Lumber steaming worker
いたざいじょうかんこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
This occupation heats lumber boards with steam to adjust and stabilize moisture content, preventing deformation and cracking, and improving processing quality in subsequent steps.
Description
Lumber steaming workers at sawmills or wood product factories place boards into steam chambers (steaming kilns) and perform heat treatment at appropriate temperatures and humidity to uniformize moisture inside the wood and suppress warping and cracking. This is a specialized profession. Tasks include operating steam boilers and control panels, measuring with moisture content meters, managing steaming times, and post-processing quality inspections. Handling operations in high-temperature, high-humidity environments, safety and hygiene management are required, as well as understanding processing conditions based on wood types and uses.
Future Outlook
While automation and labor-saving technologies in wood processing are advancing, demand for craftsmen with traditional skills remains stable. Wood utilization is gaining attention due to rising environmental awareness.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Career Path
Wood processing operator → Sawmill worker → Quality control staff → Site supervisor
Required Skills
Machine operation (steaming kiln) / Moisture content measurement / Safety and health management / Steam boiler operation
Recommended Skills
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Detailed condition management is necessary to adjust to the appropriate moisture content. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Frequent loading into steam chambers and work in high-temperature and high-humidity environments require physical stamina. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Because work procedures are routine and novel ideas are not particularly required. |
Related Qualifications
- Forklift operation skills training
Related Jobs
- Dried lumber inspector
- Plywood press worker
- Sawmill worker