Operator-Dry Kiln

Rex Lumber, LLC.; Pearlhaven (MS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Rex Lumber, LLC. seeks a Continuous Dry Kiln Console Operator to manage kiln operations from the control console, adjusting temperatures, humidity, airflow, and push/chain speed to meet moisture targets.

You will load drying schedules by species and thickness, respond to alarms, and coordinate with the boiler/energy team to maintain heat stability, while ensuring safety and documentation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous kiln, boiler, or sawmill process-control experience preferred. Training will be provided.
• Able to read and interpret gauges, trends, and computer control screens, and to make sound adjustments.
• Basic math and computer skills (percentages, moisture calculations, data entry).
• Understands, or is willing to learn, wood drying basics: species, thickness, moisture content, and defects.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to stay alert and make decisions during alarms or upsets.
• Clear communicator who works well as part of a team and with limited supervision.
• Able to complete the Rex Kiln Operator certification/skill list within the required period.
• Forklift certification preferred or obtained after hire, per company policy.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control CDK operation from the console, including temperatures, humidity, airflow, and push/chain speed.
• Load and adjust drying schedules by species, thickness, and target moisture content.
• Respond to console alarms and deviations per SOPs and escalate as needed.
• Coordinate with boiler/energy system operator to keep heat supply stable.
• Do controlled startups, shutdowns, and schedule changeovers per SOPs.
• Track kiln charges and packages through the kiln and ensure proper labeling.
• Coordinate with yard and stacker to keep kiln fed with green lumber and match planer needs.

Skills

Gauge reading

Alarm handling

Team communication

Attention to detail

Basic math

Computer control screens

Decision making during upsets

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Job description

SUMMARY OF FUNCTIONS

The Continuous Dry Kiln (CDK) Console Operator runs the continuous dry kilns from the control console. The operator monitors and controls temperatures, humidity, airflow, and push/chain speed across all kiln zones so lumber reaches its target moisture content with as few drying defects as possible. This role coordinates with the yard, stacker, planer, and boiler/energy system to keep kiln throughput steady, safe, and on schedule.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor and control CDK operation from the console, including dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures, wet-bulb depression/relative humidity, fan direction and airflow, and venting in every zone.
• Set and adjust push/chain speed and residence time to meet the drying schedule for each species, thickness, and product.
• Load and adjust drying schedules by species, thickness, and target moisture content (MC), following approved kiln schedules and Kiln Supervisor direction.
• Respond promptly to console alarms and process deviations (temperature, humidity, fan, pusher/chain, burner/heat-supply faults). Take corrective action per SOPs and elevate to the Kiln Supervisor or Maintenance as required.
• Coordinate with the boiler/energy system operator (thermal oil, steam, or direct-fired burner) to keep the heat supply stable. Report pressure, temperature, or fuel problems right away.
• Do controlled startups, shutdowns, and schedule changeovers per Standard Operating Procedures.

Charge Tracking & Lumber Handling

• Track kiln charges and packages through the kiln, including entry and exit times, species/size, cycle time, and gaps or breaks in the train.
• Coordinate the loading and unloading of lumber packages and kiln carts, making sure packages are properly stickered, aligned, and placed according to the kiln production schedule.
• Coordinate with the yard and stacker to keep the kiln fed with green lumber, and with the planer to match kiln output to planer needs.

Quality & Moisture Control

• Take moisture meter readings on exiting lumber, and in-kiln readings where equipped. Compare them to the target MC and adjust the schedule or push rate to correct over-drying or under-drying.
• Inspect dried lumber for drying defects such as surface and end checking, splits, honeycomb, warp (crook, bow, cup, twist), casehardening, and blue stain/mold. Report trends to the Kiln Supervisor.
• Verify the calibration and condition of moisture meters and wet-bulb wicks/water supply. Report problems.

Recordkeeping & Communication

• Record console readings, schedules, push rates, MC test results, alarms, downtime, and corrective actions in the kiln log and shift report.
• Complete production tallies, downtime tallies, and daily reports as required.
• Give a clear shift handover covering kiln status, schedule changes, open alarms, and equipment problems.
• Keep the console, kiln ends, and surrounding areas clean and free of debris, bark, and sawdust buildup.
• Do basic checks and assist Maintenance with thermocouples, sensors, fans, doors, and pusher/chain systems as assigned.
• Participate in the action planning process.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the supervisor.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Kiln Supervisor
• Works closely with the yard, stacker, planer, boiler/energy system operators, and Maintenance

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous kiln, boiler, or sawmill process-control experience preferred. Training will be provided.
• Able to read and interpret gauges, trends, and computer control screens, and to make sound adjustments.
• Basic math and computer skills (percentages, moisture calculations, data entry).
• Understands, or is willing to learn, wood drying basics: species, thickness, moisture content, and defects.
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to stay alert and make decisions during alarms or upsets.
• Clear communicator who works well as part of a team and with limited supervision.
• Able to complete the Rex Kiln Operator certification/skill list within the required period.
• Forklift certification preferred or obtained after hire, per company policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to sit at a console, and also walk, climb stairs/ladders, and stand for long periods.
• Able to work in hot, humid, dusty, and noisy conditions, inside and outside in all weather.
• Able to bend, stoop, stretch, twist, or reach with body, arms, and/or legs.
• Able to lift 50 lbs throughout the work shift.
• Able to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays as kiln operations require.

SAFETY

• Understand that Personal Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and therefore it is MY responsibility.
• Wear all required PPE at ALL TIMES in designated areas: hardhat, safety glasses, hearing protection, reflective wear, and heat-protective gear as required.
• Follow Standard Lockout Procedures for all kiln equipment, including fans, pushers, chains, doors, and burners/heat supply. Never enter a kiln or work on equipment unless it is locked out and verified.
• Follow Confined Space procedures. Do not enter a kiln, plenum, or other permit space without authorization, a permit, and atmospheric testing as required.
• Use caution around hot surfaces, steam, thermal oil, and hot lumber. Allow equipment to cool, or use proper protection, before contact.
• Maintain fire watch awareness. Monitor for smoke, hot spots, and dust/debris buildup. Know the kiln fire procedure and how to raise the alarm.
• Do not enter restricted areas.
• Visually inspect equipment and the work area before starting or operating.
• Report unsafe equipment, unsafe conditions or actions, near misses, incidents, property damage, and injuries immediately.
• Request assistance when a task exceeds individual knowledge.
• Follow all other safety rules as set forth by the company.