Chain Saw and Skidder Operators
(NOC 8421)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningChain saw and skidder operators operate chainsaws to fell, de-limb and buck trees at logging and loading sites; operate skidders to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation; and assess site, terrain, and weather conditions before felling and yarding trees. 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 significantly over the next few years, which will limit the number of new opportunities available. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major 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.
The median employment income for 26% 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
$10.85
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Chain saw and skidder operators operate chainsaws to fell, de-limb and buck trees at logging and loading sites; operate skidders to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation; and assess site, terrain, and weather conditions before felling and yarding trees. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.
Job duties
Chain saw and skidder operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate chain saw to fell, de-limb and buck trees at the logging site and loading area.
- Operate 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
To work in this field, 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
- Completion of high school may be required.
- Completion of 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.
- Previous 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 are part-year workers; employment peaks 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?
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
Agriculture
Retail Trade
Metal Fabrication and Machinery (excl. electrical)
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
25-34
35-44
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$15,512 median annual incomeLess than high school
$16,163 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$12,706 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$26,059 median annual incomeBachelor'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.This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
50 Elliott Road
Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0
(902) 825-3491
PO Box 550, 1 Main Street
Springhill, NS B0M 1X0
(902) 597-3737
21 Woodlawn Road
Dartmouth, NS B2W 2R7
(902) 491-4900
372 Pleasant Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 2L2
(902) 742-3501
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
5685 Leeds Street
Halifax, NS B3K 2T3
(902) 491-6722
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 760, 1575 Lake Road
Shelburne, NS B0T 1W0
(902) 875-8640
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
36 Arthur Street
Truro, NS B2N 1X5
(902) 893-5385
Forest technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to assist foresters in the management and production of forest resources. These programs include courses in woods and field skills, tree identification, timber measurement, logging and timber harvesting, forest propagation and regeneration, forest firefighting, resource management, equipment operation and maintenance, record-keeping, sales and purchasing operations, and personnel supervision.
Employment requirements & contacts
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