes or training centres throughout the country. 

The maximum duration of the off the job phases will generally be 40 weeks divided approximately as follows: Phase 2: – 20 weeks SOLAS training Centre Phase 4: – 10 weeks in an institute of technology or college of further education. Phase 6: – 10 weeks in an institute of technology or college of further education.

The total duration of the apprenticeship is four years. This position will be sponsored by SOLAS, the state organisation responsible for funding, planning and co-ordinating Further Education and Training (FET) in Ireland.

Pay rates will comply with the established SOLAS apprenticeship rates

All applicants must possess the following: 

  • Apprentices must be at least 17 Years of age.
  • Have at least grade D in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent, but preferably B or above in metal work or science.
    • Or successfully complete an approved pre-apprentice course.
    • Or be over 18 years of age and have at least three years relevant work experience approved by SOLAS.
  • Must pass a colour-blind test.
  • An enthusiastic ‘hands-on’ individual, with good interpersonal/organisation skills.

Role Description – Production Operative (Day Shift, 8am–6pm; Night Shift, 6pm to 4am)

Working on one of our production lines, we currently have openings for day/night shift production operatives. 

Full on the job training will be provided.


Role Description – Loader/Timber Handler Driver (Part Time & Full Time)

As a member of a small team, the successful candidates will assist with stockpiling logs/residues and keeping the sawmill supplied with timber. 

The successful candidate will need to be experienced and competent in the operation of heavy plant to include, but not limited to a shovel, log handler and Liebherr material handler.

No off-site driving required. 

Ticket a plus but not essential as trainings will be provided.


Role Description – Forklift Driver

We now have an opportunity available for a Forklift Driver within our Production team.  

Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the successful person will be expected to carry out the following duties daily

  • Loading and unloading HGV’s with timber product
  • Sorting and picking product
  • Ensuring all product is stored and sorted in designated storage area
  • Working as part of a team
  • Maintaining a safe and clean work environment
  • Complying with all site health and safety practices and standards.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Previous experience in a similar role
  • Counter balance license with a minimum of 1 year experience
  • Team player skillsets
  • Confidence in their abilities
  • Computer skills would be an advantage

Salary commensurate with experience. 


To Apply

To apply for any of the above roles, interested candidates should send a cover letter and curriculum vitae to hr@coolrainsawmills.ie.

We thank all those who apply; however, only those chosen for follow up will be contacted. 

Closing Date: COB Jan 14th, 2021.


If you would like to advertise a job vacancy, get in touch with LaoisToday by calling 057 8670722, 085 7180700 or emailing info@laoistoday.ie

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