Kiln - Rough End Supervisor

About the Role

Hampton Lumber, a family-owned company with over 80 years in the sawmill business, is seeking a leader to oversee kiln operations at our Darrington, Washington location. This role is crucial in ensuring safe operations, quality lumber drying, efficient production flow, equipment reliability, and employee development. The successful candidate will report to the Plant Superintendent and work a Monday-Thursday schedule, with flexibility as needed.

Responsibilities

• Practice safe work habits and comply with all company work and safety standards.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Operate mobile equipment as needed to support production goals and departmental staffing requirements.
• Coordinate daily kiln operations to meet production schedules and inventory requirements.
• Monitor kiln schedules, drying performance, moisture content targets, and lumber quality.
• Effectively communicate with Manufacturing, Planer, Shipping, Boiler, Maintenance, and Leadership teams.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop kiln department employees.
• Utilize kiln control systems, production reports, and operational data to drive performance.
• Prioritize departmental activities and resources to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Support capital projects, preventative maintenance activities, and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and operational records.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of manufacturing experience.
• Supervisory, lead, or leadership experience.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, and production reporting systems.
• Qualified and authorized to operate powered industrial trucks (PIT) in accordance with company policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Dry kiln operations experience.
• Sawmill, planer mill, or wood products manufacturing experience.
• Experience with computerized kiln control systems.
• Knowledge of lumber drying principles, moisture content targets, and drying defects.
• Budgeting and cost management experience.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Ability to motivate, coach, and develop employees.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and production goals.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial equipment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong attention to detail and decision-making skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a loud, dusty, industrial environment.
• Frequent walking throughout the facility.
• Prolonged standing and occasional sitting.
• Frequent bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and squatting.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to operate mobile equipment when authorized.
• Ability to work in varied indoor and outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, radios, and communication devices.

Pay

Salary is $80,200.

Benefits

• Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums; mental health coverage; cost-effective co-pays and deductibles.
• 401(k) with 5% annual company contribution and generous company matching contributions vested over three years.
• Paid time off, including eight paid holidays.
• Opportunity to earn bonuses.
• Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more.
• Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development.

Hampton Lumber is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.