Quality Control Specialist

About the Role

Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, known for its YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine, is seeking a motivated, technically skilled professional to support and improve production operations across assigned treating facilities. This role combines production data analysis, process improvement, mechanical and systems troubleshooting, operator training, and technical support to elevate safety, product quality, operational efficiency, and throughput.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production data to identify trends, investigate root causes, and implement or support corrective actions to improve product conformance, operational efficiency, and throughput.
• Develop and maintain production databases, analytical tools, and reporting systems to support operational decision-making and performance monitoring.
• Troubleshoot production issues involving treating processes, mechanical equipment, process controls, software platforms, and related industrial systems.
• Support treating facilities in resolving operational and quality issues, implementing corrective actions, and verifying the effectiveness of improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other technical documentation.
• Provide technical training, onboarding, and ongoing support to treating staff to promote consistent and effective operating practices.
• Assess plant operator training needs, reinforce standard work practices, and coach employees to improve technical proficiency, process consistency, and operational performance.
• Coordinate with internal departments, equipment manufacturers, chemical suppliers, and third-party oversight to resolve technical issues and achieve operational goals.
• Provide technical support for projects including equipment upgrades, repairs, installations, and the implementation of new technologies, treatment chemistries, and process improvements.
• Support the implementation of new systems and procedures through operator training, follow-up, troubleshooting, and ongoing operational support.
• Promote safe work practices and compliance with company policies, applicable industry standards, and established quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wood science, engineering, or another STEM-related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant work experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data analysis, and interpreting production performance trends.
• Ability to understand and troubleshoot mechanical equipment, industrial process systems, automation and controls, and software platforms.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply:
  • AWPA standards and applicable technical requirements
  • Safety procedures and company policies
  • Technical manuals and equipment operation and maintenance instructions
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to manage time effectively, travel, work independently, and prioritize competing demands.
• Willingness to work directly with plant personnel, investigate operational issues, and support improvements in a hands-on industrial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wood preservation, chemical treatment processes, or industrial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with industrial automation, instrumentation, process controls, or mechanical troubleshooting.
• Experience developing SOPs, technical documentation, training materials, or production reports.
• Experience working with production databases, reporting tools, or business intelligence systems.
• Experience supporting multiple facilities, coordinating technical projects, or implementing process improvements.

This position will be located in the Tyler, TX area, and may provide support for the location in Columbus, TX.