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Timber Grader Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Forester

Kent, WA · On-site

$106K/yr

... grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) performing timber appraisals to determine timber volume, quality, and monetary value for rights ...

Chief Forester

Pasco, WA · On-site

$106K/yr

... grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) performing timber appraisals to determine timber volume, quality, and monetary value for rights ...

Production Worker - Primary Saw & Timber Greenleaf, WI | Full-Time, Monday-Friday 1st Shift About ... Sort and stack lumber according to size and grade * Remove debris and maintain a clean, safe work ...

Production Worker - Primary Saw & Timber Greenleaf, WI | Full-Time, Monday-Friday 1st Shift About ... Sort and stack lumber according to size and grade * Remove debris and maintain a clean, safe work ...

Production Worker - Primary Saw & Timber Greenleaf, WI | Full-Time, Monday-Friday 1st Shift About ... Sort and stack lumber according to size and grade * Remove debris and maintain a clean, safe work ...

Sort and arrange lumber, timbers, and finished goods according to sizes and grades to allow for easy identification. Operate sawing equipment to make precise cuts. Utilize specialized equipment such ...

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$21.14 - $30.76/hr

Salary: $21.1449 - $30.7692 Hourly Grade: 21 Closing Date: Open Until Filled Job Summary: This position coordinates and manages the preparation of timber sales for the DFFM Good Neighbor Authority ...

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Timber Grader information

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How much do timber grader jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for timber grader in the United States is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.54 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a timber grader?

Timber graders are professionals who inspect and evaluate lumber to determine its quality, strength, and appropriate use. They assess wood based on factors like knots, grain, splits, and other imperfections, classifying it according to industry standards. The grading process helps ensure that timber meets the necessary requirements for construction, furniture-making, or other applications. Timber graders play a crucial role in maintaining safety and quality in wood products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a timber grader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Timber Grader, you need a solid understanding of wood species, grading rules, and quality standards, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or industry certification. Familiarity with grading tools, measurement devices, and sometimes computerized grading systems is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong observational skills are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate assessment of timber quality, maximizing product value and meeting industry specifications.

What are some common challenges timber graders face on the job and how can they be managed?

Timber Graders often encounter challenges such as identifying subtle defects in wood, working in varying weather conditions, and maintaining accuracy during repetitive tasks. Staying updated with grading standards and regularly calibrating their visual and measurement skills helps ensure consistency. Teamwork with sawmill operators and quality control staff is essential to resolve discrepancies and maintain production flow. Many successful Timber Graders develop strong attention to detail and rely on ongoing training to adapt to new grading technologies or changes in industry standards.

What cities are hiring for Timber Grader jobs?

Cities with the most Timber Grader job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Timber Grader jobs?

For Timber Grader jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Timber Grader job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,535 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Chief Forester

Kent, WA • On-site

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

$106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Vegetation Management & Forestry (TFBV), Internal Operations (TFB), Transmission Field Services (TF), Transmission Services (T).
A successful candidate in the Chief Forester position will be responsible for planning, leading, and managing the Forestry program. The incumbent is delegated valuation authority and the authority to dispose of BPA timber property.Qualifications:
BASIC REQUIREMENT:

Degree: forestry; or a related subject-matter field that included a total of at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours of course work were in forestry. The curriculum must have been sufficiently diversified to include courses in each of the following areas:
  • Management of Renewable Resources -- study of the science and art of managing renewable resources to attain desired results. Examples of creditable courses in this area include silviculture, forest management operations, timber management, wildland fire science or fire management, utilization of forest resources, forest regulation, recreational land management, watershed management, and wildlife or range habitat management.
  • Forest Biology -- study of the classification, distribution, characteristics, and identification of forest vegetation, and the interrelationships of living organisms to the forest environment. Examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest pathology.
  • Forest Resource Measurements and Inventory -- sampling, inventory, measurement, and analysis techniques as applied to a variety of forest resources. Examples of creditable courses include forest biometrics, forest mensuration, forest valuation, statistical analysis of forest resource data, renewable natural resources inventories and analysis, and photogrammetry or remote sensing.

-OR-

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry. The requirements for diversification of the 24 semester hours in forestry are the same as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
A qualified candidate's resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-12) in the Federal service.
Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) performing timber appraisals to determine timber volume, quality, and monetary value for rights-of-way projects; 2) developing short- and long-term forestry, vegetation management projects, or timber clearing work plans for transmission rights-of-way maintenance clearing activities; and 3) serving as a contracting office representative in monitoring performance and compliance with contract specifications.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.
CTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".
Employment Type: OTHER

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