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Forestry and Logging Occupations

(D.O.T.  451.687; 452.364-010, .687-010, -018; 453; 454 except .134;
455 except .134; 459.387, .687; 669.485-010, .687-022; 921.364,
.664-014, .667-014, .687-014, -030; 922.687-082; 929.663-010)

Nature of the Work

The Nation's forests are a rich natural resource, providing beauty
and tranquility, varied recreational areas, and wood for commercial
use.  Managing forests and woodlands requires many different kinds
of workers.  Forestry and conservation workers help develop,
maintain, and protect these forests by growing and planting new tree
seedlings, fighting insects and diseases that attack trees, and
helping to control soil erosion.  Timber cutting and logging workers
harvest thousands of acres of forests each year for the timber that
provides the raw material for countless consumer and industrial
products.

   Generally working under the direction of a professional forester,
forestry technicians compile data on the characterisics of forest
land tracts such as size, content, and condition.  These workers
travel through sections of forest to gather basic information such
as species and population of trees, disease and insect damage, tree
seedling mortality, and conditions that may cause fire danger.  One
of the main jobs of the forestry technician is to determine which
timber in a particuliar tract of forest is ready to be harvested.
They also train and lead conservation workers in seasonal activities
such as planting tree seedlings, putting out forest fires, and
maintaining recreational facilities.

   Forest workers are less skilled workers who perform a variety of
different tasks to reforest and conserve timberlands and maintain
forest facilities such as roads and campsites.  Some forest workers
called tree planters plant new tree seedlings to reforest timberland
areas, using a mattock and planting hoe.  They also remove diseased
or undesirable trees with a powersaw or handsaw and spray trees with
herbicides to kill insects and to protect against disease.  Forest
workers also clear away brush and debris from camp trails,
roadsides, and camping areas.  Some clean kitchens and rest rooms at
recreational facilities and campgrounds.

   Other forestry and conservation workers work in forest nurseries
sorting out tree seedlings, discarding those that do not meet
predescribed standards of root formation, stem development, and
foilage condition.

   Some forestry workers work on tree farms, where they plant,
cultivate, and harvest many different kinds of trees.  Their duties
also include shearing the tops and limbs to control growth, increase
limb density, and improve the shape.  Others classify trees into
specified categories by examining the tree's limbs and foilage for
color and growth pattern.

   Other forest workers gather products from the woodlands such as
decorative greens, tree cones and barks, moss, or other wild plant
life from the forest by hand or using handtools, and others tap
trees for sap to make syrup or to produce chemicals.

   The timber cutting and logging process is carried out by a variety
of workers.  Fallers cut down trees with chain saws or mechanical
felling equipment.  Buckers trim off the tops and branches and buck
(cut) the resulting logs into specified lengths.  These workers
usually use gas-powered chain saws.

   Choker setters fasten chokers (steel cables or chains) around logs
to be skidded (dragged) by tractors or forwarded by the cable
yarding system to the landing.  Riggers set up and dismantle the
cables and guy wires of the cable yarding system.

   Logging tractor operators drive crawler or wheeled tractors to skid
logs from the felling site to the landing, and log handling
equipment operators operate tracked or wheeled equipment to load or
unload logs and pulpwood onto or off trucks or gondola railroad
cars.

   Log graders and scalers inspect logs for defects, measure logs to
determine their volume, and estimate the marketable content or value
of logs or pulpwood.

   Other timber cutting and logging workers have a variety of
responsibilities.  Some workers hike through forests to assess
logging conditions and estimate the volume of marketable timber.
Laborers clear areas of brush and other growth to prepare for
logging activities and to promote growth of desirable species of
trees.  Other workers use sledge hammers, mallets, wedges, and froes
(cleaving tools) to split logs to form posts, pickets, stakes, and
other objects.

   The timber cutting and logging industry is characterized by a large
number of small crews of four or fewer workers primarily fallers,
buckers, choker setters, and others whose jobs are labor intensive.
Most of these crews work for self-employed logging contractors who
possess substantial logging experience, the capital to purchase
equipment, and the skills needed to run a small business
successfully.  Most contractors work alongside their crews as
working supervisors.  Many manage more than one crew and function as
owner-supervisors.

   Although timber cutting and logging equipment has greatly improved
and operations are becoming increasingly mechanized, many logging
jobs are still labor intensive.  These jobs require various levels
of skill, ranging from manually moving logs, branches, and equipment
to skillfully using chain saws, peavies (hooked poles), and log
jacks to cut and position logs for further processing or loading.
Skillful operation of vehicles and equipment is necessary to avoid
accidents and to minimize damage to the equipment and environment.
The ability to maintain and repair equipment is increasingly
necessary to reduce costs and increase productivity.  A skillful,
experienced logger is expected to handle a variety of logging
operations.

