HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single set pathway for this occupation. Many workers start by learning on the job in forestry and logging settings, often with close supervision and practical training. Some people may have a high school diploma, while others enter with a mix of work experience and job-specific skills. In some cases, employers may prefer experience with machinery, outdoor work, or forestry tasks, but requirements can vary by employer and region. Because the work is seasonal in many places, students who want this career should expect to build strong practical skills, learn safe equipment operation, and gain experience in outdoor work environments.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Operate chain saw to fell, delimb 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.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day often starts early and begins with checking the weather, the terrain, and the work area. The operator may inspect the chain saw or skidder, make sure equipment is ready, and review safety steps with the team. During the day, they may fell trees, remove branches, buck logs into sections, or use a skidder to move cut trees toward the landing area. The work changes with the site and the machine being used, so the operator stays alert to ground conditions, slopes, and nearby workers. At the end of the day, they may clean equipment, look for minor problems, and help prepare for the next shift.
SKILLS TO BUILD