What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lumber Grader position at The Westervelt Company?
Lumber Grader
Regular Full-Time – Moundville, AL
Introduction
Westervelt Lumber manufactures high‑quality wood products using sustainably sourced timber from our own land and other privately managed forests. With more than 50 years of experience, we produce a wide range of Southern Yellow Pine products for domestic and international customers.
At Westervelt, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer competitive wages and an exceptional benefits package, including:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Health & Dental Insurance
- Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Vacation
- Flexible Spending Account
If you're an experienced Grader or looking to grow your career in quality within the lumber industry, we would love to talk with you about joining our Moundville, AL team.
Day in the Life
As a Grader, you will work across multiple areas of the mill to ensure our lumber meets strict quality and manufacturing standards. Your day may include applying SPIB Southern Yellow Pine grading rules, inspecting lumber in both green and finished stages, assisting with audits, and communicating with operators to address quality issues. You’ll move between the sawmill, planermill, timbersmill, and moulder areas to support quality processes while maintaining accuracy, safety, and efficiency.
You’ll also support setup and calibration of MSR and moisture measuring equipment, assist with grading agency inspections, and help maintain SPIB’s below‑grade limits using skilled hand‑grading techniques.
Key Responsibilities
- Apply SPIB Southern Yellow Pine grading rules and Westervelt manufacturing standards daily.
- Line‑grade lumber produced in the planer mill as needed.
- Inspect finished lumber from the planer mill and moulder for defects and grade accuracy.
- Inspect green lumber from the sawmill and timbers mill for on‑size specifications and manufacturing defects.
- Identify and document quality issues and communicate corrective actions to responsible associates.
- Perform quality audits in the sawmill, timbers mill, planer mill, and yarding areas.
- Inspect live running production and remove defects using hand-grading skills.
- Communicate with the Planer Operator to maintain proper setup and prevent defects.
- Assist with MSR setup, calibration, and compliance.
- Assist with ALS/SPIB lumber inspections.
- Set up and operate moisture measuring equipment during shifts and changeovers.
- Perform routine cleanup in areas of responsibility.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Willingness to work any shift, including weekends, holidays, or overtime.
- Strong commitment to safety and excellent attendance.
- Good communication skills and ability to work well in a team.
- Ability to learn, adapt, and follow all safety regulations, including PPE use.
- Ability to work in a noisy industrial environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic computer skills.
- Experience in lumber, wood products, or manufacturing environments.
- Quality experience.
- Knowledge of SPIB Southern Yellow Pine grading rules and manufacturing standards.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift at least 40 pounds.
- Ability to work from elevated positions using required safety gear.
- Ability to perform tasks such as lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing, and pulling for long periods.
- Able to work in various environmental conditions.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re committed to safety, quality, and continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to join a team that values your growth and contributions. The starting rate for this position is $26.09/hr.
We Are An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
2nd Shift
Salary : $26