... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Quick apply
... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Boiler Operator
$21.14 - $27.25/hr
... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Boiler Operator
$21.14 - $27.25/hr
... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Boiler Operator
Beaumont, MS · On-site
$21.14 - $27.25/hr
... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Boiler Operator
Beaumont, MS · On-site
$21.14 - $27.25/hr
... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Boiler Operator
Beaumont, MS · On-site
$21.14 - $27.25/hr
... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Boiler Operator
Beaumont, MS · On-site
$21.14 - $27.25/hr
... lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations ... plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure ...
Boiler Operator
Lenoir, NC · On-site
Boiler Operator Posting Start Date: 7/2/26 Division: Posting Area: Operations + Manufacturing Job ... drying lumber properly. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet all ...
Boiler Operator
Lenoir, NC · On-site
Boiler Operator Posting Start Date: 7/2/26 Division: Posting Area: Operations + Manufacturing Job ... drying lumber properly. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet all ...
Maintains pressure set points and chemicals to keep the boiler steam at the correct level for drying lumber properly. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet all the ...
Maintains pressure set points and chemicals to keep the boiler steam at the correct level for drying lumber properly. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet all the ...
... lumber sorting and grading technology to ensure that our clients receive consistent quality ... The drying yard handles 20 million board feet annually across 17 kilns. We've made a vast number of ...
... lumber sorting and grading technology to ensure that our clients receive consistent quality ... The drying yard handles 20 million board feet annually across 17 kilns. We've made a vast number of ...
KILN SUPERVISOR - WARREN, AR
Warren, AR · On-site
$31.55 - $52.58/hr
Inspect proper stacking & storage of green lumber and proper kiln package construction. Ensure ... Train kiln operators and lift truck drivers in kiln operating procedures. * Train all planer mill ...
KILN SUPERVISOR - WARREN, AR
Warren, AR · On-site
$31.55 - $52.58/hr
Inspect proper stacking & storage of green lumber and proper kiln package construction. Ensure ... Train kiln operators and lift truck drivers in kiln operating procedures. * Train all planer mill ...
Boiler Attendant - 3rd Shift
$17 - $19/hr
... owned and operated. Job Summary: The Boiler Attendant maintains pressure set points and chemicals to keep the boiler steam at the correct level for drying lumber properly. The position reports ...
Boiler Attendant - 3rd Shift
$17 - $19/hr
... owned and operated. Job Summary: The Boiler Attendant maintains pressure set points and chemicals to keep the boiler steam at the correct level for drying lumber properly. The position reports ...
Boiler Attendant - 3rd Shift
Independence, VA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
... owned and operated. Job Summary: The Boiler Attendant maintains pressure set points and chemicals to keep the boiler steam at the correct level for drying lumber properly. The position reports ...
Boiler Attendant - 3rd Shift
Independence, VA · On-site
$17 - $19/hr
... owned and operated. Job Summary: The Boiler Attendant maintains pressure set points and chemicals to keep the boiler steam at the correct level for drying lumber properly. The position reports ...
Lumber Drying Operator information
See salary details
$5.29 - $6.58
0% of jobs
$6.58 - $7.87
0% of jobs
$7.87 - $9.16
0% of jobs
$9.16 - $10.45
0% of jobs
$10.45 - $11.74
0% of jobs
$11.74 - $13.02
0% of jobs
$13.02 - $14.31
0% of jobs
$14.31 - $15.60
0% of jobs
$15.60 - $16.89
0% of jobs
$16.89 - $18.18
0% of jobs
$18.50 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$18.18 - $19.47
100% of jobs
$5
$18
$19
How much do lumber drying operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 21, 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 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 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, and why are they important?