   Increased mechanization of logging operations will reduce demand for
timber cutting and logging workers.

Working Conditions

Forestry and logging occupations are physically demanding.  Most
forestry and logging workers often work outdoors in all kinds of
weather sometimes in isolated areas.  To get to these areas, they
may use airplanes, helicopters, four wheel drive vehicles, and
horses.  A few lumber camps in Alaska house workers in bunkhouses or
company towns.  Workers in sparsely populated Western States daily
commute long distances between their homes and logging sites.  In
the densely populated Eastern States, commuting distances are much
shorter.

   Most logging occupations involve lifting, climbing, and other
strenuous activities.  Logging workers work under unusually
hazardous conditions.  Falling trees and branches are a constant
menace, as are the dangers associated with log handling operations
and use of sawing equipment, especially delimbing devices.  Strong
winds require special care and can even halt operations.  Slippery
or muddy ground and hidden roots or vines not only reduce efficiency
but present a constant danger, especially in the presence of moving
vehicles and machinery.  Poisonous plants and brambles are minor
annoyances.  Over long periods of time, if safety precautions are
not taken, hearing may be impaired by the high noise level of sawing
and skidding operations.  Experience, exercise of caution, and use
of proper safety measures and equipment such as hardhats, eye and
hearing protection, and safety clothing and boots are extremely
important to avoid injury.

   The jobs of forestry and conservation workers are generally much
less hazarduous although it may be necessary for some forestry aides
or forest workers to walk long distances through densely wooded
areas to carry out their work.

Employment

Forestry and logging workers held about 131,000 jobs in 1992,
distributed among the following occupations:

Forest and conservation workers.................................35,000
Fallers and buckers.............................................33,000
Logging tractor operators.......................................26,000
Log handling equipment operators................................15,000
All other cutting and related logging occupations...............22,000

   Most salaried logging workers are employed in the logging camps and
logging contractors industry.  Others work in the sawmills and
planing mills and arborist services industries.  Although logging
operations are found in most States, Oregon and Washington account
for about 1 out of every 4 logging workers.

   Self-employed logging contractors account for 1 of every 4 logging
workers a much higher proportion of self-employment than for most
occupations.

   Most forestry and conservation workers work for government at some
level.  One-half of these workers are employed by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture's Forestry Service.  Although forestry
workers and conservation workers are located in every State,
employment is concentrated in the Western and Southeastern States
where many national and private forests and parks are located.

   While seasonal demand for forestry and logging workers will vary
slightly by region, employment generally is highest in the summer
and lowest in the winter.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Most forestry and logging workers develop their skills through
on-the-job training.  Instruction comes primarily from experienced
workers.  Logging workers must familiarize themselves with the
character and potential dangers of the forest environment and the
operation of logging machinery and equipment.  However, larger
logging companies and trade associations such as the Northeastern
Loggers Association and the American Pulpwood Association may offer
special programs, particularly for workers training to operate
large, expensive machinery and equipment.  Often, a representative
of the manufacturer or company may spend several days in the field
explaining and overseeing the operation of newly purchased
machinery.  Safety training is a vital part of instruction for all
logging workers.

   Log graders and scalers make up the only logging occupation that
requires certification on a nationwide basis.  However, in recent
years, several States in the Northeast have established
certification training programs for logging.  To be certified
individuals have to meet certain training requirements and pass an
on site field inspection that tests their skills.

   Experience in other occupations can expedite entry into various
logging occupations.  For example, woodworkers such as carpenters
and sawyers can become buckers.  Equipment operators such as
truckdrivers and bulldozer and crane operators can assume skidding
and yarding functions.  Some loggers have worked in sawmills or on
family farms with extensive wooded areas.  Some logging contractors
were formerly crew members of family-owned businesses operated over
several generations.

   Generally, little formal education is required for most forestry and
logging occupations.  The minimum requirement for a forestry aide is
a high school education.  Many secondary schools, including
vocational and technical schools, and a few community colleges offer
courses in general forestry, wildlife, conservation, and forest
harvesting which could be helpful in obtaining a job.  A curriculum
that includes field trips to observe or participate in forestry or
logging activities provides a particularly good background.  There
are no educational requirements for forest worker jobs Many of these
workers may be high school or college students who are hired on a
part-time or seasonal basis.

   Forestry and logging workers must be in good health and be able to
work outdoors every day and to work as part of a team.  Many logging
occupations require physical strength and stamina.  Maturity and
good judgment are important in making quick, intelligent decisions
in dealing with hazards as they arise.  Mechanical aptitude and
coordination are necessary qualities for operators of machinery and
equipment, who often are responsible for repair and maintenance as
well.  Initiative and managerial and business skills are necessary
for success as a self-employed logging contractor.

