Wood Processing Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Work Location: Onsite (M-F 7:00 am - 3:30 pm; hr lunch break; overtime available)

Position Type: Permanent

Location: Calgary, AB

Pay Rate: $30-$35/hr, benefits, vacation, pension, and safety shoe reimbursement; overtime available after 40 hours. 

Our client, a Canadian workplace furniture and office solutions company, is seeking a Finishing Supervisor to join their team.

The Finishing Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day tactical operations of the finishing floor. Reporting directly to the Finishing Manager, this role focuses on leading a skilled team to maintain high-throughput production while ensuring the meticulous quality standards required for premium wood and veneer products.

Key Responsibilities:

Production & Technical Oversight:

• Supervise the daily operation of finishing booths, curing ovens, finishing lines, and roll coaters.
• Act as the primary point of control for color consistency, ensuring all finishes match approved samples and work orders precisely.
• Oversee the sanding work cell, ensuring proper preparation of wood and veneer surfaces to meet quality standards before any finish is applied.
• Provide technical instruction and coaching on manual, pneumatic, and automated sanding techniques, proper grit sequences, and surface preparation standards.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance department for the scheduled preventative maintenance of automated equipment.
• Monitor inventory levels of stains, lacquers, and consumables, reporting needs to the Finishing Manager.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Engage directly with the team through side-by-side coaching and hands-on technical training, ensuring both new hires and tenured staff continuously refine their craft.
• Providing hands-on guidance at the booths and the line, ensuring everyone is confident and capable with both manual spraying and automated systems.
• Build a culture where everyone takes pride in their work, collaborating with the Finishing Manager to give the team the support and coaching they need to succeed.

Quality:

• Take pride in the final product by performing thorough inspections to ensure every piece leaving the shop exceeds our quality standards.
• Keep production moving by spotting bottlenecks or safety hazards early and working with the Finishing Manager to clear the way.
• Run a clean, organized shop to make the work easier, safer, and more efficient for everyone on the floor.

Qualifications & Skills:

• High school diploma or equivalent is considered an asset but is not required for candidates with significant trade experience.
• College or vocational certificate in Wood Processing or Industrial Finishing preferred.
• 5-8 years of experience in a wood finishing environment, with specific expertise in wood species characteristics, veneer handling, and color control.
• Experience in operating and troubleshooting automated sanding equipment (e.g., wide-belt sanders, brush sanders) as well as manual wood prep techniques.
• Previous experience in a lead hand or supervisory role is highly preferred.
• Energetic and enthusiastic attitude, thriving in a collaborative team.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Approaches work with a high degree of organization and attention to detail.
• Understands and adheres to federal and provincial health and safety regulations and is aware of workplace hazards.

Safety:

Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by fulfilling the following responsibilities:

• Safety Policies: Follow the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook and the Alberta OHS Act.
• Hazard Awareness & Control: Stay aware of hazards around tools and equipment and ensure all safety guards and control measures are used.
• WHMIS: Participate in required training and follow all safety labels and data sheets when handling chemicals or hazardous materials.
• Operational Care: Follow start-up and shut-down schedules and stay informed on the maintenance required to keep machinery in good working order.
• Proactive Safety: Support a positive safety culture by practicing safe habits, looking out for your teammates, and suggesting ways to improve our processes.
• Incident Reporting: Report injuries, incidents, or near-misses to the Plant Manager immediately to ensure proper care and prevent future issues.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Housekeeping: Wear all required PPE and keep your workspace organized to ensure a safe environment for everyone.
• Collaborative Improvement: Assist with incident reports when needed and have the opportunity to volunteer for the Safety Improvement Team (SIT).

The indicated pay range is a goodfaith estimate based on required qualifications, experience, training, and other factors permitted by law. It reflects the pay band established by the client company. Actual offers may vary depending on skills, experience, geographic location, and expected work quality. Most candidates start in the lower half of the range. Pay history is not considered where prohibited by law. This information serves as a general guideline for compensation discussions.

To support a fair and efficient hiring process, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help review applications. Our team carefully reviews all candidates, and AI is used only as a support tool-never as the sole decision-maker.