Job description Skidder Operator near Smithers (BC)

Find out what work is like for a skidder operator in Canada. This work description is applicable to all Chain saw and skidder operators (NOC 84110).

Chain saw and skidder operators

Description

Chain saw and skidder operators 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. They are employed by logging companies and contractors.

Work week duration

Chain saw and skidder operators usually work between 35 to 40 hours per week.
Between 35 to 40 hours

Job duties

Here are some of the main activities and tasks that Chain saw and skidder operators have to perform, and some of the physical demands they involve:

  • 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.

Physical demands Help - Physical Demands

  • Handling material manually
  • Standing
  • Bending or twisting the body
  • Making repetitive motions
  • Keeping or regaining balance
  • Walking and running

Physical demands

Physical demands are the physical activities that the job requires the worker to do. Physical demands are selected according to the likeliness that workers will have to perform them for at least half of the time they spend at work.

Workplaces and employers

Here are the typical workplaces where Chain saw and skidder operators are employed and some of their main characteristics:

  • Logging companies
  • Logging contractors

Work environment Help - Physical Work Environment

  • Outside, exposed to weather
  • Hazardous equipment, machinery, tools
  • Skin injury
  • Standard safety equipment
  • Vibration
  • Sound and noise
  • Dangerous chemical substances
  • Hazardous conditions

Work environment

The work environment refers to the physical setting in which people work. The characteristics and conditions of the work environment are selected according to the likeliness that workers will be exposed to them at least once a week.

Physical proximity from others

Physical proximity from others refers to the physical distance between individuals in the workplace. The likeliness that the job requires to perform tasks while being physically close to other people is rated on a scale with 3 levels: "Somewhat close", "Close" and "Very close".

Related job titles

Here are some other related job titles that are found in the same occupational category (NOC 84110), and a list of similar occupations:

  • bucker
  • chain saw operator - logging
  • faller
  • feller
  • forest worker - logging
  • grapple skidder operator
  • landingman/woman
  • pieceworker - logging
  • skidder operator

Similar occupations Help - Similar occupations

Similar occupations

This section lists other occupations that are part of the same broad occupational category as Chain saw and skidder operators in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). These occupations involve similar core qualifications but involve different responsibilities. To see more similar occupations, use the Job Transition Tool.

Sources Occupational and Skills Information System & National Occupational Classification

Labour Market Information Survey
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