Green Chain Grader

Zip O Log Mills; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 37,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Coverage

Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company

Competitive salary

Job summary

Zip O Log Mills in Eugene, Oregon is seeking a lumber grader to inspect and grade pieces on the Green Chain, verify dimensions with tape measures, and ensure lumber meets size and quality standards. This on-site role emphasizes safety, accuracy, and teamwork in a fast-paced production environment.

You will collaborate with chain pullers, trap operators, and supervisors; wear PPE, follow Lockout/Tagout procedures, and remain vigilant around moving lumber.

Qualifications

• Understand the fundamentals of sawmill operations and lumber production.
• Demonstrate knowledge of lumber grades, defects, dimensions, and quality requirements.
• Accurately and consistently grade lumber in a fast-paced production environment.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, chain pullers, trap operators, and other employees.
• Work effectively as part of a production team.
• Work independently with limited supervision when required.
• Maintain attention to detail while working around moving lumber and production equipment.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety and product quality.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Be willing and able to work alternate shifts and overtime when required.

Responsibilities

• Grade each piece of lumber moving through the Green Chain by visually inspecting surfaces for grade, quality, and defects.
• Use tape measure, size gauge, and other tools to verify dimensions and ensure on-size product.
• Properly identify and mark lumber according to grading requirements.
• Continuously monitor lumber sizes and quality throughout the shift.
• Communicate with chain pullers when lumber is approaching or passing loads.
• Assist with nearby loads and production needs to maintain efficient workflow.
• Notify supervisor of quality concerns, grading issues, mis-sorts, or other product concerns.
• Resaw low-grade No. 3 and No. 4 Common lumber as required.
• Rip 8-foot and 10-foot 4x10 and 4x12 lumber when grade and product requirements allow.
• Work with trap operators to develop and improve understanding of lumber grades and sorting requirements.
• Inspect Clear and X-Arm loads to ensure mis-sorted lumber is not placed into finished loads.
• Inspect resaw loads from sorting chain for accuracy and quality.
• Grade in the Sorting Department and Timber Dock when trained, qualified, and/or certified.
• Remain alert to moving lumber, machinery, equipment, and employees in the area.
• Follow Lockout/Tagout procedures and report defects or unsafe conditions to supervision.
• Follow company safety rules and maintain a clean, hazard-free area.
• Use downtime for cleanup, housekeeping, and minor maintenance.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.

Skills

Sawmill operations

Lumber grading

Quality control

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Shift flexibility

Communication

Independent work

Tools

Tape measure

Size gauge

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Sawmill - Eugene, OR, Salary Range: $26.85 - $28.19Hourly, POSITION SUMMARY

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grade each piece of lumber moving through the Green Chain by visually inspecting all required surfaces for grade, quality, and defects.
• Use a tape measure, size gauge, and other appropriate tools to verify lumber dimensions and ensure product is on size.
• Properly identify and mark lumber according to established grading requirements.
• Continuously monitor lumber sizes and quality throughout the shift.
• Communicate with chain pullers when lumber is approaching or passing designated loads.
• Assist with nearby loads and production needs when necessary to maintain efficient workflow.
• Immediately notify the supervisor of quality concerns, grading issues, mis-sorts, or other product concerns.
• Resaw low-grade No. 3 and No. 4 Common lumber as required.
• Rip 8-foot and 10-foot 4x10 and 4x12 lumber when the grade and product requirements allow.
• Work with trap operators to help develop and improve their understanding of lumber grades and sorting requirements.
• Inspect Clear and X-Arm loads to ensure mis-sorted lumber is not being placed into finished loads.
• Inspect resaw loads returning from the sorting chain for accuracy and quality.
• Grade in the Sorting Department and Timber Dock when trained, qualified, and/or certified to do so.
• Remain alert and aware of moving lumber, machinery, equipment, and employees in the surrounding work area.
• Follow all applicable Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures associated with the position and equipment.
• Immediately report machinery defects, equipment concerns, or unsafe conditions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Follow all company safety rules, procedures, and required safe-work practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work area.
• Use downtime productively for cleanup, housekeeping, and minor maintenance as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and operational needs.

Why Join Our Team?

Our family-owned sawmill has been a proud part of the local community for more than eight decades. We believe in building more than just great products - we build strong teams, lasting careers, and meaningful relationships. If you’re seeking a team that feels like family and a place where you can take pride in what you do, we’d love to have you with us.

BENEFITS

Company Provided Benefits

• Medical Coverage, including Major Medical and Hospitalization
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Matching
• Competitive salary

Qualifications: QUALIFICATIONS

• Understand the fundamentals of sawmill operations and lumber production.
• Demonstrate knowledge of lumber grades, defects, dimensions, and quality requirements.
• Accurately and consistently grade lumber in a fast-paced production environment.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, chain pullers, trap operators, and other employees.
• Work effectively as part of a production team.
• Work independently with limited supervision when required.
• Maintain attention to detail while working around moving lumber and production equipment.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to workplace safety and product quality.
• Follow verbal and written instructions.
• Be willing and able to work alternate shifts and overtime when required.