Wood Products Industry
The Wood Products Industry transforms raw logs and biomass from forest treatments into value-added goods like lumber, engineered wood, mulch, pellets, biochar, or renewable energy. Workers in this sector power local economies while helping scale ecological restoration by giving value to the byproducts of fuels treatment. Jobs span mill operations, fabrication, wood processing, and product innovation. This is a dynamic sector with growing opportunities in sustainable building materials (e.g. mass timber), carbon-negative products, and bioenergy.
Industry Insights
A high-level pulse check on talent demand, projected growth, compensation, and how work typically happens across this pathway.
Estimated employment nationwide in 2024
BLS job outlook (2024–2034)
Mid-career annual salary (nationwide median)
How the work is typically performed
Peak demand and work cadence
Active openings across the FireUp network
Career Pathways & Progression
Position Responsibilities
Learn safety protocols and assist with basic wood handling or mill tasks.
Job Types & Titles
- Mill Assistant
- Wood Handler
- Biomass Sorter
- Kiln Helper
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
HS diploma / Forklift cert (optional)
Certifications
OSHA safety, forklift certification
Experience
0 years
Position Responsibilities
Operate saws, mills, or kilns; maintain equipment; ensure product quality.
Job Types & Titles
- Sawmill Operator
- Wood Processing Technician
- Biochar Kiln Operator
- Engineered Wood Cutter
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
Trade Cert, OSHA, Saw Tech Cert
Certifications
Trade certification, OSHA, saw technician certification
Experience
1-3 years
Position Responsibilities
Design processes, manage procurement, innovate products, oversee QA.
Job Types & Titles
- Quality Control Manager
- Wood Procurement Forester
- Process Engineer (Mass Timber, CLT)
- Sustainable Materials Specialist
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
AS/BS in Wood Science, Forestry, or Manufacturing
Certifications
Quality management, wood science certifications
Experience
3-5 years
Position Responsibilities
Lead mill operations, oversee workforce, budgets, and supply chain systems.
Job Types & Titles
- Plant Manager
- Director of Product Innovation
- VP of Wood Operations
- Timber & Biomass Product Lead
Qualifications Snapshot
Education
BS/MS in Industrial Eng., Business, or Forestry
Certifications
PMP, Six Sigma, MBA
Experience
7-10+ years
Who Hires Wood Products Industry Professionals?
Explore leading organizations in this field and discover career opportunities.
Weyerhaeuser
Georgia-Pacific
West Fraser
Boise Cascade
Sierra Pacific Industries
Freres Engineered Wood
Timberlab
Enviva Biomass
Drax Group
U.S. Forest Service
Oregon Wood Innovation Center
TallWood Design Institute
Education & Certification
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Academic Programs
Professional Certifications
Microcredentials & Specialized Training
Words from the Field
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Jobs in Wood Products Industry
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