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 is the difference between Lumber Drying Operator vs Lumber Grader?
| Aspect | Lumber Drying Operator | Lumber Grader |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires OSHA safety training, on-the-job training | Usually requires certification or training in grading standards |
| Work Environment | Indoor kiln facilities, industrial settings | Mill floors, grading stations, indoor and outdoor |
| Industry Usage | Operates drying kilns to reduce moisture content | Assesses 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:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 11 days ago
Job description
Do you have experience working with different types of boilers? Do you enjoy working in a manufacturing environment? Do you enjoy working with a team of professionals? If so, then our Boiler Operator position at our plywood mill in Beaumont Mississippi is right for you.
Hood Industries, Inc. is a blend of wood manufacturing and distribution concerns that include plywood and lumber manufacturing plants, and twenty-three specialty wood product distribution operations, located in fifteen states serving the northeast, southeast and southwest United States.
Boiler operators are responsible for maintaining and operation of wood fire boiler for plywood drying production. They handle equipment such as low-pressure boilers, high-pressure boilers, power boilers, steam boilers, and hot water heating systems.
Key Responsibilities:
• Observes pressure, temperature, steam flows and draft meters on panel to verify specified operation of automatic combustion control systems, feed water regulators, stoker, and furnace combustion.
• Adjusts controls to set specified fuel feed, draft openings, water level, and steam pressure of boiler.
• Observes boiler and auxiliary units to detect malfunctions and can analyze and trouble shoot mechanical repairs needs.
• May test and treat boiler feed water, using specified chemicals.
• May maintain log of meter and gauge readings and record data, such as water test results and quantity of fuel consumed.
• Operate loader for wood waste storage or boiler feeding.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Adjusts controls to set specified fuel feed, draft openings, water level, and steam pressure of boiler.
• Observes boiler and auxiliary units to detect malfunctions and can analyze and trouble shoot mechanical repairs needs.
• May test and treat boiler feed water, using specified chemicals.
• May maintain log of meter and gauge readings and record data, such as water test results and quantity of fuel consumed.
• Operate loader for wood waste storage or boiler feeding.
• Other duties as assigned.
What you bring to the team:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong record of ability to work as part of a team.
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Proven safety and quality record.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong record of ability to work as part of a team.
• Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.
• Proven safety and quality record.
Job Preferences/Qualifications:
• Two years’ technical degree or equivalent work experience in an industrial manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Previous work experience in an industrial environment is a plus.
• Must be able to maintain a good attendance record and able to comply with attendance policy.
• Mechanical background is a plus.
• Must be able to work on an 8- or 12-hour shift and be available for overtime.
• Able to work rotating shift schedule.
• Able to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Must be a self-directed worker, capable of working alone or in a team environment to solve problems and implement solutions.
• Must be able to effectively read, comprehend, interpret, record, and apply information from documents (i.e., equipment manuals, SOP's, policies, etc.).
• Previous work experience in an industrial environment is a plus.
• Must be able to maintain a good attendance record and able to comply with attendance policy.
• Mechanical background is a plus.
• Must be able to work on an 8- or 12-hour shift and be available for overtime.
• Able to work rotating shift schedule.
• Able to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Must be a self-directed worker, capable of working alone or in a team environment to solve problems and implement solutions.
• Must be able to effectively read, comprehend, interpret, record, and apply information from documents (i.e., equipment manuals, SOP's, policies, etc.).
Pay Range: $21.14 - $27.25/per hour
Additional Information:
Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, 401(k), cancer, flexible spending accounts, life, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment. Begin accruing Paid Time Off (PTO) on the first day of employment.
Hood Industries requires that applicants consent to a background check and a drug screen to continue in the selection process. All employment offers are contingent on meeting our background check standards and successful passing of the required drug test. If hired, you will be required to provide documentation indicating your legal right to work in the U.S.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, 401(k), cancer, flexible spending accounts, life, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time employment. Begin accruing Paid Time Off (PTO) on the first day of employment.
Hood Industries requires that applicants consent to a background check and a drug screen to continue in the selection process. All employment offers are contingent on meeting our background check standards and successful passing of the required drug test. If hired, you will be required to provide documentation indicating your legal right to work in the U.S.
An Equal Opportunity Employer