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Logging machinery operators

OaSIS code 83110.00

Logging machinery operators operate cable yarding systems, mechanical harvesters and forwarders and mechanical tree processors and loaders to fell, yard and process trees at logging sites.

Overview

Also known as

  • Chipping machine operator
  • Delimber operator
  • Feller buncher operator
  • Feller forwarder operator
  • Grapple operator - logging
  • Linehorse operator
  • Loader operator - logging
  • Log processor operator
  • Rigging slinger - logging
  • Shortwood harvester operator
  • Slasher operator - logging
  • Steel spar operator - logging
  • Treelength forwarder operator
  • Yarder operator - logging

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Cable yarding system operators
  • Operate machines to transport trees from logging areas to landing or log loading sites in mountainous terrain in western Canada.
  • Mechanical harvester and forwarder operators
  • Assess site and terrain and drive heavy equipment to perform a combination of felling, slashing, bucking, bunching and forwarding operations at logging areas.
  • Mechanical tree processor and loader operators
  • Operate a variety of machines which perform a combination of slashing, bucking, chipping, sorting and loading logs or trees at landing sites.

Additional information

  • Self-employment as a logging contractor is possible with investment in equipment.
  • There is some mobility among jobs in this group from the less complex to more complex machinery operation.
  • There is some mobility between employers, particularly in similar types of woodland operations.
  • Logging machinery operators may perform minor repairs and maintenance on their equipment.
  • Progression to logging and forestry supervisory positions is possible with experience.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Transport truck drivers (73300)
  • Heavy equipment operators (73400)
  • Supervisors, logging and forestry (82010)
  • 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

3 – Occupations usually require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years; or more than six months of on-the-job training

Major group

83 – Occupations in natural resources and related production

Sub-major group

831 – Occupations in natural resources and fisheries

Minor group

8311 – Logging machinery operators

Unit group

83110 – Logging machinery operators

Occupational profile

83110.00 – Logging machinery operators

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
Controlling Machines and Processes
5 - Highest Level
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
5 - Highest Level
Handling and Moving Objects
4 - High Level
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
4 - High Level
Mechanical Maintenance
4 - High Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
3 - Moderate 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
1 - Work with others but not closely (beyond 100 ft.)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
4 - More than half the time
Standing
Duration
2 - Less than half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
2 - Less 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
Control of Settings
5 - Highest Level
Depth Perception
5 - Highest Level
Multi-Limb Coordination
5 - Highest Level
Multi-Signal Response
5 - Highest Level
Peripheral Vision
5 - Highest Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Operation and Control
5 - Highest Level
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
4 - High Level
Troubleshooting
4 - High Level
Equipment and Tool Selection
3 - Moderate Level
Preventative Maintenance
3 - Moderate Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Independence
4 - Highly important
Stress Tolerance
4 - Highly important
Adaptability
3 - Important
Attention to Detail
3 - Important
Collaboration
3 - 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: RIC

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.

Investigative (I)

Investigative occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the observation and systematic or creative investigation of physical, biological, or cultural phenomena. These occupations require an extensive amount of thinking and frequently involve working with ideas, searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional (C)

Conventional occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail following sets of procedures and routines. These activities may include systematic manipulation of data, such as keeping records, filing materials, reproducing materials, organizing written and numerical data according to a prescribed plan, and operating business and data processing. They often require following a clear line of authority and usually involve working with data and details more than with ideas.

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

  • 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.
  • Company certification for mobile logging machinery operation may be required.
  • Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and first aid certificates may be required.
  • Completion of secondary school may be required.
  • Mechanical harvester and forwarder operators may require logging experience as a chain saw and skidder operator.
  • Experience requirements vary depending on the complexity of machinery operated.
  • Certification as a heavy equipment operator may be required.
  • Provincial air brake certification may be required in British Columbia, depending on the type of equipment operated.
  • Knowledge of tree harvesting regulations is required.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Vehicle, Machinery and Equipment Operations
3 - Advanced Level
Biology
1 - Basic Level
Forestry
1 - Basic Level
Geoscience
1 - Basic Level
Languages
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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