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Logging and forestry labourers

OaSIS code 85120.00

Logging and forestry labourers perform a variety of manual tasks such as attaching choker cables to logs, planting trees, clearing brush, spraying chemicals, cleaning up landing areas and assisting other workers in woodlands operations.

Overview

Also known as

  • Chokerman/woman
  • Forestry labourer
  • Logging labourer
  • Seasonal tree planter
  • Swamper - logging and forestry

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Assist other workers at logging sites
  • Attach chokers or cables to felled trees for yarding
  • Plant trees using manual tools
  • Spray herbicides from the ground using manual spraying equipment
  • Clear trails through woodlands using chain saws
  • Clean up landing areas at logging sites.

Additional information

  • Progression to other positions, such as silviculture and forestry worker, chain saw and skidder operator or logging machinery operator, is possible with experience.
  • There is mobility among jobs in this unit group.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Logging machinery operators (83110)
  • Chain saw and skidder operators (84110)
  • 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

5 – Occupations usually require short-term work demonstration and no formal education

Major group

85 – Harvesting, landscaping and natural resources labourers

Sub-major group

851 – Harvesting, landscaping and natural resources labourers

Minor group

8512 – Logging, forestry, landscaping and other related labourers

Unit group

85120 – Logging and forestry labourers

Occupational profile

85120.00 – Logging and forestry labourers

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Handling and Moving Objects
5 - Highest Level
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
4 - High Level
Performing General Physical Activities
4 - High Level
Controlling Machines and Processes
3 - Moderate Level
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics
3 - Moderate Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
2 - Low amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
3 - More than 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
1 - Very little time
Standing
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
4 - More than half the time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
3 - Important
Frequency
4 - Every day, a few times per day

Workplaces/employers

  • Logging companies
  • Logging contractors

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Dynamic Strength
5 - Highest Level
Gross Body Equilibrium
5 - Highest Level
Multi-Limb Coordination
5 - Highest Level
Multi-Signal Response
5 - Highest Level
Reaction Time
5 - Highest Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Equipment and Tool Selection
3 - Moderate Level
Preventative Maintenance
3 - Moderate Level
Quality Control Testing
3 - Moderate Level
Repairing
3 - Moderate Level
Decision Making
2 - Low Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Adaptability
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
4 - Highly important
Social Orientation
3 - Important
Active Learning
2 - Somewhat important
Attention to Detail
2 - Somewhat important

Interests

The OaSIS uses the Holland Codes to describe the work-related interests. According to the Holland model, people work best in work environments that match their preferences, which means that people and work environments can be matched for a best fit. Occupational environments in Holland’s theory are described according to a combination of main interests and the activities they represent. There are six interests in the Holland typology: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. All occupations in OaSIS have up to three interests assigned to them.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Interests profile: R

Realistic (R)

Realistic occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the explicit, ordered or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals. Many of these occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Employment requirements

Employment requirements includes the education, training, certifications and the knowledge required to work in each occupation. The Knowledge category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency, and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of Knowledge descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Education, certification and licensing

  • Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) certificate may be required.
  • Completion of secondary school may be required.
  • Chemicals application licence may be required.
  • Completion of pre-employment safety courses may be required.
  • Several weeks of formal and on-the-job training are provided.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Forestry
1 - Basic Level
Languages
1 - Basic Level
Manufacturing, Processing and Production
1 - Basic Level
Mathematics
1 - Basic Level
Public Safety and Security
1 - Basic Level

Skills for success

 
Skills for Success Model
 
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They can help you to get a job, progress at your current job or even change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
 
 
Linkages Between ESDC Skills Models and Frameworks
 
ESDC makes available a dictionary of over 300 terms (or descriptors) and definitions, known as the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT). Descriptor information from the Taxonomy is used in the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).
 
While there is general commonality of meaning between the descriptors in the SCT and the Skills for Success model, there are some differences in their definitions due to their distinct purposes. The Skills for Success Model [9 broadly defined skills] identifies the skills that are universally applicable. The SCT displays specific skills and competency requirements for 900 occupations. Users of the Skills for Success Model and Essential Skills content may find competency information from the Taxonomy and the OaSIS to be complementary.
 
Stay tuned to this section for more information and updates regarding linkages between the Skills for Success model and the OaSIS.

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.

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