Grader

Job Description

Coushatta Forest Products is looking for several Graders to join our team in Coushatta, Louisiana. The Sawmill Lumber Grader will be responsible for visually inspecting, measuring, reviewing, and classifying wood products to ensure they meet rigorous industry and quality standards. This specialized role directly impacts the sawmill's profitability by capturing the highest marketable value from every piece of lumber while filtering out structural or cosmetic defects.

Responsibilities:

Examine moving or static boards on the production line for defects like knots, splits, holes, decay, warp, wane, and pitch pockets

Grade and sort wood according to industry-recognized rule sets, such as the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) rules for hardwoods or American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) metrics for softwoods

Use calipers, gauges, scale sticks, and tape measures to verify that lumber conforms to exact specified thickness, length, and width dimensions

Must be able to read or willing to learn how to read use a tape measure, manual and digital clippers, and read and review moisture meters for different grades of lumber

Product Marking & Stamping: Apply grade stamps, color codes, or processing markings to boards to dictate their quality level, moisture content, and final market tracking

Determine optimal cuts or remanufacturing adjustments to extract the maximum commercial value from flawed raw stock

Tally total board footage, count units, and complete shift inspection reports to monitor sawmill inventory and processing accuracy

Must be able to follow all SPIB rules and guidelines, with ongoing training provided

Other duties as assigned

Work Experience

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent

1 year of experience

Deep familiarity with raw wood materials, mill machinery, and wood moisture evaluation tools.

The role demands rapid hand-eye coordination, the ability to lift heavy boards, and the endurance to stand or walk for extended shifts in loud, dusty industrial environments

Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Ability to perform accurate measurements and maintain detailed records

Physical ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and handle moderate physical activity

Preferred First aid and safety training relevant to outdoor and industrial work

Work setting:

Onsite In-person role (Required)

Work Environment Manufacturing Plant Physical Demands:

Outside Sawmill/Plant Location. Noise levels are moderate to high/low depending on the area of the mill and production

Hours of Work:

Various Schedules/Shifts needed including; Night/Days/weekends and occasional overtime as needed

Benefits

Medical and Prescription Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Health insurance

Supplemental Life Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Life and Accidental Insurance

Employee Assistance Program(EAP)

401K W/Company Match

Paid time off(PTO)\nCompany Description

Big River Forest Products is the premier family-operated lumber company in the Southern United States. We are committed to providing our customers and employees with the best that we can be each and every day.

Full-time