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Lumber Drying Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Weyerhaeuser Company

Kiln Forklift Operator

Dierks, AR

$22.53/hr

The Dierks, AR lumber manufacturing facility is looking for skilled Continuous Drying Kiln Operator/Forklift Operator with a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of large forklift operation and the ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Kiln Forklift Operator

Dierks, AR

$22.53/hr

The Dierks, AR lumber manufacturing facility is looking for skilled Continuous Drying Kiln Operator/Forklift Operator with a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of large forklift operation and the ...

Weyerhauser Co

Kiln Forklift Operator

Dierks, AR · On-site

$22.53/hr

The Dierks, AR lumber manufacturing facility is looking for skilled Continuous Drying Kiln Operator/Forklift Operator with a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of large forklift operation and the ...

Weyerhaeuser Company

Kiln Tender Trainee

Magnolia, MS · On-site

$24.04/hr

... operating our dry kilns. The successful candidate will participate in an extensive training program to learn how to safely operate the dry kilns used in our lumber drying process. We have ...

Smartlam NA Dothan LLC

Lumber Grader

Dothan, AL · On-site

Forklift Operator experience desired. Duties and Responsibilities * Follows Standard Operating ... Stickers and restacks wet lumber in need of drying. * Creates legible labels and retags lumber ...

Baillie Lumber Co.

Yard Manager

West Point, VA · On-site

... manufacturing, drying and distribution facilities. The West Point Lumber Yard Manager is ... operators, dry kiln and boiler operators, lumber graders, material handlers and a shipping ...

Interfor

Industrial Forklift Operator

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$19.14 - $22.63/hr

Industrial Forklift Operator, Thomaston, Georgia Interfor is seeking a safety-minded, skilled, and ... Set up lumber accurately and straight to reduce drying defects and maintain product quality.

Interfor

Industrial Forklift Operator

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$19.14 - $22.63/hr

Industrial Forklift Operator, Thomaston, Georgia Interfor is seeking a safety-minded, skilled, and ... Set up lumber accurately and straight to reduce drying defects and maintain product quality.

Interfor Us

Industrial Forklift Operator

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $16/hr

The successful candidate will be responsible for safely operating industrial-sized forklifts to ... Set up lumber accurately and straight to reduce drying defects and maintain product quality.

Interfor

Industrial Forklift Operator

Thomaston, GA · On-site

$13.50 - $16/hr

The successful candidate will be responsible for safely operating industrial-sized forklifts to ... Set up lumber accurately and straight to reduce drying defects and maintain product quality.

John A Biewer Co Inc

RELIEF OPERATOR

Winona, MS · On-site

$17 - $23/hr

... other machine operators. Maintain a consistent flow of materials through the machine centers ... Manage the mechanical stacking of lumber for drying or further processing, ensuring stable and ...

John A Biewer Co Inc

MACHINE OPERATOR

Winona, MS · On-site

$15.75 - $18.50/hr

Manage the mechanical stacking of lumber for drying or further processing, ensuring stable and ... Language skills to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance ...

baillielumberco

Yard Manager

West Point, VA

... manufacturing, drying and distribution facilities. The West Point Lumber Yard Manager is ... operators, dry kiln and boiler operators, lumber graders, material handlers and a shipping ...

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Lumber Drying Operator information

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How much do lumber drying operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for lumber drying operator in the United States is $18.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lumber drying operator do?

A Lumber Drying Operator is responsible for overseeing the process of drying lumber in kilns or dryers to achieve the desired moisture content. They monitor and control temperature, humidity, and ventilation settings to ensure the wood dries evenly and efficiently. Operators also inspect the lumber for quality, make adjustments to machinery as needed, and maintain records of the drying process. Their work is essential for producing high-quality wood that is suitable for construction, furniture making, and other uses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lumber drying operator?

To thrive as a Lumber Drying Operator, you need a solid understanding of wood properties, kiln drying processes, and general mechanical aptitude, often gained through on-the-job training or vocational courses. Familiarity with kiln control systems, moisture meters, and temperature monitoring tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork help operators ensure product quality and maintain safety standards. These abilities are crucial for efficiently producing high-quality lumber, minimizing waste, and preventing operational hazards.

