A native of Sainte-Anne, New Brunswick, Daniel Thibodeau began working with J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) in the summer of 1995 as a student labourer at the St. Leonard Sawmill in northwestern NB. Twenty years later, he is now the Production Planner/Shipping Superintendent at the same sawmill.  Through JDI, he has been able to further his education and advance his career, all while staying close to home. 

In 1998, Daniel received his Biotechnology Diploma from The Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) at the Centre for Excellence in Agricultural and Biotechnological Sciences in Grand Falls. The following year, he became a Forestry Technician after attending Maritime College of Forest Technology in Bathurst, NB where he completed a co-op work term with JDI at the sawmill. 

Daniel Thibodeau, Production Planner, J.D. Irving, Limited

Soon after graduation, Daniel became a full-time employee with JDI at the St. Leonard Sawmill, where he began his career as a student years earlier. Daniel’s career has continued to progress – his roles with the company have included: Planer Supervisor, Quality Control, Process Improvement, Boiler Room and Dried Kiln Supervisor, and currently, Production Planner/Shipping Superintendent. As a Production Planner, Daniel evaluates Sawmill production five weeks in advance in order to plan for distribution and sales.

Daniel enjoys the challenges that accompany his job. “Each week I am presented with new challenges. It’s fun to set new goals each week and work to attain them."

Having two young children, it means everything to Daniel to be able to work just minutes from his home. “JDI means a lot to my family and me. My father worked here for 25 years and I have two boys – maybe someday this will be the place where they will work, too."

Interested in growing a career like Daniel’s? Visit our Careers Page to learn more about career opportunities right here at home.