Pole Grader

Marwood Ltd; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Marwood Ltd in Tracyville, NB is seeking a Pole Grader to inspect and grade peeled wood utility poles to CSA and ANSI standards. You will measure, classify by species, size and defects, and work with yard staff to maintain quality and inventory integrity.

The role requires attention to detail, the ability to work outdoors in all weather, and a commitment to safety around equipment. A high school diploma is required; chainsaw safety training is a plus, and you must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Forestry, wood products, natural resources, or related education is an asset.
• Chainsaw safety training is recognized or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Inspect peeled utility poles for CSA/ANSI grading requirements.
• Evaluate defects (sweep, crook, checks, knots, decay, damage).
• Measure pole length and circumference and evaluate defects.
• Determine pole class and assign grade.
• Identify poles for trimming, rework, or rejection.
• Buck non-conforming poles and process orders with a chainsaw.
• Coordinate with yard personnel and supervisors.

Skills

Attention to detail

Observation skills

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Forestry / wood products education asset

Job description

Love working outdoors and have great attention to detail?

Join Marwood at our site in Tracyville, NB, and we'll train you to become a Pole Grader!

The Pole Grader is responsible for inspecting and grading peeled wood utility poles in accordance with applicable Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requirements, customer specifications, and company quality standards.

This position ensures that all poles are accurately classified based on species, size, condition, and defects. The Utility Pole Grader plays a critical role in maintaining product quality, customer satisfaction, inventory accuracy, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate must possess a strong understanding of wood characteristics, utility pole grading rules, and safe yard operations or a strong desire to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Inspect peeled utility poles for compliance with CSA and ANSI grading requirements.
• Evaluate poles for defects including:
  • Sweep and crook
  • Checks and splits
  • Knots
  • Decay and rot
  • Mechanical damage
  • Insect damage
  • Scars and cat faces
  • Excessive taper
  • Other defects affecting strength or serviceability
• Measure pole length, circumference, and evaluate defects.
• Determine pole class and assign appropriate grade.
• Identify poles requiring trimming, rework, retreatment, or rejection.
• Buck non-conforming poles to next best alternative and process orders with a chainsaw.
• Work closely with yard personnel, loaders, and supervisors.
• Direct crews assigned to measuring, drilling, tagging and building as required.

Safety and Compliance

• Follow all company safety procedures and yard operation requirements.
• Conduct work in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Wear required PPE and maintain situational awareness around mobile equipment.
• Report hazards, unsafe conditions, and incidents immediately.
• Participate in safety meetings, hazard assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Forestry, wood products, natural resources, or related education considered an asset.
• Recognized course in chainsaw safety or willingness to obtain
• Experience grading wood products considered a strong asset.
• Familiarity with utility pole specifications and quality requirements preferred.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent observation and measurement skills.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping abilities.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to safely work around loaders, forklifts, trucks, and mobile equipment.

Marwood td is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment practices. We promote employment equity in the workplace and believe that all employees should be treated fairly and with respect. We encourage underrepresented groups to apply including Women, Indigenous Peoples, Visible Minorities and Persons with Disabilities.