Logging/Forestry Equipment Operators

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Cable Yarding System Operators (8241.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Logging Machinery Operators (I151) 
• 2011 NOC: Logging machinery operators (8241) 

Logging/forestry equipment operators perform a broad range of logging operations to mechanically harvest timber (convert standing trees into forms suitable for haul truck transportation and use in mills). They operate complex machines in natural settings to meet environmental, log quality and utilization standards. Operating these machines may require manipulating levers and foot pedals, or using onboard computers to monitor and control operations.

Depending on the harvesting method being used, several logging/forestry equipment operators may be required at each logging site:

• Feller-buncher operatorsoperate tracked, backhoe-like machines that cut trees at the base and pile them in bunches in preparation for being moved elsewhere.
• Delimber operatorsoperate machines that remove log defects and limbs from felled trees and buck logs to meet required specifications.
• Harvesters operate machines that can fell, de-limb and cut trees into logs of full or shortwood lengths. The logs are then bunched into piles for delivery to roadsides.
• Skidder operators operate rubber tired, four wheel drive machines that are used to move trees from the harvest area to the roadside and pile trees in a way that allows easy access for delimber or process operators.
• Processor operators operate machines that de-limb and process trees at the roadside. This usually involves stripping limbs, cutting logs into predetermined lengths and piling them for loading.
• Forwarder operators load and carry logs over undeveloped trailsto the roadside.
• Log loader operators raise logs as smoothly and accurately as possible and place them on log haul trucks to form balanced loads within legal axle-weight limits. Once the logs are at the mill, log load operators take the logs off the log haul trucks.
• Portable chipper operators operate machines which reduce whole trees, at the harvest site road side, to chips and blow them into tractor-trailer units. The chips are then hauled to pulp or paper manufacturing plants.

Working with logging/forestry equipment requires skill and concentration. To operate increasingly sophisticated equipment, operators must have the knowledge required to make harvesting decisions that can have a long term impact on the forest. For example, tree processor operators must know about log quality and be able to interpret printouts generated by onboard computers. They also must be able to maintain complex equipment. Operators should also have basic mechanic skills to run pre-checks on equipment before operations start, or to perform minor repairs on equipment when at field.  

Logging/forestry equipment operators may work primarily in comfortable cabs or outdoors in noisy environments or extreme weather conditions. They may work on steep, wet or uneven terrain.  Maintenance and minor repairs are commonly conducted on the machines in these outdoor environments. Operators regularly lift items weighing up to 10 kilograms and occasionally are required to manually lift loads weighing up to 20 kilograms.

Hours of work may include 12 hour shifts and night shifts. Operators may commute daily to the logging site or be away from home for periods of a week or more in isolated logging camps.

Logging/forestry equipment operators are exposed to hazards associated with operating heavy equipment and working in a forest environment. Health and safety risks have been greatly reduced through advances in technology, safety engineering and operating procedures.

Logging/forestry equipment operators need the following characteristics:

• strength and stamina
• good hand-eye co-ordination
• the ability to judge distances accurately
• the ability to remain alert while performing repetitious tasks
• the ability to make quick decisions
• an interest in working in a forest environment
• the ability to work out of the sight of co-workers but effectively as members of a small, interdependent production team
• the communication skills required to pass oral exams and handle the required paper work.

Operators should enjoy driving and operating heavy equipment, having clear rules and organized methods for their work, and servicing machinery.

Logging/forestry equipment operators are employed by:

• logging contractors
• forestry and lumber companies
• pulp and paper companies
• oil and gas companies (for right-of-way cutting).

Logging/forestry equipment operators often work on a seasonal basis in Alberta, usually from September/October to March/April (depending on the arrival/departure of frost and how wet the ground is). Private contractors may work on a year round basis depending on the method of logging and where cut blocks are located. Many companies combine their logging operations with other heavy equipment work to create year round employment.

Operators may advance from operating simpler machines to more complex machines, or move into operating other heavy duty equipment such as backhoes, crawler tractors, scarifiers and graders (for more information, see the Heavy Equipment Operator profile). Those who have several years of work experience and demonstrated leadership abilities may advance to crew foreman and supervisory positions. Some purchase their own equipment and become private contractors.

Logging/forestry equipment operators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 8241: Logging Machinery Operators. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries: 

• Forestry and Logging with Support Activities (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Transportation and Warehousing (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• time of year (see above)
• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Woodlands Operations Learning Foundation website: www.w-o-l-f.ca

WorkWild website: www.workwild.ca/

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.