1

Lumber Inspector Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

It is the Lumber Inspector/Trainee's responsibility to maintain the highest standards of grading when receiving or shipping lumber. * Climbs stairs onto grading platform. Visually inspects lumber ...

Lumber Inspector

Piqua, OH · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

It is the Lumber Inspector/Trainee's responsibility to maintain the highest standards of grading when receiving or shipping lumber. * Climbs stairs onto grading platform. Visually inspects lumber ...

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary Our St. James facility (Galion, OH) is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector. This is a full-time opportunity working for a world class hardwood ...

Hardwood Lumber Grader / Inspector Summary Our St. James facility (Galion, OH) is hiring for a hardwood lumber grader / inspector. This is a full-time opportunity working for a world class hardwood ...

Lumber Grader

Hamden, OH · On-site

$18.47 - $23.92/hr

As a lumber grader you will inspect hardwood and softwood species to determine dimension, grade and other qualities. Pay Range: $18.47 to $23.92 per hour Locations: Hamden, OH First Shift 6:00 am - 2 ...

Lumber Grader

Hamden, OH · On-site

$18.47 - $23.92/hr

As a lumber grader you will inspect hardwood and softwood species to determine dimension, grade and other qualities. Pay Range: $18.47 to $23.92 per hour Locations: Hamden, OH First Shift 6:00 am - 2 ...

Lumber Stacker

Hamden, OH · On-site

$17.98/hr

Inspect lumber for defects and report any issues to the supervisor. * Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following safety protocols. * Assist in loading and unloading lumber from trucks ...

Lumber Stacker

Hamden, OH · On-site

$17.98/hr

Inspect lumber for defects and report any issues to the supervisor. * Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following safety protocols. * Assist in loading and unloading lumber from trucks ...

Lumber Stackers

Dover, OH · On-site

$20/hr

MondayThursday, 6:00 AM3:30 PM. Fridays: Half or full shift depending on production needs Key Responsibilities: - Sort, organize, and stack lumber on the production line. - Inspect wood products for ...

MondayThursday, 6:00 AM3:30 PM. Fridays: Half or full shift depending on production needs Key Responsibilities: - Sort, organize, and stack lumber on the production line. - Inspect wood products for ...

MondayThursday, 6:00 AM3:30 PM. Fridays: Half or full shift depending on production needs Key Responsibilities: - Sort, organize, and stack lumber on the production line. - Inspect wood products for ...

MondayThursday, 6:00 AM3:30 PM. Fridays: Half or full shift depending on production needs Key Responsibilities: - Sort, organize, and stack lumber on the production line. - Inspect wood products for ...

MondayThursday, 6:00 AM3:30 PM. Fridays: Half or full shift depending on production needs Key Responsibilities: - Sort, organize, and stack lumber on the production line. - Inspect wood products for ...

MondayThursday, 6:00 AM3:30 PM. Fridays: Half or full shift depending on production needs Key Responsibilities: - Sort, organize, and stack lumber on the production line. - Inspect wood products for ...

MondayThursday, 6:00 AM3:30 PM. Fridays: Half or full shift depending on production needs Key Responsibilities: - Sort, organize, and stack lumber on the production line. - Inspect wood products for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lumber Inspector information

See Ohio salary details

$5

$17

$22

How much do lumber inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for lumber inspector in Ohio is $17.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $20.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lumber inspector?

A lumber inspector, also called a lumber grader, uses visual evaluation and measurements to grade lumber products based on the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) Hardwood Lumber Grading Rules standards. As a lumber inspector, your overall responsibilities include examining the lumber after cuts for knots, holes, splits, and other defects, measuring the lumber for thickness, length, and width to ensure they meet specifications, and sort the pieces based on grade and wood type. The lumber grades determine the value of the wood for distribution.

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

To thrive as a Lumber Inspector, you need a strong understanding of wood species, grading rules, and quality standards, often supported by industry certifications such as those from the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA). Familiarity with measuring tools, moisture meters, and grading manuals is typically required. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and effective communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure accurate grading, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of high-quality lumber to customers.

