Core Prep Softwoods Specialist

About the Role

At States Industries, our Core Prep Softwoods Specialists play an important role in preparing the veneer that goes into our hardwood plywood products.

This is a hands-on, fast-paced production role responsible for inspecting and grading softwood veneer, pairing and preparing material for production, and keeping a consistent flow of quality material moving to downstream operations.

This position requires a good eye for quality, attention to detail, and the ability to work quickly and accurately. Previous softwood veneer, lumber, or wood grading experience is highly valued. Bilingual English/Spanish skills are also a plus.

If you have experience working with softwood products and understand wood grades and defects, we especially want to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

As a Core Prep Softwoods Specialist, you will:

• Inspect and grade softwood veneer according to HPVA grading rules and States Industries quality standards.
• Identify veneer grades, defects, and material that does not meet established requirements.
• Sort approximately 1,500–2,000 pieces of veneer per shift while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Pair softwood veneer into loads for use in one-step panel construction.
• Prepare and restack veneer of various thicknesses for the core saw and layup process.
• Maintain a continuous flow of properly prepared material to the spreaders.
• Accurately calculate loads by piece count.
• Enter grades and accurately record material downgrades in company systems.
• Use Microsoft Dynamics AX to locate orders, complete transactions, and accurately ticket loads.
• Complete required veneer forms and read and follow production and layup lists.
• Communicate with spreader and press teams regarding veneer and product quality issues.
• Rotate through Core Prep responsibilities and other assigned functions as needed.
• Assist with keeping dryer trays supplied with veneer when needed.
• Feed softwood veneer into dryers as assigned.
• Watch for dryer plug-ups and assist with safely resolving issues according to established procedures.
• Help train and support team members using established SOPs, Job Breakdown Sheets, and TWI methods.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area according to 5S standards.
• Participate in Kaizen, 5S, Safety, Quality, TWI, and other continuous improvement activities.
• Participate in team meetings and communicate production or quality concerns.
• Support the team in achieving safety, production, and quality goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Core Prep and production.