Career Center

Your Gateway to Opportunities in the Hardwood Industry

Welcome to the NHLA Career Center, your go-to platform for finding career opportunities in the hardwood industry. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to make a career change, or aiming to take the next step in your professional journey, our job board connects you with top employers and exciting opportunities in a variety of fields.

Explore a curated list of current job openings tailored to a range of career paths within the hardwood industry. With a wealth of roles to choose from, you're sure to find an opportunity that aligns with your skills and career goals.

Take the next step in your career with NHLA by your side. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

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As a benefit of membership, NHLA members have exclusive access to post any open positions within their companies to the NHLA Career Center at no cost. If you are interested in becoming an NHLA member, please visit our Membership Page

Once a job is submitted, it may take up to 48 business hours to appear on the website.

All job listings will remain on the NHLA Job Board for 30 days. To extend an opening, or if you have any questions about the NHLA Career Center or current job listings, please click below.

Careers in Hardwood

Lumber Buyer

Cole Hardwood
Position Description

• Purchase green hardwood species that align with company goals for quality, cost, and timeliness.
• Maintain and manage a large lumber inventory, ensuring proper levels to meet production demand.
• Stay current on market trends, species pricing, and regional availability to make informed purchasing decisions.
• Apply NHLA grading standards to inspect lumber in the field and assess supplier loads for quality and consistency.
• Travel regularly to sawmills to build and maintain vendor relationships, evaluate operations, and inspect inventory.
• Actively work with production and kiln operations to ensure the quality of purchased lumber.
• Manage contracts, databases, purchase records, source lists, and assess supplier performance tracking.
• Monitor supplier compliance with company specifications and expectations for reliability, communication, and product quality.
• Represent the company in a professional manner and always strive to enhance our reputation in the hardwood lumber community.

Skills & Experience Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience purchasing domestic hardwood lumber, with applied knowledge of NHLA grading rules.
• Proven understanding of hardwood terminology, species characteristics, and sawmill operations.
• A four-year degree in an applicable field is preferred—relevant industry experience strongly valued
• Skilled at working independently on multiple priorities, managing time, and delivering consistent results.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including clear documentation and active listening.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (especially Excel); experience with inventory management systems is a plus.
• Ability and willingness to travel regionally to sawmills and supplier sites.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is based on experience and benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance. As well as paid vacation and holidays, company-paid life and disability insurance and 401(k) with company contributions.

How To Apply

Please send all questions, applications & resumes to [email protected]

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