Job Description
Job Title:  Dry Kiln Supervisor
Posting Start Date:  9/11/26
Division:  Woodgrain Millwork
Posting Area:  Operations + Manufacturing
Job Location:  Elkin, NC

Woodgrain in Elkin, NC is looking for an experienced sawmill Dry Kiln Supervisor.

About Woodgrain:

Woodgrain is one of the top millwork operations in the world with locations throughout the United States and Chile. With 70 years of quality craftsmanship and service, Woodgrain is a top producer of mouldings, doors, and windows, as well as a premier distributor of specialty building products. Our Woodgrain facility in Elkin, NC is a sawmill operation providing materials to our manufacturing facilities as well as to various external customers. Woodgrain Inc. is headquartered in Fruitland, Idaho with six divisions and over 45 manufacturing and warehouse facilities in the United States and South America. Since 1954, Woodgrain is proud to be family owned and operated.

Job Summary:

Dry Kiln Supervisor is responsible for every aspect of running a group of dry kilns and assigned team in a safe and effective manner. This includes but not limited to setting and monitoring lumber drying schedules based upon wood species, operation of a boiler to dry lumber, the scheduling and supervision of the team responsible for meeting production goals, keeping the site grounds clean, neat and organized. This position will be responsible for developing and leading team meetings and training, meeting productivity and reliability goals, identifying safety, quality and production issues, and coordinating reliability work with maintenance teams. Additionally, the Kiln Supervisor leads the team by proactively resolving employee issues, builds teamwork, and ensures adherence to all applicable site policies and procedures in a fair and consistent manner.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Setting and monitoring lumber drying schedules based upon species.
  • Selecting proper sampling boards, their placement inside the kiln, and testing for moisture content during drying cycle.
  • Performing cut stress tests for conditioning lumber at end of a kiln charge.
  • Convert the oven test to a sample board for daily weighing to determine daily moisture loss to be able to run the proper kiln schedules at the appropriate times.
  • Knowledge of the proper mechanics of dry kilns itself along with the proper operation of a boiler.
  • Build and process lumber shipments received from lumber sales team.
  • Provide daily leadership and oversight of hourly production employees
  • Ensure the safe and efficient execution of work
  • Ensure proper job and safety rules are understood and followed
  • Meet production standards and goals
  • Develop and train associates including coaching, mentoring and performance management
  • Support training and development plans to improve skills, knowledge and team performance
  • Lead the team by proactively resolving employee issues, encouraging teamwork, and ensuring adherence to all applicable site policies and procedures in a fair and consistent manner
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements:

  • Three (3) years of supervisory or management preferably in manufacturing environment
  • Strong knowledge of how to dry various lumber species
  • NHLA hardwood lumber grading experience
  • Computer skills are essential
  • Demonstrated project management, planning, and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated skills in planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting.
  • Experience leading engaged teams/workforce.
  • Experience in analyzing production data to eliminate waste and foster continuous improvement.
  • Leadership/supervisory experience in a related job function.
  • Proven skills in a production environment with an understanding of manufacturing practices.
  • Ability to participate in and facilitate group meetings.
  • Detail oriented and work accuracy focus.
  • Must be able and willing to work safely and promote safe work practices.

Summary of Company Benefits:

  • Compensation is commensurate with experience
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) with 3% Employer Match
  • Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D
  • Employer Paid Long-Term & Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Supplemental Hospital and Accident Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 8 Company Paid Holidays & 1 Floating Holiday
  • Progressive Paid Time Off (PTO) Accruals

The physical demands and work environment are representative of a typical sawmill environment. The employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. Noise level is moderate to high depending on the area of the mill. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk and hear. Requires close vision, distance vision, and depth perception. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and is regularly exposed to fumes, airborne particles, and extreme hot and cold temperatures.