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OaSIS 2023 Version 1.0
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84110.00 – Chain saw and skidder operators

Chain saw and skidder operators operate chain saws to fell, delimb and buck trees, and operate skidders to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation.

Overview

Example job titles

  • Bucker
  • Chain saw operator - logging
  • Faller
  • Feller
  • Forest worker - logging
  • Grapple skidder operator
  • Landingman/woman
  • Pieceworker - logging
  • Skidder operator

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following 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.

Additional information

  • Mobility may be limited from eastern and central forest zones to western forest zones where tree size or steep terrain may require different cutting and yarding methods.
  • Progression to logging machinery operator positions is possible with experience.
  • There is a trend toward company certification of chain saw operators in larger companies.
  • There is some mobility among jobs within this unit group as chain saw and skidder operators often work in teams and rotate jobs.
  • Chain saw operators often must own and maintain their own chain saw.
  • Progression to supervisory positions or self-employment as a logging contractor is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Logging and forestry labourers (85120)
  • Logging machinery operators (83110)
  • Silviculture and forestry workers (84111)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

8 – Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations

TEER

4 – Occupations usually require a secondary school diploma; or several weeks of on-the-job training

Major group

84 – Workers in natural resources, agriculture and related production

Sub-major group

841 – Workers in natural resources and fisheries

Minor group

8411 – Logging and forestry workers

Unit group

84110 – Chain saw and skidder operators

Occupational profile

84110.00 – Chain saw and skidder operators

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.