Change Your Life with a Career in the Lumber Industry

Get a life-changing new career in lumber, forestry or woodworking! Many high-quality openings are available now with full time hours and great benefits, and some even enable working remotely. These listings include entry-level positions that will train you for the job you want, as well as opportunities for established professionals.

Planer Manager, Wentworth, New Hampshire

“The Planer Manager will monitor graders grading, clean, grind and joint knives. Must be able to set planer up for blanking and multiple other patterns, monitor moisture levels, and keep track of inventory. Must have the ability to build loads from inventory and complete necessary paperwork and have knowledge of shavings bagging systems and shaving qualities. The planer manager will need to be a certified NELMA grader.”

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board.

Lumber Trader, Remote

“Responsibilities: Effectively generate sales from their own sourcing, marketing, or existing book of business. Negotiate prices/establish buying programs. Establish new & maintain current customer relationships. Collaborate with sales team to identify new product lines and opportunities. Develop and market purchasing opportunities with existing and new customers. Work on your own schedule, no minimum hours per week, no relocation needed, no cap on earnings. Heavy commission ranging up to 50% – 60%.

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Operations Forester, Millinocket, Maine

“Katahdin Forest Management, a division of Acadian Timber, and a leader in Forestry Management, has an immediate opening for an Operations Forester based in Millinocket, Maine. Responsibilities include planning, oversight, and recordkeeping of forest management activities, including harvesting, road construction, road maintenance, herbicide application, planting, inventory plots, and general property maintenance; Ensuring KFM continues in compliance with all laws and regulations: i.e., the Conservation Easement on KFM property, and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative; Maintaining good relationships with Internal and External Customers; Continuing sustainable management of KFM’s 300,000 acres of timberland located in Northern Maine.”

Learn more and apply at ForestryUSA.com.

Senior Design Engineer, Seneca Falls, New York

“Senior Design Engineer needs to have the ability to take a conceptual drawing and or sketch and create Engineering drawings, send drawings out to the CNC routers,  help production through the fabrication process and have a quality product with exceptional quality. The Senior Design Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager. Starting base salary: $70-90K.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Carpenter, Bar Harbor, Maine

“Acadia Building Company is looking to expand our team of professional carpenters. Seeking individuals that are well versed in high-end carpentry with strong attention to detail and appreciation for accurate work. The majority of our jobs are in coastal Hancock County. We have plenty of year-round work. Qualifications: Carpentry: 5 years (Preferred). Pay: $15.00 – $40.00 per hour.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Quality Engineer: Oronoco, Minnesota

“This company is currently seeking a Quality Engineer to join our growing company. The ideal candidate will embrace the opportunity to contribute to the Quality Department and bring a positive attitude and strong organizational skills to a dedicated, fast-paced team. Starting base salary: $65-75K.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Woodworker, Auburn, Maine

Are you a woodworking enthusiast? Would you like to develop your woodworking skills and turn your hobby into your occupation? If so, we would like to talk to you about a woodworker position in our Auburn, Maine shop. If you have a passion for working with wood, we will work with you to develop and hone your woodworking skills to produce world-class furniture. Thos. Moser’s success is built on family, craftsmanship and its strong values. The right person will also have a strong desire to learn and grow in the trade with the ability to build open and honest relationships through shared respect and communication. The ideal candidate for this position will have the tremendous opportunity to showcase the range and depth of his/her skill set.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Estimator, Remote

“Prepare lucrative estimates based off of numerical/architectural data and all required materials for final proposal. Construct take-off and gauged scope of work after analyzing architectural documents. Interprets blueprints, shop drawings or other documents to identify costs, needed materials, and potential labor scope. Remote ok, job based in Winnipeg, MB. Starting Salary: $60 – 90k (Canadian)”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Forest Inventory Supervisor, Wisconsin

“Wanted: Full time Forest Inventory Supervisor to independently supervise 6-8 permanent professional crew members and seasonal employees as required in the collection of statewide forest inventory, forest health monitoring, and habitat classification data. This position demands a high degree of responsibility and leadership. The successful candidate will be solely responsible for the fulfillment of Lumberjack’s contract with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.”

