Careers - Outdoors and Machinery Operation
If you enjoy working in the out of doors and with machines:
Licensed Timber Operator- In California, a Logger must be licensed and is called a Licensed Timber Operator (LTO). These people work in the field doing the actual harvesting of trees, moving the trees to a loading site and loading them on the trucks. To become licensed, an applicant must attend a 2-day training session put on by the California Department of Forestry, show proof of at least 3,000 hours (!) of experience in the field and carry $1,000,000 (million) in liability insurance. After licensing, LTOs must maintain numerous plans to ensure worker safety and habitat protection. LTOs must be able to communicate with employees, foresters and government agency employees to ensure harvest plans are executed properly and safely. Logging organizations provide additional certifications and continuing education programs to ensure LTOs are up-to-date on the ever-changing field of logging.
Heavy Equipment Operator- Today's high-tech harvesting equipment requires experienced and licensed operators to ensure that harvesting plans are carried out with minimal impact to the environment and the safest, most efficient way possible. Machinery includes: Feller Bunchers that can remove small trees in groves; Debarker/Delimbers, Chippers; and Loaders and Yarders that move logs across a site. The work is physically and mentally demanding. Operators must have years of experience and in many cases must be licensed.
Log Truck Driver- Log truck drivers move the logs from the harvest landing site to the mill for processing. Drivers haul large, heavy loads across narrow logging roads, and in many cases through urban areas to the mill. All drivers must have special commercial licenses, maintain driving records and be up-to-date on the numerous regulations involved in loading, securing and hauling loads. The work is physically demanding.
What classes should I take to prepare for college?
Classes that familiarize the student with the forest environment will help prepare for their work, including science and math. Many of these operators are self-employed, so education in business related fields is helpful.
Which schools offer education programs for these types of jobs?
Vocational schools offer certificate or licensing programs in driving, and in some cases on operating machinery. Some equipment manufacturers provide training, and in many cases employers train operators in the field.
Related careers:
Feller- A Feller is the logger who plans how the tree is to be cut and where it is to fall to best protect both the tree and the surrounding environment. Once planned, the Feller falls and delimbs the tree, and many times cuts the tree into sections for transport. Fellers work closely with the RPF to ensure the harvest is carried out according to plan. In California, Fellers must either be a LTO, or work directly under their supervision. The job requires physical strength, stamina, knowledge of Forest Practice and safety rules, and experience.