Quality Control Specialist - Planer

West Fraser offers a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals seeking challenging and rewarding careers. Our Edson division is currently recruiting for a Quality Control Specialist - Planer.

The Quality Control Specialist is responsible for overseeing and maintaining quality assurance and quality control processes within sawmill and planer manufacturing operations, including custom‑cut logging and lumber production. This role ensures cutting, grading, drying, and finishing processes meet internal standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements, while optimizing recovery, fiber utilization, and overall product value.

You'll do: 

• Oversee quality assurance and quality control processes within sawmill and planer operations to ensure lumber cutting, grading, drying, and finishing meet established quality, regulatory, and customer standards.


• Develop, recommend, implement, and evaluate QA/QC procedures to ensure accurate and relevant information on lumber size, species, moisture content, surface quality, and sawmill and planer conversion factors.


• Inspect and audit manufacturing processes, equipment, materials, and finished products across both sawmill and planer departments to verify compliance with quality standards.


• Record, analyze, and interpret quality and measurement data to identify trends and drive continuous improvement initiatives in sawmill and planer performance.


• Maintain and support continuous improvement systems related to inventory management, recovery optimization, planer outturn, and product value.


• Conduct inspections to verify proper, efficient, and maximum fiber utilization throughout sawing, drying, and planing processes.


• Monitor, adjust, and calibrate machinery and systems, including optimizers, machine centers, and planer equipment, to ensure accurate sawing, trimming, drying, and finishing.


• Work closely with Maintenance and Operations teams to troubleshoot and correct process or equipment issues affecting quality in both sawmill and planer areas.


• Facilitate technology transfer and provide technical support to improve sawmill and planer processes, performance, and product quality.


• Communicate quality findings, issues, and recommendations to supervisors and management.


• Prepare and submit daily reports outlining quality performance, inspections, activities, and corrective actions for sawmill and planer operations.


• Train and support operators in identifying quality issues and ensuring adherence to safety and quality protocols across all manufacturing stages.


• Supervise and ensure compliance with work specifications, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards.


• Comply with all health, safety, and environmental policies and procedures.

You have: 

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in lumber manufacturing operations, including sawmill and/or planer environments.


• Strong understanding of sawmill and planer processes, lumber manufacturing flow, optimization systems, and quality‑related performance metrics.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to analyze data and identify trends.


• High attention to detail and accuracy in measurement, grading, and defect identification.


• Effective communication skills with the ability to work with management, customers, vendors, inspectors, contractors, and coworkers.


• Proficient in basic computer applications; intermediate experience with Microsoft Excel and Word preferred.


• Grading Ticket Certification.


• Technical training is considered an asset.

What We Offer:

• Competitive base salary with an annual bonus opportunity. The typical salary range for this position may vary depending on location, education, and relevant experience.


• Comprehensive benefits: including medical, dental, and vision coverage, pension and saving plans, life, disability, and accident insurance, vacation time, paid holidays and additional benefits to support your well-being.

Your Workplace Location:

Experience the allure of Edson, Alberta, with this exciting opportunity in the heart of Yellowhead County. Located just an hour east of Jasper National Park and approximately 2.5 hours from Edmonton, Edson offers a vibrant community of 8,000 residents surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Explore the endless outdoor recreational activities and charming local attractions that Edson has to offer. Embrace small-town living at its finest and discover the warmth of community spirit. Join us in Edson and make mountain living your reality. Discover more at:  https://www.edson.ca/

About Us:

West Fraser offers exciting career paths in trades, operations, professional services, engineering and forestry across more than 50 locations in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe. 

From lumber to engineered wood products, West Fraser delivers high-quality, naturally renewable building materials to the world. In all aspects of our business, we’re committed to responsible product sourcing and harvesting practices, backed by globally-recognized forest certifications. 

Diversity:  

At West Fraser, we strongly believe promoting diversity and inclusion is essential to our success. Our commitment to creating inclusive workplaces is reflected in our core values, and we constantly strive to foster a culture that values and respects every individual’s unique background and perspective. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to be a part of a team dedicated to shaping a brighter future by embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. Join our team at West Fraser and help us build a more diverse and inclusive community.

Sustainability:

West Fraser is fully committed to sustainable forest management as defined in our environmental policy, which is reflected in every aspect of our work. We adopt new technologies and innovations to create exceptional building materials. Wood products are a natural, renewable, recyclable, and environmentally sustainable choice for consumers who prioritize sustainability.

Sustainability Report | West Fraser

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