operators of heavy equipment typically operate in the logging

Heavy equipment operators play a vital role in the logging industry. They operate cable yarding systems, mechanical harvesters, and forwarders, as well as mechanical tree processors and loaders, to help fell, yard, and process trees at logging sites. These operators are highly trained professionals who work for logging companies and contractors, performing a range of duties such as hauling trees from logging areas to landing sites, assessing terrain, and driving heavy equipment to perform felling, slashing, bucking, bunching, and forwarding operations. In this blog post, we will explore the job responsibilities, employment requirements, and salaries of heavy equipment operators in the logging industry.

1. Logging machinery operators: An introduction

Logging machinery operators are an essential part of the forestry industry. They operate heavy machinery to fell, yard, and process trees at logging sites. This group of workers is responsible for transporting trees from the logging areas to landing or log loading sites, while also performing a combination of felling, slashing, bucking, bunching, and forwarding operations at logging areas. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.

To become a logging machinery operator, completion of secondary school may be required. On-the-job training is provided, ranging from three to 16 months, depending on the complexity of machinery operated and the type of woodlands operation. Certification as a heavy equipment operator may be required, as well as company certification for mobile logging machinery operation and provincial air brake certification in British Columbia.

Logging machinery operators should have knowledge of tree harvesting regulations, essential skills in operating and repairing equipment, machinery, and vehicles, and the ability to adapt to different types of machinery operation. Experience requirements vary, with mechanical harvester and forwarder operators may require logging experience as a chain saw and skidder operator. Feller buncher operators and cable yarder operators usually require three to five years of logging experience, and mechanical tree processor and loader operators usually require one to three years of logging experience.

2. Job titles and duties in the industry

Logging operation is a specialized field with various job titles and duties. The primary job titles include Delimber Operator, Feller Buncher Operator, Harvester Operator, Loader Operator, Log Processor Operator, Logging Equipment Operator, Logging Shovel Operator, Skidder Driver, Skidder Operator, and Yarder Operator. Each job title has specific duties to perform, such as driving logging tractors, skidders, and harvesters, operating equipment to cut and move timber, and building or repairing logging and skid roads. Logging equipment operators also grade logs, fill out job or shift report forms, and perform basic maintenance tasks to ensure equipment safety. They must have skills such as service, repair, and adjustment of machinery and devices, communication with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates, and the ability to evaluate information to determine compliance with standards. Employers prefer candidates who have CDL driver’s licenses with medical certifications and a sound understanding of heavy equipment operation.

3. Experience and certification requirements

Experience and certification requirements are essential for those seeking employment as heavy machinery operators in the logging industry. While completion of secondary school may be required, on-the-job training from three to 16 months is provided depending on the complexity of machinery operated and the type of woodlands operation. Experience requirements vary depending on the complexity of the machinery operated. Mechanical harvester and forwarder operators may require logging experience as a chainsaw and skidder operator, while feller buncher operators and cable yarder operators usually require three to five years of logging experience. Mechanical tree processor and loader operators usually require one to three years of logging experience, and certification as a heavy equipment operator may be required. It’s important to note that company certification for mobile logging machinery operation and provincial air brake certification may also be required. Additionally, knowledge of tree harvesting regulations is crucial for these positions.

4. Essential skills for equipment operation

To a successful heavy equipment operator, certain essential skills must be honed. These skills include equipment operation, maintenance, GPS tracking, filling timesheets, and safety. With the ability to operate multiple types of heavy equipment and necessary certifications and licenses, equipment operation skills are a must. Being able to maintain heavy equipment and perform regular checks ensures the longevity of the machinery and safety of the operator and those around them. GPS tracking is critical in monitoring vehicular movement at the site and for efficient coordination with other engineering teams. Filling timesheets and maintaining work logs ensures proper documentation and timeliness in project completion. Finally, safety is paramount in heavy equipment operation, and operators undergo strict training processes to learn protocols to reduce the risk of damage to themselves, the equipment, and life and property in the vicinity. Enrich the above skills by:

“Operating heavy equipment takes a unique set of skills, expertise, and property ownership management. The right candidate for the job should possess some essential skills, such as equipment operation skills, maintenance skills, knowledge of GPS tracking, filling timesheets, and safety,” suggests HR Specialist, Emily Lewis.

