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Our Culture
Boston Lumber is more than a lumber company. We are a team of people who believe that the most beautiful wood in the world has already been harvested — it just needs to be found, rescued, and given a second chance. Our work has a tangible environmental impact, and that gives every day meaning. When you see the numbers at our monthly sustainability briefings — trees preserved, tons of carbon offset, board feet diverted from landfills — you feel it. This is not abstract; it is real, measurable, and directly tied to the work you do.
We are based at 37 Linden St in Medford, Massachusetts, where our facility includes a salvage yard, kiln, and milling operation. Our team is hands-on, collaborative, and driven by a shared love of wood, sustainability, and honest work. We are small enough that everyone knows everyone, but growing fast enough that there are real opportunities for people who want to take on more responsibility and advance their careers.
We work hard, but we also respect boundaries. Our standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM, with Saturday hours for customer-facing roles. Overtime is available during busy seasons but never mandatory. We believe that well-rested, engaged team members produce better work — and in our business, the quality of the work is everything.
Craftsmanship
We take pride in the quality of our work. Every board is inspected, every cut is precise, and every customer interaction reflects our commitment to excellence. We do not cut corners because the wood itself has already proven its worth over decades.
Sustainability
Environmental responsibility is the foundation of our business. Every piece of wood we salvage is one less tree harvested and one less load sent to landfill. We track our environmental impact with real numbers and share those numbers openly.
Integrity
We are honest about our products, pricing, and capabilities. If a piece of wood is not right for your project, we will tell you, even if it means losing a sale. Our reputation depends on trust, and we earn that trust one interaction at a time.
Collaboration
We are a small team that works closely together. Everyone's input matters, from the salvage crew to the sales team. The best ideas often come from the people closest to the wood, and we make sure those voices are heard.
What It's Like
A Day in the Life
Salvage Crew Member
Lumber Grader
Mill Operator
Benefits & Perks
We invest in our team because they are the heart of everything we do
Health & Wellness
- Medical insurance with employer contribution toward premiums
- Dental and vision insurance
- Paid time off: 2 weeks starting, increasing with tenure
- Paid sick leave: 5 days per year
- Employee assistance program for counseling and support services
Growth & Learning
- Hands-on training with experienced lumber professionals
- NHLA grading certification support (tuition paid by company)
- OSHA safety certification training provided
- Cross-training opportunities across departments
- Clear career advancement pathways from entry to senior roles
Financial Benefits
- Competitive hourly and salaried compensation
- Overtime opportunities during busy seasons
- Annual performance bonuses based on company and individual performance
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to salvage sites
- Tool allowance for operations and processing team members
Work Environment
- Work with unique, historic materials daily
- Collaborative, small-team culture where every voice matters
- Employee lumber discount program (cost + 10% on all species)
- Outdoor work environment with variety — no two days are the same
- Direct environmental impact: every day your work saves trees and reduces waste
Safety & Equipment
- All PPE provided at no cost: steel-toe boots allowance, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves
- Comprehensive safety training program with regular refresher courses
- Zero-tolerance safety culture with management commitment
- Modern, well-maintained equipment across all processing stations
- Weekly safety briefings and open reporting for near-misses and concerns
Sustainability Impact
- Direct contribution to environmental conservation every single day
- Measurable impact: trees saved, waste diverted, carbon offset
- Be part of the circular economy movement in construction
- Monthly sustainability briefings showing team impact metrics
- Annual tree planting events and community environmental programs
Career Development
Growth Paths & Training
We believe in promoting from within and investing in our team's professional development. Here are the typical career paths and training opportunities at Boston Lumber.
Operations Track
The operations track develops hands-on expertise in material recovery, processing, and quality control. Team members gain experience across multiple stations before specializing.
Sales & Customer Relations Track
The sales track builds deep product knowledge alongside customer relationship skills. Starting in customer service ensures a solid foundation in species, grades, and applications.
Available Certifications
We sponsor professional certifications that advance both your career and our operational capabilities. Certification costs, study materials, and exam fees are covered by the company.
Internship Program
Our internship program introduces students to the reclaimed lumber industry while providing meaningful work experience. Interns participate in real projects, not busywork.
Current Openings
We are actively hiring for the following positions
Lumber Grader & Inspector
We are looking for an experienced lumber grader to join our operations team. You will be responsible for inspecting, grading, and sorting incoming reclaimed lumber based on species, quality, moisture content, and usability. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of NHLA grading standards and hands-on experience working with reclaimed or salvaged wood. This role is the cornerstone of our quality assurance process — every board that leaves our yard passes through the grading team, and the accuracy of your work directly impacts customer satisfaction and our reputation for consistency.
