Logging Machinery Operators

Nature of work

Logging machinery operators operate cable yarding systems, mechanical harvesters and forwarders and mechanical tree processors and loaders to fell, yard and process trees at logging sites. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.

Job duties

Logging machinery operators perform some or all of the following duties:

• Cable yarding system operators operate machines to transport trees from logging areas to landing or log loading sites in mountainous terrain in western Canada.
• Mechanical harvester and forwarder operators assess site and terrain and drive heavy equipment to perform a combination of felling, slashing, bucking, bunching and forwarding operations at logging areas.
• Mechanical tree processor and loader operators operate a variety of machines which perform a combination of slashing, bucking, chipping, sorting and loading logs or trees at landing sites.

Sample job titles

• bunk skidder operator
• log loading machine operator
• log processor operator
• logging truck loader
• mechanical harvester operator - logging
• mechanical tree processor operator - logging
• pulpwood harvester operator
• tree processor operator - logging

Skills

You must be alert and responsible. An awareness of safety is important. You should enjoy working outdoors and be prepared to spend time in isolation. Physical stamina and coordination are needed.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school may be required.
• On-the-job training from three to 16 months is provided, depending on the complexity of machinery operated and the type of woodlands operation.
• Experience requirements vary depending on the complexity of machinery operated.
• Mechanical harvester and forwarder operators may require logging experience as a chain saw and skidder operator.
• Feller buncher operators and cable yarder operators usually require three to five years of logging experience.
• Mechanical tree processor and loader operators usually require one to three years of logging experience.
• Certification as a heavy equipment operator may be required.
• Company certification for mobile logging machinery operation may be required.
• Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and first aid certificates may be required.
• Knowledge of tree harvesting regulations is required.

Other considerations

Workers in this group spend their time outdoors and are vulnerable to all kinds of weather conditions. They should be prepared to spend their days at a noisy work site that may also be dusty or muddy. Logging machinery operators are exposed to vibration and very hazardous situations, such as moving logs, snapping cables and falling trees. Over long periods of time, hearing may be impaired by the high noise levels of harvesting operations if safety precautions are not taken. Long working hours are often required, particularly during peak operating seasons.

Employment in the logging industry can vary significantly from one year to the next. Therefore, job prospects in these positions will rise and fall along with the industry.

There is some mobility among jobs in this group from the less complex to more complex machinery operation and also between employers, particularly in similar types of woodland operations. Self-employment as a logging contractor is possible with investment in equipment. Progression to logging and forestry supervisory positions is possible with experience

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