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 are employed by logging companies and contractors.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Logging Machinery Operators most commonly work full-time hours. With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 58% of Logging Machinery Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $49,102. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$19.75
Median$26.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,704
Minimum$43,644
Median$76,652
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$10.85
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
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 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
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?
Northern
Southern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Halifax
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Forestry and Logging
Wood Product Manufacturing
Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
25-34
65+
35-44
15-24
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$25,022 median annual incomeLess than high school
$49,068 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$14,445 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,229 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,289 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,107 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$15,980 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Construction/heavy equipment/earthmoving equipment operation
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate and maintain a variety of heavy equipment, such as crawler tractors, motor graders and scrapers, shovels, rigging devices, hoists, and jacks. These programs include courses in digging, ditching, sloping, stripping, grading, and backfilling, clearing and excavating.
Institutions providing this program
74 Townsend Street
Sydney, NS B1P 5C8
(902) 562-8549
301 Alexandra Street
Sydney, NS B1S 2E8
(902) 539-9766
Highway #2, Masstown PO Box 848
Truro, NS B2N 5G6
(902) 662-2190
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 2021 Brunswick Street, PO Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
251 Brownlow Avenue
Dartmouth, NS B3B 2A9
(902) 865-8844
320 Logan Road
Bridgewater, NS B4V 5J8
(902) 521-2443
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.
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Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.