LOGGING OCCUPATIONS Number 102 Interest Area 3 1998
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.
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