Dry Kiln Supervisor

Company Summary

Hampton Lumber is a thriving family-owned company aspiring to be North America's preferred source for responsibly-sourced wood solutions. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, we operate nine sawmills in Western Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. We also manage timberland and operate a wholesale and import/export division.  

Our mission is to grow, manufacture, and market renewable wood products and deliver innovative solutions for a more sustainable built environment. At Hampton Lumber, we accomplish this through our own operations as well as those of our affiliates—Trapa Forest Products, Idaho Timber, and RedBuilt. Our tagline, "Find a better way every day," encapsulates our commitment to innovation and improvement across all operations. 

We are guided by our core values: 

• Safety – Prioritize safety across all operations.
• Integrity & Authenticity – Operate honestly and ethically while preserving our distinctive family-owned brand.
• Responsible Stewardship – Endeavor to balance and maintain economic, social, and environmental values in everything we do.
• Tenacity – Embrace challenges with grit, determination, and a can-do spirit. 
• Continuous Improvement – Strive to enhance our processes, products, and people.
• Customer Satisfaction – Be nimble, responsive, and solutions-oriented.
• Community Engagement – Be a responsive, supportive, and respected member of the community.

With over 80 years in the sawmill business, we are proud to have cultivated the knowledge and experience needed to grow and prosper, even in challenging times.  We always look to the future and invest in our people, new technologies, and continuous improvement processes and techniques. 

Overview

The Dry Kiln Supervisor at Hampton Lumber is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the kiln department — overseeing drying schedules, lumber quality, equipment performance, and the development of a high-performing team. This is a leadership role on the production floor, not a desk job. You will be expected to be present, engaged, and driving results every shift.

If you lead by example, hold yourself and your team accountable, and understand that quality lumber starts long before it reaches the planer — we want to talk to you.

Why Hampton Lumber?

At Hampton Lumber's Allendale Mill, we don't define ourselves by a single task — only a single mission: to safely produce the best lumber we can, every shift. We're building a team of people who take ownership, get better every day, and want to be part of something worth showing up for.

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience
• Stable, full-time employment with a growing, family-owned lumber company
• A leadership role with real responsibility and real impact
• A workplace that values safety, quality, and the people who deliver both
• Opportunity to grow within the organization

Benefits Highlights

• Substantial company-paid assistance for Medical and Dental insurance premiums; mental health coverage; cost effective co-pays and deductibles
• 401(k) with 5% annual company contribution and generous company matching contributions vested over three years
• Paid time off, including eight paid holidays
• Participation in the employee bonus program
• Employee wellness program that includes free counseling sessions, financial and legal guidance, and more
• Opportunities for paid training to support career advancement and personal development

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct all kiln department personnel across assigned shifts — setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable
• Manage drying schedules and kiln loads to optimize throughput, moisture content targets, and lumber quality
• Monitor kiln conditions (temperature, humidity, air circulation) and make real-time adjustments to protect product quality
• Conduct regular inspections of kiln equipment, tracks, doors, fans, and steam systems — coordinating maintenance as needed
• Ensure all forklift operations within the kiln yard are performed safely and efficiently
• Track and report production metrics — downtime, moisture readings, kiln cycles, and quality deviations
• Lead pre-shift meetings and communicate daily priorities, safety topics, and operational updates
• Train, mentor, and develop kiln department associates — building capability at every level
• Enforce all safety policies, PPE requirements, and housekeeping standards
• Partner with maintenance and the planer department to coordinate lumber flow and minimize bottlenecks

Qualifications

     Experience & Knowledge

• Prior experience in a sawmill, dry kiln, or wood products manufacturing environment — kiln experience strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of kiln drying principles, moisture content targets, and lumber drying defects
• Supervisory or lead experience in a manufacturing or production setting
• Familiarity with forklift operations and kiln yard material handling
• Basic computer proficiency for tracking production data and downtime reporting
•  

     Who You Are

• A hands-on leader — you work alongside your team, not above them
• Accountable — you own outcomes, good and bad, and you drive improvement
• Safety-first — you don't compromise on safe work practices, ever
• A communicator — you give clear direction and listen to your team
• Adaptable — shift schedules, equipment issues, and production demands change; you change with them
• Detail-oriented — moisture content, kiln schedules, and lumber quality require a sharp eye

     What we expect

• Show up every shift ready to lead — present, engaged, and setting the tone
• Build a culture of safety, quality, and ownership within the kiln department
• Keep production moving — minimize unplanned downtime and communicate issues quickly
• Develop your people — this team should be stronger because you led it
• Maintain a clean, organized kiln yard and surrounding areas
• Complete all required documentation — downtime reports, kiln logs, and shift handoffs

More About Us

The timber and wood products industry is a vital part of many communities, and we’re excited to bring new opportunities to Allendale County, South Carolina. We are committed to supporting the local workforce, investing in training and development, and being active members of the communities where we operate. Many of our employees have built long, rewarding careers with us, and we look forward to welcoming new team members to our family.

Learn more at Hamptonlumber.com, follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @hamptonlumber

EEO Statement

Hampton Lumber is an equal opportunity employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other status protected by law. 

Disability accommodation available: If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office for the location that you are applying.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see these government posters: EEO is the Law and its accompanying temporary supplement.