Learn more and apply at Lumberjackrcd.org

Millwright, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

“Work in a company that is family owned. Where the owners are onsite and passionate about their industry. Pleasant River Lumber is a fast paced aggressive company that always has a eye on the future of lumber manufacturing. Please visit our website for a look at our company that owns and operates 5 mills located around the state. $17 – $20 an hour – Full-time with benefits.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Top 25 Jobs That Don’t Require College Degrees Include Lumber Manufacturing

At least four of the top 25 jobs that don’t require college degrees are in the lumber industry, according to a new report by SkillPointe. Coming in at number 6 is carpenter, for those with woodworking proclivities, while industrial machinery mechanic, heavy equipment operator and machinist helped round out the list. The report is based on a proprietary analysis of current salaries, available job openings, future growth and interest among job seekers.

forklift driver job

Other jobs on the list include software developer, systems analyst, electrician, truck driver, IT support specialist, auto mechanic, information security analyst and welder. These high-growth jobs represent 2.3 million job openings in 2021, and construction has the most jobs on the list of any industry, with even more expected growth in 2022 and beyond. Surprisingly, high-growth energy jobs didn’t feature due to a lower number of job openings compared to larger industries.

This list of high-growth jobs can help those looking to change careers make smart decisions based on real-world data. It’s easy to assume that you need to go back to school for a four-year degree or higher to secure a well-paying, stable job in a new industry, but local training for skilled trade and non-degree professions is available at community colleges and trade schools, and many are entry level as well.

“While retail and hospitality have faced significant challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic, other industries still offer amazing opportunities with lots of growth, strong salaries, and future job security, all without a college degree,” said Todd Wilson, SkillPointe Founder. “These jobs do require some training, but fast-track options are available at local community colleges and trade schools for a fraction of the cost of a four-year program. Employer apprenticeships are also a great option.”

Check out the full list here.

Image via ILO / Flickr CC by 2.0

Work in Wood: 10 Jobs to Apply For Today

Ready to change your life? Dive into a whole new career or find a new position within wood products and forestry. These 10 openings include entry-level positions, sales, engineering, forestry, lumber grading and a professorship at the University of Maine.

Sawmill Lumber Grader, East Baldwin, Maine

“Ideal candidate will be NELMA certified in grading Eastern White Pine Lumber with two years experience. Works in a two-station grading and trimming system. Candidate must be self-motivated, quality driven and able to work in a team environment. Lumber graders rotate into several other positions in the sawmill throughout the day. This position has potential for working with and supporting computer and optimization systems throughout the operation.”

Learn more and apply at the NeLMA Jobs Board.

Operations Forester, Millford, Maine

“American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) is the largest forest consulting and real estate brokerage firm in the United States. AFM currently manages over 6 million acres of privately owned timberland and has sold over $3 billion in real estate transactions. With 273 employees operating from 49 offices located in 16 states, AFM’s team of professionals are focused on meeting client needs by providing a complete range of forestry services including land and wildlife management, land sale and acquisition services, forest inventory and design, growth and yield modeling, cash flow projections, environmental services, appraisal, forest resource data management and harvest scheduling. Our small regionally dispersed offices allow us to provide individualized services, and our large overall size allows us to coordinate teams of foresters and technical specialists for large, complex jobs.”

Learn more and apply at ForestryUSA.com.

Project Manager, St. Cloud, Minnesota

“The Commercial Project Managers are responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all job activities including preparing, producing, and delivering products. Responsibilities include: ensure accurate contracts and adequate notice on buyouts; read prints and specifications in order to understand all aspects of a project; communicate with purchasing dept. about product samples and delivery dates; work closely with drafters to ensure product is drawn according to prints and meets regulations. Salary $60,000-$80,000 annually.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Consultative Sales Representative, Remote Position

“The Consultative Sales Professional will drive revenue growth, profitability, and market share for Forest2Market. The primary function of this role is to accelerate the growth of sales of our proprietary pricing benchmarks (SilvaStat360 – Forest2Market’s Business Intelligence Platform). Success will be measured primarily on generating new sales and secondarily in maintaining subscription renewals. The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial, hands-on, self-starter who is energetic, persuasive and well organized. This position will report to the Global Sales Manager.”

Learn more and apply at ForestryUSA.com.

Field Representative, Location TBD

“Primary responsibilities of a field inspector are to conduct spot audits of randomly selected mills and facilities who are subscribers of accredited agencies.  The audit is a check on the performance of the accredited agencies and their compliance with ALSC program enforcement regulations.  Every field representative is given a geographic region for which they are responsible. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with the ability to work independently. A minimum two-year forestry or wood technology degree or equivalent work experience is required. “

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board.

