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Kiln Operator

Hood Distribution
Bogalusa, LA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/19/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/17/2026
Description Position at Hood Lumber

Responsibilities

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. We are seeking an exceptional person for a Kiln Operator at our sawmill located in Bogalusa, LA. You will be responsible for operating and maintaining four wood-drying kilns on our day and night shifts. Job Responsibilities:

  • Must break down Kiln chargers and place them in the proper shed.
  • Loading (using front-end loader) bark/sawdust.
  • Using data to verify lumber is dried to specifications.
  • Making general repairs and performing preventive maintenance tasks as needed
  • (changing Kiln cartwheels, repairing baffle cords, etc.)
  • Properly recording all required data

Education/Qualifications:

  • Prior experience independently operating highly technical equipment in a production environment.
  • The ideal applicant will have experience making adjustments to equipment and processes based on feedback obtained through monitoring specific data parameters, reading instruments/gauges; and responding to alarms, etc.
  • Previous experience operating a Kiln is preferred but not required.
  • Proven mechanical aptitude/ability to diagnose and fix common maintenance issues and perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
  • Physical requirements include:
    • Able to push, pull, and move 50 pounds.
    • Climb ladders and work at elevated heights (sometimes requiring the use of a fall protection harness).
    • Safely work around extremely high temperatures
    • Prior experience operating heavy equipment (front-end loader, forklift, etc.)
  • Able to work a rotating night shift including weekends.
  • Have a proven job history of staying at most jobs for a long period.
  • Exceptional attendance record at current or previous jobs.
  • Must be flexible in scheduling.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent preferred
When we are successful, so are you! We offer a starting pay rate of $20.37/hr., plus a night differential. Additional Information: Hood Industries offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package including medical, employee assistance program, dental, vision, cancer, life, flexible spending account, and LTD, available first of the month following completion of one month of continuous full-time 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 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

Salary : $20

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