2223-NOC-forestry-technologists-technicians

Logging and forestry labourers

(NOC 85120)
Annual Earnings
$62,568
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
No Formal Education
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
0

Career Overview

Logging and forestry labourers assist other workers at logging sites. They plant trees, clear brush, spray chemicals and help with a range of other tasks.

Duties

In general, logging and forestry labourers:

  • Plant and prune trees using hand tools
  • Space young trees
  • Attach chokers or cables to move felled trees
  • Spray herbicides from the ground using hand-held equipment
  • Clear trails using chain saws
  • Clean up sorting areas at logging sites

They may also help with more complex tasks, such as:

  • Measuring the amount of timber in a harvest area
  • Assessing the harvest area and laying out roads
  • Taking down dangerous trees
  • Fighting fires
  • Assessing waste
  • Surveying the impact of root rot and insects
  • Assessing streams and wetlands

 

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$62,568

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$47.00/hr
Median$30.00/hr
Low$19.00/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

1,350

% Employed Full Time

24%
Source: 2021 Census

Logging and forestry labourers work for logging companies and contractors.

They work outdoors in a challenging environment. They are subject to all kinds of weather and to the noise of loud machinery. They work on unstable ground and steep slopes. They also face the danger of trees falling or cables snapping. They must follow strict safety rules to reduce the risks.

Some logging and forestry labourers work with drones and geographic information system (GIS) mapping.

Career Pathways

With experience, logging and forestry labourers can move into more advanced positions. These include silviculture and forestry worker, environmental monitor, chain saw and skidder operator, log truck driver, fibre hauler and logging machinery operator. Workers with specialized training can do danger tree assessments and falling.

Some logging and forestry labourers advance by apprenticing as a mechanic or in another related trade.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Data not available

Job Titles

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

Education, Training and Skills

Logging and forestry labourers receive several weeks of formal and on-the-job training.

Some jobs also require:

  • High school diploma
  • Driver’s licence
  • Safety courses
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) certification
  • Chemicals application licensing
  • First aid training
  • Chain saw safety and faller’s certification
  • Waste and residue survey certification
  • Resource Inventory Standards Course (RISC) in archaeology

 

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Academic/Basic Upgrading
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Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Data not available

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

1,350
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 170 12.6%
Kootenay 210 15.6%
Mainland/Southwest 275 20.4%
North Coast and Nechako 100 7.4%
Northeast 15 1.1%
Thompson-Okanagan 215 15.9%
Vancouver Island/Coast 375 27.8%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

0
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo 30 -0.8%
Kootenay 0 -1.1%
Mainland/Southwest 0 -1.4%
North Coast and Nechako 20 -0.8%
Northeast Not available Not available
Thompson-Okanagan 0 -1.9%
Vancouver Island/Coast 10 -1.0%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Agriculture And Fishing0
Public Administration0
Wholesale Trade0
Transportation And Warehousing0
Business, Building And Other Support Services0
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Insights from Industry

Logging and forestry labourers do a variety of tasks and often move between similar jobs in the field. Experts in the field are discovering some challenges in finding trees that are available to cut.

Resources