Assistant Professor of Forestry, University of Maine at Fort Kent

“The University of Maine at Fort Kent is currently looking for a temporary, nine-month, full time Lecturer/Instructor/Assistant Professor of Forestry with a possible continuation beyond initial appointment, based on performance. This position is eligible to be part of AFUM bargaining group. The Applied Forest Management program at UMFK is a five-semester, Associate of Science degree program with an emphasis on technical, field-oriented, forestry education. The successful candidate will be expected to teach 12 credit hours per academic semester in support of the program and must be able to teach a diverse range of field, laboratory, and lecture courses in Forestry and Environmental Studies. Courses taught may include Forest Mensuration, GPS, Forest Ecology, Principles of Environmental Science, Careers in the Sciences, or other courses in the discipline. When determining teaching assignments, the chosen candidate’s individual interests and expertise will be considered if possible.”

Learn more and apply at ForestryUSA.com.

Entry Level Mill Laborer, Buckfield, Maine

“RE Lowell Lumber now hiring! Position available in our sawmill/planer mill operation. Will train general laborers and equipment operators. This is a full time position. Pay: $12-$14 per hour plus employee discount and health insurance. 8-hour day shift, Monday to Friday. Overtime and bonus pay available. High school or equivalent education preferred.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Drafter/Engineer, Reading, Pennsylvania

“Requirements: three plus years of AutoCAD within a custom millwork manufacturing atmosphere; basic understanding and usage of Microvellum & Excel; ability to read architectural drawing is a must; knowledge in AWI Standards is a HUGE Plus! Responsibilities include: producing shop drawing for customer approval; meet deadlines for shop drawings to meet clients’ schedules; communicating special unique items or situation to management; knowledge and or ability to research hardware and appliances specifications. Salary $60,000-$65,000 annually.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Inside Sales, Minneapolis, Minnesota

“A Local Lumber company is looking for a Inside Sales person that is interested in joining our fast paced environment of building material sales. Responsibilities: process customer orders and quotes, close yard and outer sales of walk-in customers, achieve a working knowledge of company’s products and services; answer incoming phone calls and assist customers face to face in a retail setting; walk customer thorough the process if needed and all materials involved for the project. Salary $60,000-$70,000 a year plus commission.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Production/Manufacturing Worker, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

“Pleasant River Lumber is a family owned company that always has a eye on the future of lumber manufacturing. Position overview: Fast paced positions working at different machine centers. Job positions are rotated to reduce repetitive motion injuries and improve skill diversity of the crew. Positions could be in the sawmill or Planer mill. Starting pay is $15 per hour with a $1.00 per hour shift differential for nights. Eligible for safety incentive bonus of $40 per week after trial period.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Image via USDA

10 Fresh Job Opportunities in Wood Products and Forestry

Located throughout the Northeast and Great Lakes regions, these exciting job openings in the lumber and forestry industries are waiting for your application. These listings include opportunities for a variety of skill levels, including entry level.

Moulder Operator, Albany, New York

“This company seeks full time experienced moulder operator to fabricate wood product  They will even consider training applicant with relevant experience in wood industry. Responsibilities include: SAFELY engage in full setup, operation, and consistent maintenance of moulding machinery; Uphold quality control standards and procedures; Accurately interpret and utilize measurements; Examine raw material for defects and to ensure conformity to size and other specification standards; Consistently performing physical activities that require considerable use of the whole body; such lifting, balancing, walking, guiding, and handling of materials.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Millwright, Bath, New Hampshire

“Britton Lumber Seeks to hire an experience Millwright and maintenance person to join our growing and thriving manufacturing team. The right candidate will have experience working in a multi-faceted operation. Required skills include welding, fabrication and e3xperience operating and maintaining a wide variety of equipment. Experience working in a sawmill environment is preferred. Compensation depends on experience.”

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board.

Forester, Central Massachusetts

“New England Forestry Consultants, Inc. is seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial, and dedicated consulting forester for one of our center offices in Massachusetts. Primary job duties will be conducting timber harvest marking and layout, inspections and supervision, as well as completing forest inventories, boundary marking, preparing forest management plans, timber cruising and working with NRCS funded programs. There is significant potential to progress to center management.”

Learn more and apply at ForestryUSA.com.

