Softwood Lumber Grader / Sawmill Quality Supervisor (Visual Grading)

Pay: $20 - $60/hour

Role Title: Softwood Lumber Grader / Sawmill Quality Supervisor (Visual Grading)

Role Type: Contractor

micro1 is engaging Softwood Lumber Grader / Sawmill Quality Supervisor (Visual Grading) experts to contribute their highly specialized visual grading skills and sawmill quality control experience to a customer's project. In this role, you'll apply your expertise to help train next-generation AI systems. Your work will shape how models learn, reason, and perform through high-quality, real-world input. No prior experience in AI is required — your domain knowledge is what matters. The assignment focuses on evaluating and providing detailed, rule-based feedback on softwood lumber grades, defects, and quality control cases. If you have current or recent grading agency certification and hands-on knowledge of NLGA, WWPA, SPIB, or WCLIB standards, this is an excellent opportunity to leverage your expertise while working remotely.

Scope of Work

• Review and assess descriptions and images of sawn softwood lumber for accurate visual grading according to published rules (NLGA, WWPA, SPIB, WCLIB).
• Identify and measure lumber defects including knots, wane, checks, shake, and warp, and determine corresponding grade limits.
• Make clear grade calls on sample pieces based on rulebook criteria, documenting the decision-making process in writing.
• Evaluate grade stamping accuracy and provide feedback on proper application and compliance.
• Analyze grade recovery and quality control scenarios, offering insight into optimization possibilities.
• Reference the specific rule(s) that justify each grade decision, ensuring technical rigor.
• Deliver written and verbal explanations for decisions to support AI model training and development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active or recent certification as a softwood lumber grader or sawmill quality control supervisor from a recognized agency (e.g., NLGA, WWPA, SPIB, WCLIB).
• Demonstrated expertise in visual lumber grading and defect identification across common softwood species.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply industry grading rules with confidence and accuracy.
• Experience providing written and verbal feedback or training on quality standards.
• Familiarity with grade stamping procedures, grade recovery metrics, and quality control best practices.
• Strong attention to detail, technical documentation skills, and ability to articulate decisions clearly.
• Recent practical experience in a sawmill environment is highly valued.