Dry Kiln Supervisor

Hampton Lumber•Fairfax, SC

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Dry Kiln Supervisor at Hampton Lumber is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the kiln department — overseeing drying schedules, lumber quality, equipment performance, and the development of a high-performing team. This is a leadership role on the production floor, not a desk job. You will be expected to be present, engaged, and driving results every shift. If you lead by example, hold yourself and your team accountable, and understand that quality lumber starts long before it reaches the planer — we want to talk to you. At Hampton Lumber's Allendale Mill, we don't define ourselves by a single task — only a single mission: to safely produce the best lumber we can, every shift. We're building a team of people who take ownership, get better every day, and want to be part of something worth showing up for.

Requirements

Prior experience in a sawmill, dry kiln, or wood products manufacturing environment — kiln experience strongly preferred
Working knowledge of kiln drying principles, moisture content targets, and lumber drying defects
Supervisory or lead experience in a manufacturing or production setting
Familiarity with forklift operations and kiln yard material handling
Basic computer proficiency for tracking production data and downtime reporting
A hands-on leader — you work alongside your team, not above them
Accountable — you own outcomes, good and bad, and you drive improvement
Safety-first — you don't compromise on safe work practices, ever
A communicator — you give clear direction and listen to your team
Adaptable — shift schedules, equipment issues, and production demands change; you change with them
Detail-oriented — moisture content, kiln schedules, and lumber quality require a sharp eye
Show up every shift ready to lead — present, engaged, and setting the tone
Build a culture of safety, quality, and ownership within the kiln department
Keep production moving — minimize unplanned downtime and communicate issues quickly
Develop your people — this team should be stronger because you led it
Maintain a clean, organized kiln yard and surrounding areas
Complete all required documentation — downtime reports, kiln logs, and shift handoffs

Responsibilities

Supervise and direct all kiln department personnel across assigned shifts — setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable
Manage drying schedules and kiln loads to optimize throughput, moisture content targets, and lumber quality
Monitor kiln conditions (temperature, humidity, air circulation) and make real-time adjustments to protect product quality
Conduct regular inspections of kiln equipment, tracks, doors, fans, and steam systems — coordinating maintenance as needed
Ensure all forklift operations within the kiln yard are performed safely and efficiently
Track and report production metrics — downtime, moisture readings, kiln cycles, and quality deviations
Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate daily priorities, safety topics, and operational updates
Train, mentor, and develop kiln department associates — building capability at every level
Enforce all safety policies, PPE requirements, and housekeeping standards
Partner with maintenance and the planer department to coordinate lumber flow and minimize bottlenecks

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
Participation in the employee bonus program
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

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