Lumber Inspector

Hartzell Hardwoods is growing, and we're always looking to add experienced, high-quality talent to our team. If you're an experienced Lumber Grader who takes pride in quality, teamwork, and craftsmanship, we'd like to hear from you.

About the role

Inspects incoming and outgoing lumber according to NHLA rules at the assigned grading deck. The grading deck sits on the Lumber Handling Machine.

Responsibilities

• Reports to Lumber Operations Supervisor and receives written and/or verbal orders/specifications.
• Maintains the highest standards of grading when receiving or shipping lumber.
• Climbs stairs onto grading platform.
• Visually inspects lumber according to specie, grade, and dimension using NHLA lumber grading rules while sitting on an automated grading deck.
• Operates and controls the Lumber Handling Machine from the grading deck platform; must be aware of the manufacturing process and related safety hazards.
• Grades offline or with an experienced grader until qualified to grade at the accuracy and speed determined by Hartzell standards.
• Operates a grade console and board turner.
• Performs sorting setups before starting another run per sorting specifications (e.g., vendors, kilns).
• Corrects skews and situations that stop the lumber line from running, which may require leaving the grading deck.
• Switches off with another lumber inspector and works in another assigned position when not grading lumber.
• Grades and tallies lumber at certain work stations to obtain surface measure and grade of the boards; reports tallies to Team Leader or Supervisor.
• Determines total board footage by adding and multiplying tally columns.
• Performs other functions during down times (e.g., clean-up, maintenance, stacking).
• Follows all safety practices.

Requirements

• Previous experience in grading walnut lumber along with other hardwood species is desired.
• NHLA schooling is preferred but not mandatory.
• Able to sit on the grading deck for long periods.
• Occasionally turns boards weighing between 5 lbs. to over 60 lbs. using lumber grading rulers.
• Familiarity with lumber grading rules, calculator, tally book, pencil, lumber crayon stick, grade console, and board turner is a plus.

Pay

Starting at $23.00 to $27.00 per hour.