   Experience working at a nursery or as a laborer can be useful in
obtaining a job as a forest worker.  Logging workers generally
advance from occupations involving primarily manual labor to those
involving the operation of expensive, sometimes complicated
machinery and equipment.  Inexperienced entrants generally begin as
laborers, carrying tools and equipment, clearing brush, and loading
and unloading logs and brush.  For some, familiarization with
logging operations may lead to jobs such as choker setter and log
handling equipment operator.  Further experience may lead to jobs
involving the operation of more complicated machinery and yarding
towers to transport, load, and unload logs.  Those who have the
motor skills required for the efficient use of power saws and other
equipment may become fallers and buckers.  Some logging workers who
can readily assess the marketable volume of timber or identify
defects in logs may become cruisers and graders.

Job Outlook

Little change in the overall employment of forestry and logging
workers is expected through the year 2005.  Most job openings for
forestry and logging workers will result from replacement needs.
Many logging workers transfer to other jobs that are less physically
demanding and dangerous.  In addition, many forestry workers are
younger workers who are not committed to the occupation on a long
term basis.  Some take jobs to earn money for school, others only
take these jobs until they find a better paying job.

   Employment in timber cutting and logging occupations is expected to
decline.  Despite an increase in demand for lumber and wood
products, increased mechanization of logging operations and
improvements in logging equipment will depress the demand for
workers.  In addition, forest conservation efforts may restrict the
volume of public timber available for harvesting, further dampening
demand for timber cutting and logging workers.

   Employment of forestry and conservation workers is expected to
increase about as fast as the average for all occupations as
environmental concerns help spur the demand for workers who maintain
and conserve our woodlands.  However, applicants for forestry and
conservation worker positions are expected to face competition
because many young people seek these jobs as an opportunity to work
outdoors and enjoy nature without being exposed to hazardous
conditions and or extremely hard physical labor.

   Increasing mechanization will have differing effects on timber
cutting and logging workers.  Employment of fallers, buckers, choke
setters, and other workers whose jobs are labor intensive should
decline as safer, laborsaving machinery and equipment are
increasingly used.  Employment of machinery and equipment operators,
such as logging tractor and log handling equipment operators, should
be less adversely affected.

   Weather can force curtailment of logging operations during the muddy
spring season, dry summer periods, and cold winter months.  Changes
in the level of construction, particularly residential, also affect
logging activities.  In addition, logging operations must be
relocated when timber harvesting in a particular area has been
completed.  During prolonged periods of inactivity, some workers may
stay on the job to maintain or repair logging machinery and
equipment; others are forced to find jobs in other occupations or be
without work.

Earnings

Median weekly earnings for all full-time forestry and logging
technicians who were not self-employed were $296 in 1992.  The
middle 50 percent earned between $210 and $408 weekly.  The lowest
10 percent earned less than $159, while the highest 10 percent
earned more than $556.  Generally, earnings of more skilled workers,
such as fallers and yarder operators, are substantially higher than
those of less skilled workers, such as laborers and choker setters.

   Earnings of logging workers vary widely by size of establishment and
geographic area.  Earnings of workers in the largest establishments
are much higher than those in the smallest establishments.  Workers
in Alaska and the Northwest earn substantially more than those in
the South.

   In 1993, forestry aides who worked for the Federal Government
averaged about $26,600.

   Most forestry and conservation workers work for Federal, State, and
local governments and large private firms, which generally offer
more generous benefits for example, pension and retirement plans,
health and life insurance, and paid vacations than smaller firms.
Small logging contractors generally offer timber cutting and logging
workers few benefits.  However, some employers offer full-time
workers basic benefits such as medical coverage and provide safety
apparel and equipment.

   Many logging workers in the Northwest, where the larger
establishments are concentrated, are members of either one of two
unions the International Woodworkers of America or the Western
Council of Industrial Workers.

Related Occupations

Other occupations concerned with the care of trees and their
environment include arborist, gardener, groundskeeper, landscaper,
nursery worker, range aide and soil conservation technician.

Sources of Additional Information

   For information about forestry and conservation occupations contact:

   American Forestry Association, 1516 P St.  NW., Washington, DC
20015.

   For information about forestry jobs with the Federal Government
contact:

   Chief, U.S.  Forest Service, U.S Department of Agriculture, 14th St.
and Independence Ave.  SW., Washington DC 20013.

   For information about timber cutting and logging careers and
secondary and postsecondary programs offering training for logging
occupations, contact:

   Northeastern Loggers Association, P.O.  Box 69, Old Forge, NY 13420.

   Timber Producers Association of Michigan and Wisconsin, P.O.  Box
39, Tomahawk, WI 54487.

   The school of forestry at your State land-grant college or
university should also be able to provide useful information.

   A list of State forestry associations and other forestry-related
State associations is available at most public libraries and the
American Forest & Paper Association, 1250 Connecticut Ave.  NW.,
Washington, DC 20036.