Chainsaw and Skidder Operators
(NOC 8421)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningChainsaw and skidder operators use machinery and equipment to cut down, process, and load trees at logging sites. They work for logging companies and contractors.
Job Outlook
Limited
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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 “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline significantly over the next few years, which will 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. Chain Saw and Skidder Operators most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs may either be permanent or temporary positions, as both are common. With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common. Also, a average 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 24% of Chain Saw and Skidder Operators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $15,274. 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
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$62
Minimum$12,268
Median$37,545
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.84
Median$32.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Chainsaw and skidder operators use machinery and equipment to cut down, process, and load trees at logging sites. They work for logging companies and contractors.
Job duties
Chainsaw and skidder operators:
- Use chain saw to fell, de-limb and buck trees at the logging site and loading area.
- Use cable, or grapple skidder to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation.
- Assess site, terrain, and weather conditions before felling and yarding trees.
- May work as member of a team rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation.
- May maintain and perform minor repairs on skidders, chain saws and other equipment.
Sample job titles
- bucker - logging
- chain saw operator - logging
- cordwood cutter
- cutter - logging
- forest worker - logging
- logger
- skidder operator - logging
- wood cutter - logging
Skills
- You should enjoy working outdoors and be prepared to spend time in isolated areas. You must be able to work alone and as part of a team. An awareness of safety is important. Physical stamina may also be needed.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- A college program for forest workers may be required.
- Formal training in chain saw operation and maintenance and several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
- Experience as a logging and forestry labourer or logging machine operator may be required. Experience requirements vary depending on the type and location of woodlands operations.
- Provincial certification or a forest worker program certificate is required in some provinces.
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and first aid certificates may be required.
Other considerations
- Most workers only work part of the year with employment peaking in the summer months. There is a trend toward company certification of chain saw operators in larger companies. Chain saw operators often must own and maintain their own chain saw. There is some mobility among jobs within this group as chain saw and skidder operators often work in teams and rotate jobs. Mobility is also possible to logging machinery operators. Mobility may be limited from eastern and central forest zones to western forest zones where tree size or steep terrain may require different cutting and yarding methods. Progression to supervisory positions or self-employment as a logging contractor 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
$14,716 median annual incomeSouthern
$8,420 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$10,220 median annual incomeCape Breton
$10,692 median annual incomeHalifax
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Educational services
Top levels of education
High school
$12,239 median annual incomeLess than high school
$15,010 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$10,735 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
N/ABachelor
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
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
Natural Resources Management and Policy
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, develop, manage, and evaluate programs to protect and regulate natural habitats and renewable natural resources. They include courses in the principles of wildlife and conservation biology, environmental science, animal population surveying, natural resource economics, management techniques for various habitats, applicable law and policy, administrative and communications skills, and public relations.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, 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.