Summer Temp - Engineering Apprentice

Bemidji, Minnesota

Looking for hands-on engineering experience not just job shadowing? Join West Fraser in Bemidji, Minnesota for a paid summer engineering apprenticeship where you’ll contribute to a major capital project in a live manufacturing environment while enjoying Northern Minnesota lake life.

Why This Apprenticeship Stands Out

• Real project ownership—work directly with the Site Project Manager
• Exposure to a large-scale energy and dryer system modernization project
• Competitive hourly pay 
• High visibility with leadership and strong future career potential

Project Overview

The Bemidji Energy / Dryer Project is a site-wide modernization effort that includes:

• Replacement of all heat-energy equipment used to dry flakes, heat log ponds, and heat thermal oil
• Elimination of five legacy furnaces
• Installation of one single-pass rotary dryer replacing multiple older dryer systems
• This apprenticeship offers meaningful exposure to capital project execution, equipment installation, and coordination within an operating manufacturing facility.

Opportunity Details

• Location: Bemidji, Minnesota
• Duration: Summer 2026 (exact dates flexible)
• Positions Available: 2 Engineering Apprenticeships

Compensation & Benefits

• $32.2591 per hour
• Company-arranged housing/apartment
• On-the-job training and mentorship
• Strong culture of internal promotion

What You Will Do

• Attend project coordination and planning meetings
• Track equipment parts and materials for installation
• Assist with part identification in equipment laydown areas
• Support day-to-day project tasks assigned by the Project Manager
• Follow all safety policies and PPE requirements

Who We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

Engineering student (Mechanical, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, or related discipline preferred).

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to accurately track parts and materials
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Reliable attendance and ability to work as part of a team
• Pre-employment requirements include a post-offer drug screen and criminal background check.

Safety & Workplace Notice

West Fraser is a Drug-Free Workplace. This apprenticeship is classified as a safety-sensitive position under Minnesota statute, meaning impairment due to drugs, alcohol, or cannabis could threaten the health or safety of others.

West Fraser is a diversified North American wood products company producing southern yellow pine lumber and wood chips across the Southern US and Western Canada. We are the largest lumber producer in North America!

Our employees operate in a culture that values safety first and rewards hard work. We recognize and support our team culture and focus on growing our team by promoting from within – many of our employees have built their careers with us. West Fraser is a growing company that believes strongly in promoting from within and prides ourselves on providing a challenging environment with continuous development. The successful candidate should be interested in future growth opportunities within the company.

West Fraser believes inclusive, diverse teams build a more vibrant workforce, safer operations, and a stronger company overall. We strive to create workplaces and leadership teams that are reflective of the diverse communities we are a part of. We will not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, gender, national origin, or any other protected legal characteristic.

West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug-Free Workplace.