Logging Machinery Operators
(NOC 8241)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningLogging 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 work for logging companies and contractors.
Job Outlook
Limited
Read more
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$22.00
Median$27.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,704
Minimum$43,644
Median$76,652
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$18.00
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
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 work for logging companies and contractors.
Job duties
Logging machinery operators:
- 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 complete a combination of felling, slashing, bucking, bunching, and forwarding operations at logging areas.
- Mechanical tree processor and loader operators use a variety of machines that 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
- 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 like 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. Movement to logging and forestry supervisory positions is possible with experience
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
$47,981 median annual incomeSouthern
$43,694 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$29,307 median annual incomeCape Breton
N/AHalifax
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
55-64
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
15-24
55-64
35-44
25-34
Top levels of education
High school
$25,022 median annual incomeLess than high school
$49,068 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
N/ABachelor
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment like crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, rigging devices, hoists, and jacks. They include courses in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, and backfilling, clearing and excavating.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Various, NS
Falmouth, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.