Logging and Forestry Labourers
(NOC 8616)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningLogging and forestry labourers perform a variety of manual tasks such as attaching choker cables to logs, planting trees, clearing brush, spraying chemicals, cleaning up landing areas and assisting other workers in woodlands operations. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. 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 and Forestry Labourers most commonly work full-time hours. With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common.
The median employment income for 17% of Logging and Forestry Labourers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $37,958. 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
$13.00
Minimum$17.00
Median$21.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,502
Minimum$11,337
Median$45,630
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Logging and forestry labourers perform a variety of manual tasks such as attaching choker cables to logs, planting trees, clearing brush, spraying chemicals, cleaning up landing areas and assisting other workers in woodlands operations. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.
Job duties
Logging and forestry labourers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist other workers at logging sites.
- Attach chokers or cables to felled trees for yarding.
- Plant trees using manual tools.
- Spray herbicides from the ground using manual spraying equipment.
- Clear trails through woodlands using chain saws.
- Clean up landing areas at logging sites.
Sample job titles
- boom worker
- chokerman/woman - logging
- forestry labourer
- logging labourer
- seasonal tree planter
- sprayer - logging and forestry
Skills
To work in these jobs, you should have good health, physical stamina, and strength. Agility, coordination, and mechanical aptitude would be helpful. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school may be required.
- Completion of pre-employment safety courses may be required.
- Several weeks of formal and on-the-job training are provided.
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) certificate may be required.
- Chemicals application licence may be required.
Other considerations
Most workers in these jobs work for part of the year and typically earn less than half the yearly income of employees who work for the whole year. Although some labouring jobs are seasonal, others are not. Wages will vary according to the specific type of work performed, and annual incomes of many workers in these jobs are relatively low. They are often exposed to harsh weather conditions. The physical demands of this work may make it difficult for people to stay in these jobs for a long time. There is mobility among jobs in this group and progression to other positions, such as silviculture and forestry worker, chain saw and skidder operator or logging machinery operator, 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
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Forestry and Logging
Agriculture
Construction
Wholesale Trade
Accommodation and Food Services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
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
$42,151 median annual incomeLess than high school
$39,247 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
N/ATrades certificate
$30,970 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$40,639 median annual incomeCompared 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
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.