Remote Softwood Lumber Grader & Sawmill Quality Lead

Confidential; United States; Remote; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Zekai seeks a Softwood Lumber Grader / Sawmill Quality Supervisor (Visual Grading) to support remote training data for AI models. You will apply certified visual grading expertise to assess softwood lumber, identify defects, and justify grade decisions using established rulebooks.

The role emphasizes detailed documentation, adherence to NLGA/WWPA/SPIB/WCLIB standards, and clear communication of outcomes to support model learning and quality control in a remote environment.

Qualifications

• Active or recent certification as a softwood lumber grader.
• Experience in visual lumber grading and defect identification across softwood species.
• Ability to document decisions with rulebook references and rationale.

Responsibilities

• Review lumber descriptions and images for visual grading per NLGA/WWPA/SPIB/WCLIB rules.
• Identify and measure defects (knots, wane, checks, shake, warp) and set grade limits.
• Make grade calls based on rulebook criteria and document reasoning.
• Evaluate grade stamping accuracy and provide feedback on compliance.
• Analyze grade recovery and quality control scenarios for optimization.
• Reference the specific rule(s) justifying each grade decision.
• Deliver written and verbal explanations to support AI model training.

Skills

Lumber grading

Defect identification

Technical documentation

Education

Certified softwood lumber grader

Tools

NLGA/WWPA/SPIB/WCLIB standards

Job description

Zekai seeks a Softwood Lumber Grader / Sawmill Quality Supervisor (Visual Grading) to support remote training data for AI models. You will apply certified visual grading expertise to assess softwood lumber, identify defects, and justify grade decisions using established rulebooks.

The role emphasizes detailed documentation, adherence to NLGA/WWPA/SPIB/WCLIB standards, and clear communication of outcomes to support model learning and quality control in a remote environment.