Hardwood Matters - National Hardwood Lumber Association

INSIDE NHLANHLA CHIEF INSPECTOR JOB OPENINGThe National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee is currently seeking a Chief Inspector.The National Hardwood Lumber Association was originally founded in 1898 to establish a uniform system of grading rules for themeasurement and inspection of hardwood lumber. More than a century after origination, the NHLA standards and rules that were oncedeveloped to ease regional trade, are now employed worldwide for the same reason.NHLA employs a full-time staff of highly trained hardwood lumber inspectors in the U.S. and Canada who work to help evaluate, educateand train employees in inspection rules to improve their grading competency. NHLA Inspectors can also inspect lumber prior to shipmentto protect the shipper against complaints, inspect lumber at its destination to monitor incoming quality for a buyer and serve as impartialexperts to settle disputes between buyer and seller.The Chief Inspector is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NHLA Inspection Services Department, Heat Treatment Programand Kiln-Drying Certification Program. The Chief Inspector has the final say in all grading rules interpretations, grade disputes, andadministration of the Sales Code Enforcement Guidelines and the Hardwood Claims Bureau.The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:■ 10+ years of lumber grading experience in green, kiln-dried and surfaced lumber, including a wide variety of hardwood species■ Graduate of the NHLA Inspector Training School■ Proficient knowledge of the NHLA hardwood lumber grading rules and sales code■ Supervisor background including the development and maintenance of budgets■ Previous purchasing and sales experience is helpful■ Superior communications skills including writing and public speaking■ Ability to be a team player and work independently■ Proficiency in Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Word and Excel■ College degree or previous experience as a NHLA National Inspector is preferredThe Chief Inspector:■ Will supervise all national field inspectors and Heat Treatment Program staff■ Is required to develop all departmental budgets, monitor costs and expenses■ Will be required to travel throughout the country to provide in-house training or short courses for members and nonmembers, performre-inspections when necessary and assist national inspectors to ensure grade accuracy■ Will act as a substitute instructor, as needed, for the Inspector Training School in Memphis■ Acts as staff liaison to the Rules & Inspection Services Committee■ Will coordinate and conduct meetings, seminars and open forums regarding the Rules & Inspection Services during the NHLA AnnualConvention or wherever needed■ Will work with various industry organizations and government entities such as: ALSC and APHIS on projects as neededNHLA offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, life, disability, and 401(k).To apply, please send resume and salary requirements by mail, fax or email to the attention of Mark Barford, Executive Director.National Hardwood Lumber AssociationPO Box 34518 | Memphis, TN 38184-0518901-377-1082 | 901-382-6419 (fax) | m.barford@nhla.com8 MAY 2010 HARDWOOD MATTERS WWW.NHLA.COM