“As a heavy equipment operator, your task is to maneuver and operate heavy equipment. It is essential to have the necessary certifications and licences to operate different types of heavy equipment, be familiar with their safety guidelines, and be comfortable with operating equipment from multiple categories,” she adds.

operators of heavy equipment typically operate in the logging

5. Opportunities in logging equipment operation

Logging operation is a career path that presents many opportunities for those interested in the industry. Those who operate logging machinery are responsible for felling, yarding, and processing trees at logging sites. These operators are employed by logging companies and contractors, and there are roles available for those with varying levels of experience. On-the-job training is typically provided, and certification as a heavy equipment operator may be required. Some job titles you may encounter in this field include feller buncher operator, loader operator, and cable yarder operator. As technology continues to advance, the logging industry is turning to more efficient and environmentally-friendly machinery, presenting even more opportunities for those who want to advance their career in logging equipment operation. As one industry professional states, “The logging industry is always going to need good equipment operators. This is a career that you can be proud of.”

6. Overview of wages and employment statistics

Logging equipment operators are responsible for driving logging tractors and wheeled vehicles that are equipped with special accessories such as bulldozer blades, frontal shears, grapple logging arches, and cable winches to fell trees, skid, load, unload, stack logs, as well as clear brush. According to recent occupational employment and wage statistics, the mean hourly wage for a logging equipment operator was $22.39, with an average annual wage of $46,570. Notably, the top-paying industries for logging equipment operators included building material and supplies dealers, the logging industry itself, and other specialty trade contractors. Heavy equipment operators, in general, make an average salary of around $50,000 per year. With baby boomers retiring and opening up about 25% of the industry’s jobs, there will be plenty of employment opportunities for those interested in becoming a logging equipment operator or any type of heavy equipment operator.

7. Industries employing logging equipment operators

Logging operators are employed in a variety of industries, with the highest levels of employment found in the logging industry itself, as well as in sawmills and wood preservation. These three industries account for over 44% of logging equipment operator employment. In addition to these industries, logging equipment operators can also be found in services to buildings and dwellings, truck transportation, and building material and supplies dealers. These industries account for smaller percentages of employment, with most under 1%. However, building material and supplies dealers are one of the top-paying industries for logging equipment operators, with an hourly mean wage of $27.02 and an annual mean wage of $56,200. Overall, although employment opportunities for logging equipment operators may be concentrated in certain industries, there are still a variety of options for those looking to pursue this career path.

8. Concentration of employment in logging

According to the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for May 2022, Logging Equipment Operators are primarily employed in the logging industry. In fact, the logging industry has the highest levels of employment and hourly mean wages for these operators. Specifically, 41.10% of all employment for Logging Equipment Operators is concentrated in the logging industry. The sawmills and wood preservation industry and services to buildings and dwellings industry also employ a significant number of logging equipment operators.

This concentration of employment in the logging industry highlights the importance of operators in this field. These operators are responsible for driving heavy equipment to perform tasks such as felling trees, skidding, loading, unloading or stacking logs, and clearing brush. They play a crucial role in the efficiency and safety of the logging industry.

As stated by the data, the top-paying industries for Logging Equipment Operators include building material and supplies dealers, logging, and veneer plywood and engineered wood product manufacturing. The high concentration of employment in the logging industry shows that operators of heavy equipment typically operate in the logging industry where they are needed most.

Top-paying industries for operators

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), heavy equipment operators work in a variety of industries including construction, mining, and logging. However, certain industries tend to pay operators higher wages than others. Here are the top-paying industries for heavy equipment operators:

1. Metal Ore Mining – According to the BLS, metal ore mining is the highest-paying industry for heavy equipment operators, with an average annual salary of $62,090.

2. Waste Management and Remediation Services – Operators in this industry earn an average of $54,730 a year.

3. Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution – Heavy equipment operators in this industry earn an average of $54,560 a year.

4. Other Pipeline Transportation – The average annual salary for operators in this industry is $53,040.

5. Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas – Heavy equipment operators in this industry earn an average of $52,560 a year.

It’s important to note that wages may vary based on location, experience, and other factors. Nevertheless, operators who work in these industries can expect to earn higher wages than those who work in other industries. As the BLS reports, heavy equipment operators in the construction industry earn an average of $49,120 a year, while those in the logging industry earn an average of $37,540. Therefore, it may be worthwhile for operators to consider job opportunities in these top-paying industries.

10. Geographic profile of employment opportunities

According the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, there were around 24,780 Logging Equipment Operators employed in the US in May 2022. The mean annual wage for these workers was $46,570, with the highest paying industries being Building Material and Supplies Dealers and Logging. Among states, the highest employment levels for Logging Equipment Operators were seen in Oregon, California, and Georgia. In terms of concentration, the Logging industry had the highest concentration of Logging Equipment Operator employment. Other industries with high concentration were Sawmills and Wood Preservation and Veneer Plywood and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing. Berkeley County Government is an employer that lists job opportunities for heavy equipment operators in logging. They require relevant educational degrees and certificates, such as a High School Diploma or G.E.D. and certificate/degree required for the position being applied.