Careers: Logging Equipment Operator

Logging Equipment Operator

This job is right for you if

You like the outdoors, like operating equipment, and you’re able to make decisions independently in a team environment.

What They Do:

Operate mechanized timber harvesting equipment such as:

Feller Buncher: Cuts the trees and lays them in bunches for further processing.

Grapple Skidder: Brings tree length wood from the forest out to the landing to be processed

Stroke or pull-through delimber: Removes the limbs and cuts the wood by species, quality and market guidelines.

Cut to Length Processor: Cuts, delimbs, and merchandizes trees in the forest with one machine.

Forwarder: Hauls the cut to length wood from the processor to the landing and prepares the wood to be transported to a mill by a logging truck.

Tree length crane and slasher: Sorts, merchandizes, and loads tree length wood onto trucks or into a chipper to be delivered to the mill.

Basic Skills:

  • Tree identification 
  • Safety mindset
  • An understanding of wood production
  • Wood merchandizing
  • Equipment maintenance & operation 

Fast Facts:

Nearly half (45%) of Maine’s harvesting industry is employed as a logging equipment operator. Jobs have increased by 2.5% from 2010 to 2020.

Important Traits For a Logger Are:

  • Dependability
  • Motivated
  • Independent thinker
  • Follows directions
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Strong work ethic

Median Hourly Wage / Earnings:

$17.65/hr

Maine Based Resources To Get Training: Logging & Harvesting

Entry Level Education

High School CTE’s

Currently, there are five Forestry/Wood Harvesting programs in Maine. All five programs provide credentials for students that meet OSHA and workers comp. requirements for new employees.


Maine Community College System

Community Colleges offer programs that may be of interest to a prospective logger. Programs vary from welding to equipment operation, diesel engine mechanics, hydraulics, and more.


University of Maine – Forestry Education and Research

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING

Certified Logging Professional Program (CLP)

Candidates must attend a four-day workshop (32 hours total) and then pass a worksite evaluation. The workshop includes four days of classroom instruction in first-aid/CPR, forest management and silviculture, safe and efficient wood harvesting, and business/utilization. Successful credential holders can obtain recognition from Maine SFI and workers’ compensation underwriters. 

Qualified Logging Professional (QLP)

Candidates must attend a four-day workshop (32 hours total) and then pass a worksite evaluation. The workshop includes four days of classroom instruction in first-aid/CPR, forest management and silviculture, safe and efficient wood harvesting, and business/utilization. Successful credential holders can obtain recognition from Maine SFI

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Northeast Master Logger Certification (NEMLC)

NE Safe Logger is an affordable, efficient and relevant online logger training program, administered by the Trust to Conserve Northeast Forestlands (TCNEF), that upon completion will allow participants to obtain the discounted “certified mechanical logger” rate for workers’ compensation insurance in the state of Maine. 16 hours, of interactive online training available on a computer, tablet, or smartphone that can be completed at the user’s own pace anytime day or night. The training can be saved and restarted at any time during the 14-day training period.

Find Out More!

Interested in finding out more about forestry positions, businesses, and careers here in Maine? Simply share some information below and we’ll have an industry representative reach out directly to you!

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