Inside Sales, Minneapolis, Minnesota

“A Local Lumber company is looking for a Inside Sales person that is interested in joining our fast paced environment of building material sales. Responsibilities include: Process customer orders and quotes; Close yard and counter sales of walk-in customers; Achieve a working knowledge of company’s products and services; Answer incoming phone calls and assist customers face to face in a retail setting; Walk customers through the process if needed and all materials involved for the project. A minimum of 3+ year of experience in the lumber industry in order to leverage sales.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Maintenance Technician, Bristol, Vermont

“The A. Johnson Co., LLC, a hardwood lumber mill in Bristol, Vermont, is seeking a skilled maintenance person to work on machinery everywhere at our location. As part of of our lumber mill, we have two lumber sorters, two planers, nine dry kilns and a variety of other machinery. An ideal candidate will have experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems and have some familiarity with electrical controls and three phase motors. Experience in maintaining and repairing sawmill production equipment would be desirable.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Sawyer, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

“This company is looking to make an addition on their team for hardworking sawyer! Responsibilities include: Execute effective cutting patterns to breaking down logs and hardwood slabs while monitoring quality; Safety utilize all saws, tooling, and machinery to meet production targets; Adjusts setting of machinery to achieve optimal yields; Perform minor maintenance to adhere to preventative maintenance plans; Quickly learn and adapt to changing manufacturing needs; Observes exposed face of log after initial cut to determine grade; familiarity with NHLA standards is a PLUS.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Lumber Grader, Belgrade, Maine

“Maine Wood Timber and Posts, LLC is currently seeking a Softwood Lumber Grader to join our team. We are looking for safety minded candidates who are interested in a growth opportunity in a production environment. Previous lumber grading experience a plus.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Sawmill Machine Operator/Laborer, Ashland, Maine

“General labor work within the sawmill, including stacking lumber, packaging lumber, and operation of machinery in a clean, high tech environment. Qualified applicants must be willing to do shift work and weekends as needed. Candidates must have the ability to work in a team environment that is committed to working safely while focused on production.”

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board.

Quality Control Analyst, Ashland, Maine

“Irving Forest Products, Inc, a growing company on the leading edge of technology in the sawmill industry. We are currently seeking a Quality Control Analyst to join our team! Responsibilities include: Examine of lumber to ensure that defect, lumber size, lumber variation and overall lumber quality standards are met; Responsible for communicating issues that affect quality to the filing room, maintenance, operations, and management.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com.

Senior Estimator, New York, New York

“The Senior Estimator is responsible for analyzing blueprints, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to prepare time, cost, and labor estimates for multiple large scale custom woodworking projects. Ensures all pricing structure is competitive and profitability is maintained. Previous experience completing quantity take-offs and abilities to use all Microsoft Office applications. Previous successes with AWI Quality Standards & all forms of custom architectural millwork materials The development of strategic bids that provide a detailed analysis of costs, alternative materials, potential risks, and recommendations.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Top photo via Flickr Creative Commons 2.0

“You Wood” Campaign Aims to Draw Young People into Wood Industry

Careers in wood industry

No matter who you are, there’s a place for you in the wood industry. That’s the message the Wood Industry Resource Collaborative is trying to send with “You Wood,” a new career awareness campaign designed to draw fresh talent into the field. Developed by a group of industry trade associations in partnership with Nashville-based Industrial Strength Marketing, the campaign offers career resource information, quizzes, links to educational resources and a calendar of events.

“Why Wood? Wood is responsible for 4% of the world economy,” the website states. “Wood is vital to the global economy in ways we don’t often notice. From utility poles to anti-tumor treatments extracted from trees, manufactured wood products and processes contribute to reduced fossil fuel dependency and create healthier, safer and more sustainable communities. The wood industry is vibrant and growing, driven by a desire for renewable sources and higher quality products. Tools and automation have helped make many new careers possible in engineering, manufacturing, design and education.”

Inviting visitors to get to know the wood industry, the website lays out career possibilities in a variety of areas, including flooring, cabinetry, architectural millwork and technology & machinery. Though the campaign focuses mostly on various types of woodworking and crafting, the lumber and forestry industries are a natural extension. It’s mainly geared towards high school students and young people in their 20s and 30s seeking a career change, including military veterans.

A 2020 study by the Wood Industry Resource Collaborative found that over 70 percent of all respondents had no awareness of wood industry careers, but 23 percent would consider choosing one.

“We realize how critical it is to increase awareness of our industry and the career opportunities which exist for both students and those seeking a career change where they can utilize skills they’ve already developed in the workplace,” said WMIA president and CEO Larry Hoffer. “It is our objective that the You Wood website will serve as a portal for those unfamiliar with the wood industry to learn more and begin exploration of their wood industry-related career journey.”

The Lumber Industry is Hiring! Apply to These 10 Jobs

Calling all accountants, salespeople, managers, drafters, electricians and laborers! The lumber and forestry industries want to hire you. Positions are open all over the Northeast (and beyond!) for people with experience or those brand new to the industry or the job market.

