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Equipment Operator, Feller Buncher Operator, Forestry Equipment Operator, Forwarder Operator, Log Loader Operator, Portable Chipper Operator, Processor Operator, Skidder Operator, Tree Cutter
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
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Logging / forestry equipment operators perform a broad range of logging operations to harvest timber. They use machines to convert standing trees into forms suitable to be transported in log-haul trucks for use in mills.
Logging / forestry equipment operators work in natural settings to meet environmental, log quality and utilization standards. The complex machines they operate may require manipulating levers and foot pedals and using onboard computers to monitor and control operations.
Depending on the harvesting method, several logging / forestry equipment operators may be required at each logging site. These may include:
Working with logging / forestry equipment requires skill and concentration. To operate increasingly sophisticated equipment, operators also monitor on-board computers that illustrate machine health, productivity and location in the operating area. 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 in the field.
Logging / forestry equipment operators may work primarily in comfortable cabs, or outdoors in noisy environments and 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. Occasionally they 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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Logging/forestry equipment operators need:
Operators should enjoy driving and operating heavy equipment, having clear rules and organized methods for their work, and servicing machinery.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 66 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Oct 29, 2021 and Apr 18, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Type of Harvesting: Saw log harvesting | 32 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 25 |
| Assist other logging and forestry workers | 25 |
| Work Site Environment: Outdoors | 23 |
| Equipment and Machinery Experience: Log processor | 23 |
| Write daily basic progress reports | 23 |
| Type of Logging: Clear cutting (patch logging) | 23 |
| Personal Suitability: Organized | 22 |
| Type of Harvesting: Pulpwood harvesting | 22 |
| Personal Suitability: Judgement | 21 |
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 6 months. Peak productivity usually takes 1 to 5 years operating. On-the-job training may be supplemented by a few weeks of training sponsored by an equipment manufacturer. Besides equipment training, operators will complete environmental management system training annually. This may be in person, self-study, or online.
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.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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 year-round, 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 ones or move into operating other heavy-duty equipment such as backhoes, crawler tractors, scarifiers and graders. For more information, see the Heavy Equipment Operator occupational profile. Those with 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.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 8241: Logging machinery operators occupational group, 80.0% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 8241: Logging machinery operators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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, which means their pay is based on the volume and quality of work performed.
Logging / forestry equipment operators are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 8241: Logging machinery operators.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Logging machinery operators occupational group earned on average from $27.57 to $40.41 an hour. The overall average was $33.85 an hour. For more information, see the Logging machinery operators wage profile.
Woodlands Operations Learning Foundation website: www.w-o-l-f.ca
Work Wild website: www.workwild.ca
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Updated Mar 04, 2021. 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.
