Position Overview
A lumber yard worker works in facilities that provide wood-related items to companies, and individuals.
The work of a lumber yard worker involves ensuring that all wood items are properly received, and shipped, and stored in a proper manner. This is hard work, as you have to make sure that you stay safe at all times – accidents in lumber yards are the norm if safety precautions are not taken.
Position Requirements
To work as a lumber yard worker, you have to possess a high school diploma or a GED. Some employers may hire you even if you do not have formal education, but most will want this as a prerequisite. To work as a lumber yard worker, you have to make sure that you understand that requires a lot of physical strength and dexterity.
Knowledge of moving lumber by using equipment such as forklifts is also important. And so is the ability to manage inventory of wood items received, and the many ways in which you can ensure your own safety, and that of other workers around you.
Not everyone is cut out for the job of a lumber yard worker. You have to be highly interested in the work, and possess the ability to manage the many aspects of it. If this is the work that you intend to take up, make sure that you go through the following list of duties particular to this job:
Lumber Yard Worker Duties & Responsibilities
• Look through order sheets to determine the type and quantity of wood items to be received.
• Receive lumber from delivery trucks, and check quantity and type in accordance with specified work orders.
• Make arrangements for lumber to be transported to storage areas, by use of forklifts, and other equipment.
• Sort and rack lumber items according to their grade markings and sizes, and ensure that they are properly labeled and tagged.
• Position timber on kiln cars and shed floors, aiming to build a solid foundation for lumber stacks.
• Count all received lumber stacks and ensure that they are properly and safely stacked in storage areas.
• Perform loading and unloading of stacking machines, and handle bundles of laths and barrel staves.
• Ascertain that all lumber movement activities are being performed according to specified instructions and protocols.
• Implement and follow safety protocols related to the movement and storage of lumber.
• Oversee the general cleanliness, maintenance, and upkeep of the lumber yard, or assigned areas within the yard.