Responsibilities
Grade and sort reclaimed lumber according to NHLA standards and our internal quality guidelines
Identify wood species by sight, grain pattern, weight, and physical characteristics
Test moisture content using pin-type and pinless meters, documenting readings per batch
Document grading results and maintain accurate inventory records in our tracking system
Inspect incoming salvage loads and assess overall quality, species mix, and estimated yield
Coordinate with the processing team on material preparation requirements and processing priority
Train junior team members on species identification and grading procedures
Participate in weekly quality calibration sessions to maintain grading consistency across the team
Qualifications
3+ years of experience in lumber grading or wood products inspection
Familiarity with NHLA grading rules for hardwoods
Ability to identify 10+ common North American wood species by sight
Comfortable with physical work: lifting boards, standing for extended periods
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Experience with reclaimed or salvaged wood is highly preferred
Comfort with moisture meters, calipers, and basic measurement tools
Sawyer / Mill Operator
We need a skilled sawyer to operate our milling equipment and process reclaimed lumber to customer specifications. You will work with a variety of species, dimensions, and conditions — from rough-sawn barn boards to large structural beams. This role requires precision, safety awareness, and a respect for the unique qualities of reclaimed wood. You will operate band saws, planers, resaws, moulders, and table saws daily, transforming raw salvaged material into clean, graded, ready-to-use lumber that meets our exacting quality standards.
Responsibilities
Operate band saws, planers, moulders, and table saws safely and efficiently
Mill reclaimed lumber to customer specifications including custom dimensions and profiles
Set up and calibrate machinery for each job based on species, thickness, and profile requirements
Inspect milled output for quality, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish
Perform routine maintenance on all mill equipment including blade changes and lubrication
Follow all safety protocols including lockout/tagout procedures and PPE requirements
Monitor and maintain dust collection system performance
Collaborate with grading team to optimize material yield from each board
Qualifications
2+ years of experience operating sawmill or woodworking machinery
Knowledge of wood properties and how different species machine differently
Ability to read and interpret cut lists and customer specifications
Strong commitment to workplace safety including OSHA awareness
Physically fit: able to lift 75+ lbs and work on your feet all day
Experience with reclaimed or salvaged wood is a plus
Mechanical aptitude for basic equipment troubleshooting and maintenance
Sales & Customer Relations Specialist
Join our growing sales team and help connect customers with the perfect reclaimed lumber for their projects. You will manage inbound quote requests, develop relationships with contractors, architects, and designers, and guide customers through species selection, grading, and ordering. A passion for sustainability and knowledge of wood products is essential. This role is the primary interface between our operation and our customers — your ability to understand project requirements, recommend the right materials, and communicate clearly will directly drive customer satisfaction and business growth.
Responsibilities
Respond to quote requests within one business day via email at info@boston-lumber.com
Consult with customers on species, grade, moisture content, and volume selection
Build and maintain relationships with contractors, architects, and designers across New England
Create detailed quotes with species, dimensions, grade, quantity, pricing, and estimated lead times
Coordinate with operations on inventory availability, processing schedules, and delivery logistics
Represent Boston Lumber at trade shows, design expos, and industry events
Provide LEED documentation support for customers pursuing green building certifications
Manage customer follow-up and feedback collection for continuous improvement
Qualifications
2+ years of sales experience, preferably in building materials or lumber
Strong knowledge of wood species, grades, and common applications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Self-motivated with ability to manage multiple customer relationships simultaneously
Proficiency with CRM software and email communication tools
Passion for sustainability and reclaimed materials
Valid driver's license for occasional site visits and trade show travel
Salvage & Deconstruction Crew Member
Be part of the team that saves wood from demolition. Our salvage crew carefully deconstructs buildings, barns, and industrial structures to recover reusable lumber. This is physically demanding, rewarding work that makes a direct environmental impact. You will travel to salvage sites across Massachusetts and neighboring states, working alongside experienced crew members to carefully disassemble structures and recover the maximum amount of reusable material. Every board you save is one less load in a landfill and one more tree that stays in the forest.
