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THE JOB
Workers in the logging industry cut down trees in designated areas, saw them
into logs, and transport them to mills. Forest Conservationists and logging
companies work together in keeping forests plentiful and healthy, while
maintaining a successful logging industry.
Timber cutting and logging is carried out by a large number of small crews
consisting of four to eight workers. A typical crew might consist of one or
two Fallers, one Bucker, two Logging Tractor Operators, and one Equipment
Operator. Each crew member has a specific task, working together from
cutting trees to delivering logs to a lumber yard.
The process begins with Fallers who cut down trees with axes or hand-held
power chain saws. Fallers saw an undercut in the trunk of the tree to
control the direction of the fall and use single-bit axes to knock out
undercuts and drive wedges. They then saw the opposite side (backcut) to
fell the tree. Experienced Fallers can gauge the amount and direction of
the tree's lean from the tree's growth pattern, controlling the direction of
the tree's fall with the least damage. Fallers may cut tree limbs, but
Buckers usually trim off the tree tops and branches and buck (cut) the
resulting logs into specified lengths.
Once the trees are cut and trimmed, Choke Setters fasten chokers (steel
cables or chains) around logs to be skidded (dragged) by tractors or
forwarded by the cable yarding system to the landing or deck area. Then the
logs are separated by species and loaded onto trucks. Then, Riggers set up
and dismantle the cables and guy wires of the cable yarding system.
Logging Tractor Operators drive crawler or wheeled tractors called skidders
or forwarders, which drag or transport logs from the felling site in the
woods to the log landing area for loading.
Log Truck Drivers haul logs from the forest to sawmills or storage areas.
Once the logs are delivered to the sawmill, the driver releases the cable
binders and starts the power hoists to dump the logs. Log Truck Drivers
must be able to control the truck when driving on narrow, poorly maintained
logging and mountain roads. Trips range from short trips to the sawmill to
long distance hauls on highways.
Log Handling Equipment Operators unload logs and pulpwood off trucks or
railroad cars using tracked or wheeled equipment similar to a fork lift in a
sawmill or pulpmill woodyard. Equipment Operators then sort the logs by
species and size.
Log Graders and Scalers inspect logs for defects, measure their volume, and
estimate the marketable content or value of logs or pulpwood. Graders use
hand-held data collection terminals to enter data on individual trees. The
entries are then downloaded or to a to a central computer.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Logging Occupations are physically demanding. Most loggers are required to
lift, climb, and use heavy equipment. Loggers work outdoors and under all
kinds of weather conditions such as strong winds, snow, rain, heat, and
muddy ground conditions. Loggers generally work year round except during
forest fire season and when snow closes logging areas.
Loggers face numerous hazards. Falling trees and branches are a constant
menace and the use of sawing equipment and heavy machinery poses dangers.
Loggers have to endure poisonous plants, brambles, insects, and snakes.
They are also exposed to a high noise level due to sawing and skidding
operations. It is essential that Loggers take necessary safety precautions,
which includes extreme caution, hardhats, eye and ear protection, and safety
clothing and boots.
Although most California Loggers are non-union, some belong to the AFL-CIO
International Woodworkers of America.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent
the broad occupational group Timber Cutting and Logging.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 2,290
Estimated number of workers in 2005 1,500
Projected Growth 1993-2005 -35%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 620
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Employment of Logging Workers is expected to declined through 2005. Most
job openings will result from replacement needs. Despite a steady demand
for lumber and other wood products, increased mechanization of logging
operations will continue to lessen the demand for workers. Mechanization
will most likely affect Fallers, Buckers, and Choke Setters as safer labor-
saving machinery is used. Logging Tractor and Log Handling Equipment
Operators should be less affected by mechanization. Also, forest
conservation efforts may restrict the volume of timber available for
harvesting, causing a decline in jobs.
Most salaried logging workers are employed by logging camps and logging
contractors. Others work in sawmills and planing mills. Self-employed
logging workers account for one of every three logging workers--a much
higher proportion of self-employment than for most occupations.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Earnings for Loggers vary widely by size of company and geographic area.
Generally, wages of more skilled workers are higher than less skilled
workers. The following are the median hourly wages for occupations within
the logging industry.
Choke Setters $12.11
Log Handling Equipment Operators $15.20
Logging Tractor Operators $15.02
Loggers work eight-hour days and usually five days a week. Fringe benefits
include medical insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave. If uniforms are
required, they are usually provided and maintained by the employer.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Most Logging Workers learn and develop skills on the job working under
experienced loggers. A high school diploma is not required, but most
logging companies prefer it. Loggers must learn about forest environment and
logging equipment and machinery operation. Those with previous logging
experience are given preference. However, workers with equipment experience
can easily learn functions specific to logging. Many State forestry or
logging associations provide training sessions that combine classroom and
field training.
Loggers must be in good physical condition because the work is physically
demanding, requiring strength and stamina. The ability to work outdoors in
all conditions is required. Loggers must also be able to work as a part of
a team. Maturity and good judgment are important in making quick and
prudent decisions when hazards arise. Mechanical aptitude and coordination
is required. Those who seek self-employment must acquire business skills
and be assertive.
ADVANCEMENT
Opportunities for advancement exist for individuals who have experience with
various logging machinery and equipment and leadership capabilities.
Chainsaw Operators may advance to Fallers. Logging Tractor Operators and
Fallers may promote to first line supervisors. Log Truck Drivers may buy
their own truck and contract out their work.
FINDING THE JOB
Direct application to logging contractors and companies is the best way to
find a job. Labor union referrals and newspaper want ads can also provide a
job seeker with good leads. Maintaining informal contacts with logging
employers and employees is another way to stay informed of openings. Job
seekers should also register with the nearest California Employment
Development Department Job Services Division.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Forestry Association
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 350
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-6592
www.foresthealth.org/
Society of American Foresters
5400 Grosvenor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 897-8720
www.safnet.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Foresters No. 202
Park Rangers No. 232
Truck Driver, Heavy No. 255
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Faller I 454.384-010
Bucker 454.684-010
Faller II 454.684-014
Logger, All-Round 454.684-018
Chainsaw Operator 454.687-010
Log Truck Driver 904.683-010
Logging Tractor Operator 929.663-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Timber Cutting and Logging 730000
Fallers and Buckers 730020
Log Handling Equipment Operators 730080
Logging Tractor Operators 730110
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
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