Accountant, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

“An exciting full time position is available for an Accountant to join a progressive, fast paced company.  The ideal candidate has a strong background in accounting (Bachelor’s degree or combination of lower degree and experience), with experience in general and manufacturing cost accounting preferred.  This role provides assistance to the Financial Officer in providing quality financial statements, and provides support to Sales, Logistics, and Operation’s Team ensuring the effective & smooth running of the day to day operations.”

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board.

Sawmill Machine Operator/Laborer, Ashland, Maine

“General labor work within the sawmill, including stacking lumber, packaging lumber, and operation of machinery in a clean, high tech environment. Qualified applicants must be willing to do shift work and weekends as needed. Candidates must have the ability to work in a team environment that is committed to working safely while focused on production.”

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board.

Custom Drafter, Connecticut (Remote OK)

Need a job you can do from virtually anywhere? A company in Connecticut is hiring a custom drafter with a starting base salary of $65-75K depending on experience. “Must come from and have experience in a Commercial Custom Architectural Millwork and / or High End Woodworking manufacturing atmosphere. Strengths in AutoCAD drafting and designing of AWI certified projects. Abilities to work in a team environment. Operate CabinetVision & cut listing is a plus!”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com.

Inside Sales, Minnesota

“A Local Lumber company is looking for a Inside Sales person that is interested in joining our fast paced environment of building material sales. A minimum of 3+ year of experience in the lumber industry in order to leverage sales. Previous experience selling Andersen Windows and Millwork is a HUGE plus! Strong written, verbal and computer skills. Starting base salary:$60-75K + commission.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com

Electrician, Searsmont, Maine

“Looking for a full-time Maintenance Electrician. experience needed in high voltage distribution systems, AC and DC motors and drives, instrumentation, PLC controls and communication systems. Must posses a State of Maine Electrician License, Master Electrician is a plus. We offer competitive salary and benefits to the qualified applicant.”

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board

General Forestry Laborer, New York/Pennsylvania

“The Cortland & Falconer, New York Offices and the Titusville, Pennsylvania Office of FORECON, Inc. have immediate openings for highly-motivated, seasonal General Forestry Laborers. Opportunity for full-time employment dependent upon skills and job performance. Principle duties include herbicide application, site preparation and tree planting, other duties pertaining to our current land management accounts, as well as industrial and private clients. Pay and benefits are commensurate with skills and experience. Entrepreneurial spirit, solid communication skills, strong work ethic, and dedication to meet company and client needs are essential. Associates or Bachelor’s degree in forestry/natural resources, environmental or biology is not required, but preferred.”

Learn more and apply at ForestryUSA.com

Branch Manager, Massachusetts

“Branch Manager will be responsible for daily operations, P&L, managing/development of staff, budgeting, marketing, and inventory management.  Outside Sales Representative, Inside Sales Representatives, and Operations Manager report directly to the incumbent Branch Manager. Required: Experience in wood products and milling operations, computer (Excel, Word, & Outlook) and IT system literate, a minimum of 7 years of operations or sales experience and a minimum of 3 years in management experience. Starting base salary: $70-130K.”

Learn more and apply at WoodJobs.com

Production Worker, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine

“We are currently hiring production workers for the sawmill and planer mill. Both day and night shift available. Production work within the sawmill which includes stacking lumber, packaging lumber, and operation of machinery in a clean, high tech environment. Must have a safe work habit. Ability to work in a team environment. Experience in a sawmill environment is not required as long as candidate has a positive attitude and is willing to be trained to work in a safe and efficient manner. Full-time benefits are available.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com

Field Representative (Various Areas)

“Primary responsibilities of a field inspector are to conduct spot audits of randomly selected mills and facilities who are subscribers of accredited agencies.  The audit is a check on the performance of the accredited agencies and their compliance with ALSC program enforcement regulations.  Every field representative is given a geographic region for which they are responsible. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with the ability to work independently. A minimum two-year forestry or wood technology degree or equivalent work experience is required.  Good written and verbal communication skills are required. Experience with sawmill quality control and/or kiln drying is a plus. The field representative will be expected to be away from home 140-150 nights a year. We offer medical & dental insurance, life insurance, 401 (K) profit sharing, paid vacations, paid holidays.”

Learn more and apply at the Nelma Jobs Board

Lumber Handler, Portage, Maine

“The lumber handlers will stack and unstack board lumber according to grade and sort, strap stacked lumber, cross train on the tilt hoist and fork lift and keep up with mill production. All individuals must maintain housekeeping and cleaning, work cooperatively with other employees in a team environment, follow haz-com and all other safety procedures, support other areas of the department as needed and follow safe work practices.”

Learn more and apply at Indeed.com

Top image via Rodney Sanches/Flickr CC by 2.0