Responsibilities
Participate in building deconstruction operations with a focus on material preservation
Carefully remove lumber, beams, flooring, and other reusable wood materials by hand and with power tools
De-nail, sort, and stack salvaged lumber for transport back to our facility
Operate hand and power tools safely in demolition environments
Load and secure materials for transport following DOT load securement standards
Follow all OSHA safety requirements at demolition and salvage sites
Identify wood species and assess material quality during on-site recovery
Communicate with demolition contractors and site supervisors on scheduling and access
Qualifications
Experience in construction, demolition, or similar physical labor
Comfortable working at heights and in varied weather conditions
Valid driver's license (CDL is a plus but not required)
Ability to lift 100+ lbs repeatedly throughout the workday
Reliability and punctuality — salvage schedules depend on the full team showing up
Genuine interest in recycling, sustainability, or historic preservation
Basic understanding of building construction and structural systems
Kiln Operator & Wood Drying Technician
Manage our on-site kiln operation and ensure all reclaimed lumber is dried to the correct moisture content for its intended application. This role requires an understanding of wood science, patience for process monitoring, and attention to the details that make the difference between properly dried lumber and material that will fail in service. You will be responsible for loading the kiln, programming drying schedules, monitoring conditions throughout each cycle, and verifying final moisture content before material moves to inventory.
Responsibilities
Load and unload the kiln according to species, thickness, and drying requirements
Program kiln schedules based on species characteristics, starting MC, and target MC
Monitor temperature, humidity, and wood moisture content throughout each drying cycle
Maintain kiln logs documenting cycle parameters, batch information, and final MC readings
Perform routine kiln maintenance including sensor calibration, heating element inspection, and ventilation checks
Coordinate with grading team on batch priorities and inventory flow
Ensure ISPM-15 heat treatment certification requirements are met for applicable batches
Troubleshoot drying defects (checking, case hardening, honeycombing) and adjust schedules accordingly
Qualifications
Experience with kiln drying operations or wood science background
Understanding of moisture dynamics in different wood species
Comfort with instrumentation: moisture meters, thermocouples, humidity sensors
Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records over multi-day cycles
Physical ability to load and unload lumber in a confined kiln environment
Problem-solving skills for diagnosing and preventing drying defects
Delivery Driver & Logistics Coordinator
Drive our delivery fleet and help coordinate the logistics of getting reclaimed lumber from our yard to customer job sites safely and on time. This role combines skilled driving with customer service and material handling. You will operate flatbed trucks and box trucks on regional delivery routes, interact directly with customers at delivery sites, and help maintain our sub-1% transit damage rate through proper load securement practices.
Responsibilities
Operate flatbed trucks and box trucks safely on regional delivery routes across New England
Load and secure lumber for transport following DOT standards with proper blocking, bracing, and strapping
Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections per DOT requirements
Interact professionally with customers at delivery sites, obtaining signed bills of lading
Coordinate with sales team on delivery scheduling, routing, and customer communication
Maintain vehicle cleanliness and report maintenance needs promptly
Assist with material handling in the yard when not on delivery runs
Navigate tight job site access and position loads for efficient unloading
Qualifications
Valid Class B CDL (Class A preferred but not required)
Clean driving record with no DUI/DWI convictions
2+ years of flatbed or lumber delivery experience preferred
Knowledge of DOT load securement regulations
Physical ability to assist with loading and unloading (up to 100 lbs)
Professional demeanor and strong customer service skills
Familiarity with New England roads and construction site navigation
What to Expect
Our Interview Process
Application Review
Send your resume and a brief cover letter to info@boston-lumber.com with the job title in the subject line. We review every application within one week and respond to all candidates, whether selected for an interview or not.
Initial Conversation
A 20-30 minute conversation (in person or video call) with our hiring manager. We will discuss your background, interest in reclaimed lumber, and what you are looking for in a role. This is also your chance to ask questions about the company.
Facility Visit & Working Interview
For operations roles, a 2-4 hour working interview at our 37 Linden St facility where you shadow a team member and try your hand at relevant tasks. For sales roles, a scenario-based interview where you walk through a sample customer consultation. We want to see how you work, and we want you to see what the job is actually like.
Offer & Onboarding
If it is a mutual fit, we extend a written offer typically within 3-5 business days of the working interview. Onboarding includes safety training, equipment orientation, species identification training, and a buddy system pairing you with an experienced team member for your first month.
Diversity & Inclusion
Boston Lumber is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
The reclaimed lumber industry has historically lacked diversity, and we are committed to changing that. We actively recruit from underrepresented communities, partner with vocational programs that serve diverse populations, and maintain workplace policies that ensure everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.
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