Grader

Big River Forest Products • Coushatta, LA

5h • Onsite

About The Position

Coushatta Forest Products is hiring Graders for its sawmill in Coushatta, Louisiana. The Sawmill Lumber Grader visually inspects, measures, reviews, and classifies wood products to ensure they meet industry and quality standards. The role helps capture the highest marketable value from lumber while identifying structural and cosmetic defects. This is an onsite, in-person position at an outside sawmill/plant location. Various schedules are needed, including day and night shifts, weekends, and occasional overtime.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 1 year of experience.
• Familiarity with raw wood materials, mill machinery, and wood moisture evaluation tools.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to perform accurate measurements and maintain detailed records.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and perform moderate physical activity.
• Ability to coordinate hand and eye movements rapidly, lift heavy boards, and stand or walk for extended shifts in loud, dusty industrial environments.
• Ability to work onsite and in person.

Nice To Haves

• First aid and safety training relevant to outdoor and industrial work.

Responsibilities

• Examine moving or static boards on the production line for defects such as knots, splits, holes, decay, warp, wane, and pitch pockets.
• Grade and sort wood according to industry-recognized rules, including NHLA rules for hardwoods or ALSC metrics for softwoods.
• Use calipers, gauges, scale sticks, and tape measures to verify lumber dimensions.
• Read or learn to use tape measures and manual and digital clippers, and read and review moisture meters for different lumber grades.
• Apply grade stamps, color codes, or processing markings to identify quality level, moisture content, and market tracking information.
• Determine optimal cuts or remanufacturing adjustments to maximize the commercial value of flawed raw stock.
• Tally board footage, count units, and complete shift inspection reports to monitor inventory and processing accuracy.
• Follow SPIB rules and guidelines; ongoing training is provided.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• Life and accidental insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off (PTO)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED