Job Opening Detail

The National Inspector – AI Grader Supervisor will support the National Hardwood Lumber Association’s development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology used in hardwood lumber grading. This position combines the technical expertise of an NHLA National Inspector with responsibility for coordinating AI grader operations, hardwood lumber image annotation, quality control, training, and collaboration with AI grader manufacturers.

The AI Grader Supervisor will work closely with NHLA’s Chief Inspector, National Inspectors, AI grader manufacturers, hardwood lumber producers, and other industry partners to help ensure AI grading systems accurately identify and interpret hardwood lumber defects in accordance with NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules.

In addition to AI-related responsibilities, this position will perform traditional National Inspector duties, including instruction, inspections, grading support, industry education, and travel to mills and other industry facilities.

Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Operate and support participating AI grader manufacturers in AI lumber grading and image annotation systems used by NHLA members.

· Accurately identify and annotate hardwood lumber defects in digital images using NHLA hardwood lumber grading expertise.

· Review AI-generated grading and defect identification for accuracy and consistency.

· Coordinate AI annotation activities performed by NHLA National Inspectors.

· Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to National Inspectors using AI annotation software and related technology.

· Help ensure National Inspectors remain current on AI software, annotation procedures, and quality-control requirements.

· Assist with quality-control reviews of annotated images and identify inconsistencies requiring additional training or review.

· Work with AI grader manufacturers to understand system capabilities, annotation requirements, and areas where NHLA grading expertise is needed.

· Support the operation of AI grader equipment and related technology.

· Participate in software development and process-improvement efforts related to AI defect annotation, tracking, and National Inspector operations.

· Travel to hardwood mills, manufacturers, AI grader companies, and other industry locations to provide training, grading verification, inspections, and technical support.

· Assist mills and AI grader manufacturers with scanning lumber and verifying grading results.

· Coordinate with the Chief Inspector and other NHLA leadership on the implementation and development of the AI grader program.

· Provide instruction and training related to NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and AI-assisted grading.

· Perform other National Inspector responsibilities, including inspections, educational programs, service development, and industry outreach.

· Maintain appropriate records and documentation of AI annotation, training, quality-control, and program activities.

· Support grant reporting by documenting activities, hours, training, travel, and other measurable program outcomes as required.

· Work with AI grading manufacturers to help implement changes and additions to their systems and NHLA grading rules.

· Evaluate AI impacts on NHLA grading rules and the industry.


Performance Expectations
• Maintain accurate and consistent hardwood lumber defect annotations.

• Effectively coordinate and train National Inspectors participating in AI grading and annotation work.

• Ensure quality control and consistent application of NHLA grading standards within AI grading systems.

• Support AI grader manufacturers and participating mills in the successful implementation and continued improvement of AI grading technology.


Supervisory Responsibility
This position oversees the National Inspector AI work but has no direct reports.

Work Environment
This is a field position with significant regional travel. Work is performed in member facilities, including sawmills, distribution yards, office settings, and outdoor environments. The role routinely uses standard office equipment and inspection tools. Industrial environments may involve noise, dust, vibration, and moving equipment.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position that regularly requires extended hours, evenings, weekends, and flexible scheduling based on inspection demands.

Travel
This position requires more than 25% travel, frequently outside the local area and overnight. Extended travel assignments may be required.

AAP / EEO Statement
NHLA provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Other Duties
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time.