94123

Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders

TEER 4 — High-school diploma or several weeks of training

Express Entry skill level: No
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Manufacturing & utilities

9 › 94 › 941 › 9412

Definition

Lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders inspect and grade lumber, shingles, veneer, waferboard and similar wood products to identify defects, ensure conformance to company specifications and classify products according to industry standards. They are employed by sawmills, planing mills, wood treatment plants, waferboard plants and other wood processing companies.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Lumber graders
Examine lumber visually for knots, holes, splits and other defects and sort for further drying, trimming or remanufacturing
Measure lumber using callipers, gauges and tape measures to ensure specified thickness, length and width
Classify and sort lumber according to industry standards and stamp lumber to indicate grade, wood type, moisture level and other characteristics
Tally lumber
Complete and maintain reports.
Other wood processing inspectors and graders
Inspect plywood panels, veneer sheets, panelboards, shingles and similar wood products visually for knots, holes, splits, straightness and other defects
Mark defects and sort for repair or reprocessing
Measure wood products to ensure conformance to specifications using standard measuring instruments
Grade and label wood products according to quality standards
Complete and maintain inspection and grading reports.

Example job titles

•grader - wood processing
•grader tallyman/woman - wood processing
•lumber grader
•particleboard grader - wood processing
•plywood grader
•plywood inspector
•veneer grader
•wood measurer

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, NOC 94123 comprises lumber graders and other wood processing inspectors and graders. These professionals inspect and grade lumber, shingles, veneer, panelboards, and various other wood products to ensure they meet established industry standards and quality specifications. They are primarily employed by sawmills, planing mills, wood treatment plants, veneer and plywood plants, and other wood processing facilities across Canada.

Essential duties for this TEER 4 occupation include examining wood products visually or utilizing grading equipment, marking grades on lumber, classifying products according to recognized industry grading rules, and maintaining detailed inspection records. Employment requirements typically include the completion of secondary school, on-the-job training, and several months of experience as a wood processing operator or labourer. Provincial grading certificates are frequently required for lumber graders to practice professionally within specific jurisdictions.

Since NOC 94123 is classified as a TEER 4 occupation, candidates seeking Canadian permanent residency may explore specific pathways tailored to intermediate-skilled workers. These options often include designated streams under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), depending on regional labour demands and individual eligibility requirements. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official immigration guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.