Quality Control Specialist

Great Southern Wood Preserving; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Great Southern Wood Preserving seeks a motivated, technically skilled professional to support and improve production operations across treating facilities in the Tyler, TX area, with potential support for Columbus, TX. The role blends data analysis, process improvement, and hands-on troubleshooting to elevate safety, product quality, and throughput.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical and mechanical aptitude, effective communication, and the ability to work independently across multiple

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wood science, engineering, or a related STEM field.
• Proficiency with Excel and data analysis to interpret production trends.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical equipment, automation, controls, and software platforms.
• Ability to read AWPA standards, safety procedures, and technical manuals.
• Strong analytical and communication skills; able to work independently across facilities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze production data to identify trends and root causes; support corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain production databases, tools, and reporting systems.
• Troubleshoot issues with treating processes, equipment, controls, and software.
• Provide technical training and onboarding to treating staff.
• Coordinate with internal and external partners to resolve technical issues.
• Support new systems, equipment upgrades, and process improvements.
• Promote safe work practices and adherence to quality requirements.

Skills

Data analysis

Excel

Troubleshooting

Training

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry/engineering

Tools

Process controls

Job description

Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated is well known for its flagship product, YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine which it sells through Do-It-Yourself retail home centers, pro dealers and other retail building-related and industrial segments. Our distribution coverage stretches from the Florida Keys to Texas to Canada, an area that includes all or parts of 27 states and the District of Columbia, as well as much of the Caribbean and Latin America, and part of the European Union and Mediterranean region. From pressure treated fence products, columns, deck specialties, and KDAT products, YellaWood® is the brand of choice for outdoor building.

Position Summary

We are seeking a motivated, technically skilled professional to support and improve production operations across assigned treating facilities. This role combines production data analysis, process improvement, mechanical and systems troubleshooting, operator training, and technical support to elevate safety, product quality, operational efficiency, and throughput. The ideal candidate has strong analytical and mechanical aptitude, effective communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently across multiple facilities and technical disciplines. Experience in industrial manufacturing, wood preservation, automated process systems, or production quality is beneficial. This position will be located in the Tyler, TX area, and may provide support for the location in Columbus, TX.

Key Responsibilities

Analyze production data to identify trends, investigate root causes, and implement or support corrective actions to improve product conformance, operational efficiency, and throughput.

• Develop and maintain production databases, analytical tools, and reporting systems to support operational decision-making and performance monitoring.
• Troubleshoot production issues involving treating processes, mechanical equipment, process controls, software platforms, and related industrial systems.
• Support treating facilities in resolving operational and quality issues, implementing corrective actions, and verifying the effectiveness of improvements.
• Develop, maintain, and improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and other technical documentation.
• Provide technical training, onboarding, and ongoing support to treating staff to promote consistent and effective operating practices.
• Assess plant operator training needs, reinforce standard work practices, and coach employees to improve technical proficiency, process consistency, and operational performance.
• Coordinate with internal departments, equipment manufacturers, chemical suppliers, and third-party oversight to resolve technical issues and achieve operational goals.
• Provide technical support for projects including; equipment upgrades, repairs, installations, and the implementation of new technologies, treatment chemistries, and process improvements.
• Support the implementation of new systems and procedures through operator training, follow-up, troubleshooting, and ongoing operational support.
• Promote safe work practices and compliance with company policies, applicable industry standards, and established quality requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wood science, engineering, or another STEM-related field preferred; equivalent education and relevant work experience will also be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, data analysis, and interpreting production performance trends.
• Ability to understand and troubleshoot mechanical equipment, industrial process systems, automation and controls, and software platforms.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply:
  • AWPA standards and applicable technical requirements
  • Safety procedures and company policies
  • Technical manuals and equipment operation and maintenance instructions
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to manage time effectively, travel, work independently, and prioritize competing demands.
• Willingness to work directly with plant personnel, investigate operational issues, and support improvements in a hands-on industrial environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in wood preservation, chemical treatment processes, or industrial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with industrial automation, instrumentation, process controls, or mechanical troubleshooting.
• Experience developing SOPs, technical documentation, training materials, or production reports.
• Experience working with production databases, reporting tools, or business intelligence systems.
• Experience supporting multiple facilities, coordinating technical projects, or implementing process improvements.