What are some common challenges faced by lumber inspectors in their daily work?

Lumber Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining focus during repetitive inspections, and accurately identifying defects that may not be immediately visible. They must also stay updated on grading standards and safety regulations, as these can change frequently in the lumber industry. Additionally, effective communication with mill workers and supervisors is crucial to ensure that any issues with lumber quality are addressed promptly and production remains smooth.

What is the difference between Lumber Inspector vs Wood Quality Analyst?

AspectLumber InspectorWood Quality Analyst
CertificationsTypically required certifications in lumber grading and safetyOften requires certifications in wood testing and quality control
Work EnvironmentInspecting lumber at sawmills, lumber yards, or manufacturing plantsAnalyzing wood samples in laboratories or quality control settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in lumber production and processing industriesFound in wood product manufacturing, testing labs, and quality assurance roles

While both roles focus on wood quality, Lumber Inspectors primarily evaluate lumber at production sites, ensuring it meets grading standards. Wood Quality Analysts typically perform detailed testing and analysis in labs to assess wood properties. Both roles require knowledge of wood standards and safety protocols, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ.

What are popular job titles related to Lumber Inspector jobs in Ohio?

For Lumber Inspector jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Lumber Inspector jobs in OH?

For Lumber Inspector jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lumber Inspector job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,839 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Lumber Inspector

Hartzell Industries

Piqua, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Hartzell Air Movement rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

472nd of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Description:

Hartzell Hardwoods is growing, and we're always looking to add experienced, high-quality talent to our team. If you're an experienced Lumber Grader who takes pride in quality, teamwork, and craftsmanship, we'd love to hear from you!


Basic Function: Inspects incoming and outgoing lumber according to NHLA rules at the assigned grading deck. The grading deck sits on the Lumber Handling Machine.

Responsibilities and Duties:

  1. Reports to Lumber Operations Supervisor and receives written and/or verbal orders/specifications. It is the Lumber Inspector/Trainee’s responsibility to maintain the highest standards of grading when receiving or shipping lumber.
  2. Climbs stairs onto grading platform. Visually inspects lumber according to specie, grade and dimension. Uses NHLA lumber grading rules to inspect lumber while sitting on an automated grading deck.
  3. This position operates and controls the Lumber Handling Machine from the grading deck platform. The employee must be aware of the manufacturing process and the safety hazards related to the machine’s operations.
  4. The Lumber Trainee will grade offline, or with an experienced grader until they are qualified to grade at the accuracy and speed determined by Hartzell standards.
  5. Must be able to operate a grade console and board turner.
  6. May be required to do their own sorting setups before starting another run per sorting specifications. (e.g., vendors, kilns, etc).
  7. Corrects any skews and situations that stop the lumber line from running. This may require getting off the grading deck and correcting the problem within their area.
  8. All inspectors may be required to switch off with another lumber inspector. Lumber inspectors are required to work in another assigned position when they are not grading lumber.
  9. Grades and tallies lumber at certain work stations to obtain surface measure and grade of the boards. Single boards are measured and tallied by making a dot on the tally sheet under correct column. Reports tallies to Team Leader or Supervisor who reports to the Lumber Office.
  10. Determines total board footage by adding and multiplying tally columns
  11. During down times, other functions will be required. (e.g. clean-up, maintenance, stacking, etc.)
  12. Follows all safety practices.


#ZR

Requirements:

Qualifications and Required Skills:

  • Previous experience in grading walnut lumber along with other hardwoods species is desired
  • NHLA schooling is preferred but not mandatory.
  • Long periods of sitting on grading deck. Occasionally turns boards weighing between 5 lbs. to over 60 lbs. using lumber grading rulers.
  • Familiar with lumber grading rules, calculator, tally book, pencil, lumber crayon stick, grad console and board turner is plus

What Hartzell Air Movement employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom