Lumber Quality Specialist

🌟 Join Our Team as a Lumber Quality Specialist!

Bell Lumber & Pole is seeking a Lumber Quality Specialist to support the quality of operations across our Southern locations.
This is a hands-on, field-focused role responsible for ensuring that utility poles and production processes meet strict industry standards and company expectations.

The ideal candidate will:
✔️ Have strong technical experience in the Lumber Industry
✔️ Be project-oriented
✔️ Be an excellent communicator
✔️ Be open to moderate travel
✔️ Be passionate about high-quality standards

💲 Pay Range:

$65,000 – $82,000 (depending on experience)

🚗 Company Vehicle Provided:

For required travel between sites

📍 Location:

Based out of Broken Bow, OK or De Queen, AR
(Travel required between Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana)

👤 Reports To:

Quality Manager

📌 Opening:

This is one position that will support 4+ sites in our Southern region

🔍 Key Responsibilities

Inspections and Testing:

• Conduct production yard audits and stock supply inspections
• Monitor pole inventory, perform physical re-assays, and document findings
• Retest poles inspected by QC Technicians for accuracy and compliance

Training and Mentoring:

• Train and mentor QC Technicians and production staff
• Provide onboarding and refresher quality training

Reporting and Documentation:

• Maintain accurate inspection records and databases
• Manage treating certificate documentation
• Ensure calibration of critical equipment

Continuous Improvement and Root Cause Analysis:

• Participate in root cause investigations
• Support improvement initiatives through audits and training

Customer Interaction:

• Collaborate with customers to resolve quality concerns

Compliance and Specification Management:

• Ensure inspections meet safety and regulatory standards
• Support the Quality Manager with specification kit maintenance

Travel:

• Regular travel to Bell locations and customer sites required

🎓 Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• Associate’s Degree or higher (preferred)

Experience:

• Quality Control in manufacturing/industrial settings
• Lumber industry experience strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite + ability to learn Access
• Understanding of utility pole specifications & inspection procedures
• Strong math and measurement skills (U.S. & metric)
• Ability to work independently with strong attention to detail

💡 Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of utility pole materials
• Excellent written & verbal communication
• Practical problem-solving ability
• Ability to train, mentor, and support staff
• Safety and compliance focused
• Professional judgment and independence
• Creative and innovative process improvement mindset

🏗️ Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, reaching; occasional sitting/tool handling
• Lift/move up to 25 lbs frequently; up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Outdoor elements exposure (heat, rain, wind)
• Production yard noise and treating chemicals
• Moderate to heavy travel required
• May include occasional after-hours work

🎁 Employee Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (HRA and FSA options)
• 401(k) with company match
• Short- & long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays + generous PTO
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance and hardship programs
• 🚗 Company Car Provided (due to required travel)

🪵 About Bell Lumber & Pole Company

For over 115 years, Bell Lumber & Pole and its businesses (Bell Timber Inc., Bell Structural Systems, Alamco Wood Products) have built a legacy of excellence. As one of the largest producers of renewable wood poles and structures for utility/telecom companies across North America, Bell helps power the future.

We're also an industry leader in mass timber components and supply posts/poles to farmers and ranchers.
Bell operates in 17 locations with 400+ employees across the U.S. and Canada.

Our mission: To radically love and influence lives — within our teams and in the communities we serve.

💬 Commitment to Diversity & Equal Opportunity

Bell Lumber & Pole is an equal-opportunity employer and affirmative action workplace. We’re committed to an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.

Need accommodation during the hiring process?
📞 Call: 651-203-2719
📧 Email: HRTeam@blpole.com

💼 Ready to join the Bell family and make a difference? Apply today!