8421-NOC

Chain saw and skidder operators

(NOC 84110)
Annual Earnings
$69,701
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
High School Diploma
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
210

Career Overview

Chainsaw and skidder operators work together to prepare sites for logging and harvesting. These workers operate chain saws to fell, delimb and buck trees, and operate skidders to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation.

People in this occupation:

  • Generally work for logging companies and contractors, although some of are also self-employed
  • Should be physically fit and enjoy working outdoors and in remote settings
  • Should have a basic mechanical ability since they often work with and maintain machinery
  • Should be comfortable working in a team setting
  • Should also have knowledge of safety procedures due to hazardous working conditions

 

Duties

Chain saw and skidder operators:

  • Operate chain saw to fell, delimb and buck trees at the logging site and loading area
  • Operate cable, or grapple skidder to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation
  • Assess site, terrain and weather conditions before felling and yarding trees
  • May work as member of a team rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation
  • May maintain and perform minor repairs on skidders, chain saws and other equipment

 

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

$69,701

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$39.79/hr
Median$33.42/hr
Low$27.00/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

1,965

% Employed Full Time

32%
Source: 2021 Census

Rotating shift work is common in this occupational group. Operators typically work 40–50 hours per week. Shifts range from 8–12 hours, depending on the worker's position and the work location. Long shifts and overtime are more common in logging camps. Long shifts are also more common in northern B.C. due to the shorter operating season.

Chain saw operators and skidder operators work outdoors in various weather conditions. Working conditions include noisy machinery, unstable ground and steep hill slopes. As well, workers are expected to work independently or at a distance from co-workers at times.

Working conditions have improved for skidder operators in recent years as most machinery cabs are now equipped with heaters and air conditioning.

Job sites are often located in remote areas. As a result, workers may have to travel and remain on site for extended periods of time.

These are very dangerous occupations and there are risks associated with being near falling trees. All work sites follow strict safety regulations due to the hazardous nature of the work.

Career Pathways

Chainsaw operators and skidders may work within either job with relative ease. Many skills are transferable, and these workers can move into other logging-related jobs, such as logging machinery operators.

With additional education and training, workers may get wood processing or sawmill machine operating positions.

Progression to supervisory positions, such as bullbucker, is possible with experience. In the past some experienced personnel have started operating their own contracting companies.

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:

Realistic
Realistic

Job Titles

Bucker
Chain saw operator - logging
Faller
Feller
Forest worker - logging
Grapple skidder operator
Landingman/woman
Pieceworker - logging
Skidder operator

Education, Training and Skills

Workers in these occupations may be required to have completed secondary school. Workers must be both physically and mentally fit as they work in a fast moving, hazardous, physically demanding environment. Training and requirements in B.C. may include:

  • Completion of the provincial Faller Certification program through the BC Forest Safety Council
  • An understanding of tree harvesting regulations and the ability to identify tree species, read maps and maintain equipment
  • Previous experience as a logging and forestry labourer or logging machine operator, which is beneficial but not required
  • Heavy equipment operation certification, air brake certification, first aid certification and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System certification
  • College courses in forestry

Formal on-the-job training is provided and usually lasts 3–16 months, depending on the type of machinery used and the trainee's progress.

Workers who are certified for an occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the BC Forest Safety Council for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Forestry Related
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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!

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

67%
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.

62%
Monitoring

Keeping track of and assessing your performance, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

53%
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

51%
Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

50%
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

48%
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

48%
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

46%
Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

45%
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

45%

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

1,965
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 160 8.1%
Kootenay 245 12.4%
Mainland/Southwest 260 13.2%
North Coast and Nechako 170 8.6%
Northeast 45 2.3%
Thompson-Okanagan 370 18.8%
Vancouver Island/Coast 710 36.0%
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)

210
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 40 -0.7%
Kootenay 30 -0.8%
Mainland/Southwest 10 -1.4%
North Coast and Nechako 40 -0.6%
Northeast 0 -2.7%
Thompson-Okanagan 20 -1.5%
Vancouver Island/Coast 70 -0.8%
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)
Forestry, Logging And Support Activities100
Business, Building And Other Support Services30
Retail Trade20
Construction10
Transportation And Warehousing10
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Insights from Industry

Employment in the forestry sector was hit hard by the world recession in general, and it was also particularly impacted by the collapse of American home building. It reached record lows in 2008 and 2009, with employment in the sector nearly 8,000 jobs less than in the previous five years. Labour market conditions for the industry are expected to recoup lost ground in the coming years as the economic recovery strengthens and U.S. home construction increases.

As well, some jobs will be created in response to the need to harvest pine beetle damaged wood, but many openings will arise from retirements or from those who leave the industry to pursue other careers.

There is currently a shortage of fallers in B.C. Factors including an aging workforce, increased harvesting due to the pine beetle problem in the interior, as well as an exodus of many current fallers are contributing to the shortage. Recruitment is difficult due to the part year and hazardous nature of the work, as well as negative public perceptions of the Forestry and Logging industry.

Advances in technology will also likely negatively impact this group since these advances allow more work to be completed with fewer workers. Industry sources report that logging operations on the B.C. coast will use more mechanized skidding and harvesting equipment due to an increase in selective logging operations as more second growth timer is harvested. This will result in an increase in demand for skidder operators, while also gradually decreasing the demand for fallers and chainsaw operators in that region.

Resources