What are some common challenges faced by a lumber drying operator, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lumber Drying Operators often face challenges such as monitoring moisture levels to prevent over- or under-drying, maintaining kiln equipment, and ensuring safety standards are met. Managing these challenges requires attention to detail, regular equipment maintenance, and strong communication with the production and quality control teams. Staying updated on kiln technology and best practices can also help operators troubleshoot issues efficiently and maintain consistent product quality.

What is the difference between Lumber Drying Operator vs Lumber Grader?

AspectLumber Drying OperatorLumber Grader
CredentialsTypically requires OSHA safety training, on-the-job trainingUsually requires certification or training in grading standards
Work EnvironmentIndoor kiln facilities, industrial settingsMill floors, grading stations, indoor and outdoor
Industry UsageOperates drying kilns to reduce moisture contentAssesses and grades lumber quality

The Lumber Drying Operator focuses on controlling and operating drying kilns to ensure lumber is properly dried, while the Lumber Grader evaluates lumber quality and assigns grades. Both roles are essential in lumber processing but differ in their primary responsibilities and skill requirements.

More about Lumber Drying Operator jobs

What job categories do people searching Lumber Drying Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lumber Drying Operator jobs are:

Lumber Drying Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lumber Drying Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,000 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

BOILER/KILN OPERATOR - BEMIDJI, MN

Bemidji, MN • On-site

PotlatchDeltic
Paper Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 19 rated forestry and logging companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about PotlatchDelticexternal

$39.08/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Operate boiler systems to achieve safe and environmentally sound steam production to meet plant heat and drying needs. Operate kilns to maximize lumber grade quality, ALS certification standards, and meet mill production needs.
The hourly rate of pay for this position is $39.0784.
Key Activities/Tasks:
  • Apply lumber drying concepts and work with boiler/kiln and mill teams to improve drying results and meet quality goals.
    • Monitoring and communicating with forklift, planer, and coordinators on drying issues and results.
    • Utilize kiln control systems to consistently achieve drying goals and improve results.
    • Enter results in various spreadsheets and monitor drying results and trends against goals.
    • Troubleshoot kiln and boiler operating problems.
    • Comply with best practices as specified in the Improve ® system for achieving kiln excellence.
  • Enter all in-process lumber inventory daily and at month end into the kiln report.
  • Manually clean grates and cycle and dump ash as necessary.
  • Maintain auxiliary backup equipment.
  • Do preventive maintenance and work on related equipment daily and weekly. Utilize Maintenance Management System (AX) and write work orders as needed.
  • Monitor, record, and respond to boiler operations relative to MPCA operating permits, and operating and maintenance plans for pollution prevention.
  • Operate forklift and front-end loader to load kilns, clean ash, and load fuel.
  • Maintain good housekeeping habits.
  • Monitor fuel storage bin.
  • Inspect all fire protection systems; follow procedures as outlined on the Boiler Fire System Checklist.
  • Learn proper usage of all chemicals including appropriate PPE requirements and what to do in case of a spill or emergency.
  • Learn and have a basic understanding of the fire suppression system.
  • Maintain 5S/Total Productive Maintenance standards.
  • Assist in planning and executing semi-annual shutdowns.

Requirements:
  • MUST POSSESS a Minnesota Class 1B boiler operator license or above.
  • Ability to work independently and solely make important operating decisions directly affecting product quality and boiler operations.
  • Ability to learn and apply lumber drying concepts.
  • Ability to operate equipment safely including various types of mobile equipment (i.e. forklift, front-end loader).
  • Strong mechanical aptitude.

  • Basic knowledge of electrical systems and components.
  • Ability to coordinate, prioritize, and control multiple tasks.
  • Ability to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule.
  • Capable of working in a boiler/sawmill environment with exposure to heat, noise, moving equipment, dust, and various weather conditions (heat, humidity, snow, and extreme cold).
  • Capable of climbing stairs and ladders, bending on a regular basis; lifting of up to 60 pounds occasionally.
  • Must be responsible, dependable, and very safety conscious.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life and disability insurance, paid time off, and additional voluntary benefits.
Rayonier is an EEO/Veteran/Disabled Employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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