Logging and Forestry Labourers

(NOC 8616)

in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining

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 Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate openings due to growth and retirements not available for this occupation.
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining

Estimate Decline slightly employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 910 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate High rate of unemployment in 2016

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

Maximum

Annual Pay

$2,502

Minimum

$11,337

Median

$45,630

Maximum

Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining

Hourly Pay

$10.85

Minimum

$16.00

Median

$31.88

Maximum

Annual Pay

$4,009

Minimum

$23,520

Median

$87,170

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

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

205

employed in 2016

73.3%

employed full-time

14.6%

self employed

20.6%

79.4%

32.9

median age

Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining

14,665

employed in 2016

84.0%

employed full-time

22.0%

self employed

15.1%

84.9%

44.6

median age

Where will I likely work?

33.3%

Northern

27.0%

Southern

22.2%

Halifax

11.1%

Annapolis Valley

9.5%

Cape Breton

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

73.8%

Forestry and Logging

11.9%

Agriculture

4.8%

Wholesale Trade

4.8%

Accommodation and Food Services

4.8%

Construction

What is the age of Employment?

37.5%

45-54

33.3%

55-64

16.7%

35-44

8.3%

15-24

Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining

42.3%

45-54

26.1%

55-64

18.9%

35-44

8.1%

25-34

3.6%

65+

Top levels of education

46.7%

High school

$42,151 median annual income

23.3%

Less than high school

$39,247 median annual income

13.3%

Bachelor's degree

N/A

11.7%

Trades certificate

$30,970 median annual income

6.7%

College certificate or diploma

$40,639 median annual income

Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining

34.0%

Less than high school

$14,445 median annual income

31.5%

High school

$14,229 median annual income

14.3%

College certificate or diploma

$21,289 median annual income

14.0%

Trades certificate

$19,107 median annual income

4.3%

Bachelor's degree

$15,980 median annual income

Education & 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

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Annapolis Valley Campus

50 Elliott Road

Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0

(902) 825-3491

avc.info@nscc.ca