Wood drying kiln operators control the process of applying heat to moist or 'green' wood in order to obtain usable dry wood. Depending on the type of kiln, the drying operator will be responsible for moving the wood into and out of the kiln, temperature control, and ventilation.

Tasks

Tasks include -
(a) Operating and tending kilns, treating tanks and other equipment to dry lumber, prepare and season wood and other wood products, and to impregnate wood products with preservatives;
(b) Monitoring equipment operation, gauges, and panel lights in order to detect deviations from standards and to ensure that processes are operating according to specifications;
(c) Operating valves to admit treating solution into treatment vessels, maintain specified heat, vacuum and hydraulic pressure and level of solution during each phase of treatment cycle;
(d) Activating vacuum and hydraulic pressure pumps that remove air and steam from retort and force treating solution into pores of wood to accelerate treatment process;
(e) Assisting in maintaining processing equipment and machines as required;
(f) Cleaning, lubricating and adjusting equipment;
(g) Transporting materials and products to and from work areas, manually or using carts, handtrucks, or hoists;
(h) Completing and maintaining production reports.