Overview

This position's primary function is to be a leader and demonstrate the ability to work safely, produce a quality product while maximizing production. This person must believe in the team concept and demonstrate this by being a team player and a leader. This person will help ensure the flow of the kiln is to standard and will work to rectify any deficiencies in the process timely. This person will report to the Plant Superintendent.

• Schedule: Monday 6 Thursday. Flexible as needed
• Salary is $80,200

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
• Opportunity to earn bonuses
• 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

General Job Description

Work safely and maintain a safe work environment for yourself and others. Provide leadership and direction for the Kiln and Rough End departments while ensuring safe operations, quality lumber drying, efficient production flow, equipment reliability, and employee development.

Job Function

• Practice safe work habits and comply with all company work and safety standards.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Operate mobile equipment as needed to support production goals and departmental staffing requirements.
• Coordinate daily kiln operations to meet production schedules and inventory requirements.
• Monitor kiln schedules, drying performance, moisture content targets, and lumber quality.
• Effectively communicate with Manufacturing, Planer, Shipping, Boiler, Maintenance, and Leadership teams.
• Lead, train, coach, and develop kiln department employees.
• Utilize kiln control systems, production reports, and operational data to drive performance.
• Prioritize departmental activities and resources to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Support capital projects, preventative maintenance activities, and equipment reliability initiatives.
• Maintain accurate production, quality, and operational records.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (not limited to)

• Follow and enforce all safety policies, procedures, and lockout/tagout requirements.
• Lead daily safety discussions and reinforce safe work practices.
• Supervise kiln department personnel and coordinate work across multiple shifts.
• Establish clear expectations and hold employees accountable for safety, quality, and productivity.
• Manage kiln schedules to maximize throughput while achieving moisture specifications.
• Monitor kiln drying cycles and make adjustments to optimize product quality.
• Review and evaluate moisture readings, kiln samples, and drying performance data.
• Identify and communicate quality concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate kiln loading, unloading, and lumber movement activities.
• Conduct routine inspections of kilns, fans, tracks, doors, carts, controls, and associated equipment.
• Coordinate preventative maintenance activities with Maintenance personnel.
• Troubleshoot operational and equipment issues and assist in resolving problems.
• Monitor and report production, downtime, quality, and operational performance metrics.
• Assist with staffing, scheduling, employee training, and performance management.
• Ensure employees are properly trained and competent in assigned tasks.
• Maintain effective communication with all departments to support production flow.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout the kiln department.
• Participate in budgeting, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Attend training necessary to improve knowledge, performance, and leadership skills.
• Work overtime and respond to operational issues as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience or training required:

• Minimum three years of manufacturing experience.
• Supervisory, lead, or leadership experience.
• Computer proficiency including Microsoft Word, Excel, and production reporting systems.
• Qualified and authorized to operate powered industrial trucks (PIT) in accordance with company policy.

Preferred Experience:

• Dry kiln operations experience.
• Sawmill, planer mill, or wood products manufacturing experience.
• Experience with computerized kiln control systems.
• Knowledge of lumber drying principles, moisture content targets, and drying defects.
• Budgeting and cost management experience.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Ability to motivate, coach, and develop employees.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong attention to safety, quality, and production goals.
• Mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial equipment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong attention to detail and decision-making skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a loud, dusty, industrial environment.
• Frequent walking throughout the facility.
• Prolonged standing and occasional sitting.
• Frequent bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, and squatting.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to operate mobile equipment when authorized.
• Ability to work in varied indoor and outdoor weather conditions.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, radios, and communication devices.

More About Us

Darrington is a small town nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Cascade Mountains with easy access to national parks, hiking, skiing, fishing, and hunting. Hampton Lumber took over ownership of the Darrington mill in 2002 and today employs 175 people in good, family-wage jobs. We
9re committed to creating a safe, competitive facility and opportunities for growth for our employees. Here, you have a career, not just a job. We take pride in this community and help where we can by supporting school events, athletic and family assistance programs, scholarships, and local clubs/businesses.

Learn more athamptonlumber.com, or follow us on Facebook: @HamptonLumber. You can also learn about our company and our priorities by visiting ourblog.