Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders

Source: Job Bank Canada. Wages may vary by region and experience.

• This group performs some or all of the following duties:
• Lumber graders
• Examine lumber visually for knots, holes, splits and other defects and sort for further drying, trimming or remanufacturing
• Measure lumber using callipers, gauges and tape measures to ensure specified thickness, length and width
• Classify and sort lumber according to industry standards and stamp lumber to indicate grade, wood type, moisture level and other characteristics
• Tally lumber
• Complete and maintain reports.
• Other wood processing inspectors and graders
• Inspect plywood panels, veneer sheets, panelboards, shingles and similar wood products visually for knots, holes, splits, straightness and other defects
• Mark defects and sort for repair or reprocessing
• Measure wood products to ensure conformance to specifications using standard measuring instruments
• Grade and label wood products according to quality standards
• Complete and maintain inspection and grading reports.

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• On-the-job training and up to two weeks of classroom training are provided for lumber graders.
• Previous experience as a sawmill machine operator, other wood processing operator or as a labourer in wood processing is usually required for graders and inspectors in this unit group.
• Lumber graders require a lumber grader's licence issued by a provincial lumber association.