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CAREER PROFILE

Lumber Graders and Other Wood Processing Inspectors and Graders

Lumber Graders and Other Wood Processing Inspectors and Graders help make sure wood products meet quality standards before they are shipped or used. In this job, you would carefully look for defects like knots, splits, holes, or uneven surfaces, then measure, sort, label, and record the results. It suits students who are detail-oriented and comfortable with basic math, reading instructions, and using simple measuring tools.

EDUCATION ROUTEMultiple pathways
WORK STYLEVaries by role
CAREER FIELDManufacturing

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

Pathway details are still being reviewed by an editor.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

  • Examine lumber visually for knots, holes, splits and other defects and sort for further drying, trimming or remanufacturing
  • Measure lumber using callipers, gauges and tape measures to ensure specified thickness, length and width
  • Classify and sort lumber according to industry standards and stamp lumber to indicate grade, wood type, moisture level and other characteristics
  • Tally lumber
  • Complete and maintain reports.
  • Inspect plywood panels, veneer sheets, panelboards, shingles and similar wood products visually for knots, holes, splits, straightness and other defects
  • Mark defects and sort for repair or reprocessing
  • Measure wood products to ensure conformance to specifications using standard measuring instruments
  • Grade and label wood products according to quality standards
  • Maintain and complete inspection and grading reports.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career

Attention to DetailsComputer LiteracyMachineryMonitoring

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