Loggers

Career summary

Loggers may also be called lumberjacks, or depending on their job duties, fallers, buckers, or logging equipment operators.

Loggers inspect standing trees to see if they are useful and safe to cut. They mark trees they do not want cut. They designate a falling area where the trees will be cut and trimmed. They do this by clearing brush away from the trees, using chain saws, axes, and tractors.

Fallers are logging workers who cut down trees. When trees are more than two feet in diameter, fallers cut them down by hand using axes and chainsaws. With smaller trees, they may use equipment to fell, move, and load them. Fallers decide how to direct the falling trees. They make their cuts and position wedges and jacks to control the fall.

Fallers start the felling process by using axes to score cutting lines onto trees. They cut along these lines with chainsaws. They make back cuts, being sure to leave enough wood to control the tree. Fallers insert jacks and drive wedges behind the chainsaw. This keeps the saws from getting stuck and starts the trees falling. As the tree falls, they stop the saw, remove it, and move to a safe location to avoid injury. Fallers put limbs or poles under felled trees to protect the trees from splitting on the underside and to keep them from rolling.

Once trees are felled, buckers trim the tops and branches and cut trees using chainsaws and axes. Choker setters fasten cables to logs that are ready to be moved. Logging tractor operators drag or skid logs to the landing area. Yarder operators load logs into trucks or rail cars, or stack them for pickup by helicopters. They may use radios to talk to truck drivers or helicopter pilots.

Some loggers operate heavy-duty equipment. For example, they sometimes operate logging tractors to build or repair logging roads. They also use this equipment to pull stumps and clear brush. Some loggers use horses to pack their equipment in and drag logs out of cutting areas. Other loggers may travel to cutting sites by helicopter and use helicopters to haul the logs out.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Conservation Scientists
• Construction Helpers
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Foresters
• Forestry Technicians
• Hoist and Winch Operators
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators
• Roustabouts

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to loggers.

• Inspect standing trees for quality and safety.
• Tag trees that are not useful or are unsafe to cut.
• Clear brush from work area using axes, chainsaws, or tractors.
• Determine where to place wedges and jacks so trees fall in a safe direction.
• Determine how to cut the trees and how deep to make the cuts.
• Using ax, mark trees showing where to cut.
• Saw back-cuts, leaving enough wood to control the tree's fall.
• Using chainsaws, cut along the mark.
• Insert jack and drive wedge behind saw to keep saw moving and start the tree falling.
• Stop saw engine as tree falls and remove it from cut.
• Run to safe location to avoid injury from falling tree and branches.
• Measure and mark felled trees for cutting into log lengths.
• Cut limbs off and cut trees into lengths using chainsaws, axes, or logging tractor shears.
• Secure cables to move logs to landing or lift them with logging tractors.
• Load logs or other wood onto trucks, using winches or logging tractors.
• Split logs for firewood, using axes, wedges, and mauls. Stack wood in lots.
• Drive bulldozers and logging tractors to pull stumps, clear and repair roads, and cut, load, or stack logs.
• Use two-way radios to communicate with other crew members or helicopter pilots.

Common work activities

Loggers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Handle and move objects
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Evaluate information against standards

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, loggers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of other loggers.
• Have a low level of social interaction with other workers.
• Communicate daily by telephone and in person.
• Often work as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other loggers.

Physical work conditions

• Always work outdoors.
• Often work in enclosed vehicles and equipment, especially log trucks.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Are often exposed to hazardous situations, conditions, and equipment, especially when using saws and axes.
• Regularly wear protective gear, such as boots, hard hats, leather gloves, ear protection, and back support.
• Are occasionally exposed to noises that are uncomfortable, such as chainsaw and engine sounds.
• Occasionally may be exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures while working in the woods.
• Are sometimes exposed to whole body vibration while using saws or operating equipment.

Work performance

• Must be careful and exact in their work, especially when using heavy equipment to move logs. Errors could cause injuries to coworkers.
• Repeat the same physical activities while cutting or bucking timber.
• Often make decisions that greatly impact clients and their employer's reputation.
• Usually make decisions and set daily tasks and goals without consulting others, although they sometimes consult a supervisor.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere where monthly deadlines must be met.
• Pace their work according to the speed of the cutting machines or chainsaws.

Hours/travel

• May work from dawn to dark for five, six, or seven days a week.
• Have months with no work, such as during fire season or periods of heavy rain.
• May travel to cutting sites and be away from home during the work week.

