Equipment Operator, Forestry Equipment Operator, Forwarder Operator, Log Loader Operator, Portable Chipper Operator, Skidder Operator, Tree Cutter
Interest in driving - operating machines to transport trees from logging areas to landing and log-loading sites in mountainous terrain; and in assisting mechanics with major breakdowns and dismantling equipment
Interest in comparing information to clean and maintain yarder machinery; and in ensuring proper equipment conditions and normal operations
Interest in making minor repairs
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
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:
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:
Operators should enjoy driving and operating heavy equipment, having clear rules and organized methods for their work, and servicing machinery.
There are no formal educational requirements for logging/forestry equipment operator occupations: logging/forestry equipment operators learn their skills through occupation-specific training and while on the job. However, applicants must be able to read manuals and other materials that are written at a Grade 9 reading level.
Before they are allowed on site, new hires may be required to have:
The following qualifications would be definite assets when seeking employment:
Most companies provide on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced, competent worker. The length of the training period varies with the type of machine and the trainee's ability but usually takes about six months. On-the-job training may be supplemented by a few weeks of training sponsored by an equipment manufacturer.
Trained logging/forestry equipment operators must be able to:
A working knowledge of provincial harvesting rules and regulations governing logging is essential to minimize environmental damage.
Because machinery maintenance is required during the off season and when breakdowns occur, operators should have the mechanical skills required to handle minor repairs and recognize major problems.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Logging/forestry equipment operators are employed by:
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:
The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Hourly wages for logging/forestry equipment operators vary depending on the employer and the type of work performed. Some logging/forestry equipment operators work on a piecework basis (their pay is based on the volume and quality of work performed).
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, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Jan 04, 2013. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.