Physical demands

Loggers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for loggers to be able to:

• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for loggers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• See objects in very low light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.

Skills and abilities

Loggers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Heavy Equipment Operations

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Forest Technology

Training

To work as a logger, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• be at least 18 years old; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

College programs are helpful but not required for you to work as a logger. Many professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer programs in forest practices and equipment operation. Some programs lead to logger certification. Classroom study covers forest management practices, safety practices, and endangered species. You also learn about reforestation and business management. Because a lot of logging equipment uses computers, you may also receive computer training.

Work experience

Working as a logging helper is good experience for this occupation. Summer jobs on farms and in the forest are also helpful. Some loggers have worked in lumber mills. Others have operated trucks, bulldozers, and cranes.

On-the-job training

Most loggers learn their skills on the job from experienced workers. During training, you learn how to:

• use chain saws and axes to cut down trees;
• trim and cut logs;
• set chokes around logs;
• set up and take down rigging wires;
• maintain tools and equipment; and
• apply safety standards.

Logging associations and companies also train operators. Training generally lasts up to a year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Fundamentals
• Forestry
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

Many loggers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require workers to have a high school diploma or equivalent, mechanical aptitude, and coordination. They increasingly prefer to hire people who can operate heavy equipment. All jobs in logging require alertness and stamina. Employers may require applicants to pass physical exams and drug screenings. Applicants must understand the risks and dangers of the work. They must be able to remain calm in emergencies, follow directions, and observe strict safety procedures. Some sawmills and logging companies hire student helpers for summer or part-time jobs. Workers must be at least 18 years of age and in good health.

Above average strength and endurance are necessary to become a manual faller. Employers usually require previous logging experience and sometimes require experience with a chain saw.

Tips

Owning the chain saw you use and being able to repair and maintain it is a plus. Try pre-commercial tree thinning first to see if you like this occupation. Basic silvicultural training as it relates to tree selection in tree thinning operations is helpful. Experience in small engine repair and a strong work ethic are important. If you want to go into business for yourself, business management courses are essential. Read safety publications to learn about the physics of, and safety procedures for, falling a tree.

Loggers in Washington can take a voluntary, four-day Master Logging Program certification course through the Washington Contract Loggers Association  to become an accredited logging professional. The training is geared towards logging business owners, foremen, and supervisors, but anyone can take the course.

#Found this information on state DNR web site 3/16/05, 3/2/15 cj., 1/27/16 lh. Still accurate 11/14/16 cj. Made association a link, info still ok 4/10/19 cj.

Costs to workers

Many workers are required to supply and maintain their own chain saws and special gear such as boots, rain gear, hard hat, and gloves.

#Moved CTW info from txt file 2/9/11, cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Fallers 
• Logging Equipment Operators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Fallers are often paid on a contract basis, with lower hourly pay plus an additional amount paid per 1,000 board feet cut. Contract pay can also vary according to type of timber and difficulty of terrain.

Wages vary with the duties and the experience of the worker. They also vary with the type of work, employer, and location of the work.

Loggers who work full time may receive benefits. Common benefits include health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, and a retirement plan. Loggers who are self-employed must provide their own insurance and retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, employment depends on the availability of trees for cutting, domestic and foreign demand for lumber, and the amount of residential construction. Most job openings will occur due to workers who retire or leave the occupation.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 27% of loggers are self-employed.

Most jobs for loggers are in the southeastern states, the Pacific Northwest, and northern California. Other states with significant numbers of logging jobs are Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Major employers:

• Logging companies
• Sawmills and planing mills

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is declining. There is reduced demand for US timber due to foreign timber imports. More logging is automated reducing the need for logging workers. New federal regulations prevent logging from taking place in protected areas.

Job prospects will be best for those who can operate heavy machinery. Job openings will occur as current workers retire or leave this occupation for other reasons.

Other resources

Forest Guild 

Forest Resources Association 
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 303
Washington, DC 20006
202.296.3937

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington Contract Loggers Association 
PO Box 2168
Olympia, WA 98507-2168
800.422.0074
360.352.5033

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Fallers (45-4021.00) 
• Logging Equipment Operators (45-4022.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Bucker (454.684-010) 
• Chain Saw Operator (454.687-010) 
• Faller I (454.384-010) 
• Faller II (454.684-014) 
• Logger, All-round (454.684-018) 
• Logging-tractor Operator (929.663-010) 
• Tree Cutter (454.684-026) 
• Tree-shear Operator (454.683-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative
• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Outdoor