How to become A Lumberjack

Lumberjacks are the anonymous heroes who harvest thousands of acres of forests each year to make sure the rest of us have access to quality wood that goes to make up countless consumer and industrial products.

• Forestry Worker
• Bucker 
• Choke Setter 
• Rigging Slinger 
• Rigging Chaser 
• Log Sorter 
• Log Marker 
• Log Mover  
• Log Chipper 
• Logging Equipment Operator

What do Lumberjacks do?

A Lumberjack would typically need to:

• Fell, cut and transport trees for processing
• Conduct an initial forest survey to assess tree volume and density; undertake preliminary groundwork to clear brush and undergrowth 
• Identify tree species to determine whether they are commercially viable or endangered i.e. whether they can be harvested or need to be protected
• Carry out safety inspections before measuring and marking the trees to be cut down for timber production
• Harvest trees with hand-held power chain saws or mobile felling machines
• Strip branches from felled trees; cut the trees into pre-determined lengths to prepare the logs for transportation or further processing
• Separate trees according to species and type of wood 
• Drive and manoeuvre tractors and feller-buncher tree harvesters to shear trees and cut logs into desired lengths
• Grade logs according to characteristics such as knot size, straight grain and colour of the wood
• Fasten chains or cables around logs to be dragged by tractors to the landing or deck area
• Load the logs onto trucks, railroad cars or river rafts, using cranes and other heavy equipment
• Calculate total board feet and cordage with the help of conversion tables
• Use tractors to build or repair the roads used for logging operations
• Inspect all tools and equipment; conduct basic maintenance to ensure it helps perform the job safely and efficiently
• Plant new tree seedlings or saplings; dig or install more efficient drainage systems
• Prune and cut back shrubs and other ground cover to encourage the healthy growth of trees
• Use special tools to thin out densely wooded areas to improve access for operations and recreation
• Employ insecticides to protect young trees against pests and diseases; perform brashing and pruning to promote healthy growth in older trees
• Remove debris and litter; clear footpaths and nature trails and maintain adjoining car parks and public locations; prevent forest fires
• Put up fences, gates, signs and public information notices

Lumberjacks work outdoors all the time, sometimes in poor weather and often in isolated locations. A typical work day will include lifting, climbing and walking through densely wooded areas. Enclosed machines help to mitigate the discomfort due to bad weather and made logging safer in general.

You may need to commute long distances between your home and a logging site if you live in a sparsely populated area. Some Lumberjacks have the option to live in a bunkhouse in the logging camp for the duration of the logging season.

With employment opportunities limited to warmer months, Lumberjacks must put in long hours during peak times (early spring and autumn harvests). There may be time off between jobs, resulting in an irregular work schedule.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Lumberjacks can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. Part-time work involving three-month-long short-term contracts are quite common. There is a demand for new entrants despite the competitive nature of the profession.

Lumberjacks are generally employed by:

• Government & Private Organisations In The Tree & Timber Industry
• Private Estates
• Local Authorities
• Conservation Organisations & Charities
• Forest Management Companies

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Institute for Environment and Economic Development and The Lumberjack World Championships Foundation are crucial for Lumberjacks interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Physically demanding work that requires considerable lifting, climbing and other strenuous activities
• Constant hazards such as falling branches, vines and rough terrains; dangers associated with chain saws and other power equipment
• The need to commute long distances to work in primitive conditions if living in a sparsely populated area
• Extreme weather work conditions such as rain, snow, heat and storms
• Relatively low pay scales and work instability

Any academic program that a potential Lumberjack takes up typically includes field trips to observe or participate in logging activities. 

Community colleges also offer training programs may also incorporate technical instruction or field training in best management practices, various logging techniques, technical and safety skills, environmental compliance and reforestation.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Besides, logging companies and trade associations offer employees who operate large, expensive machinery and equipment training programs that culminate in an accredited safety certification.

Employers prefer candidates who have prior work experience as an iron worker, welder, foreman, crane operator, grade sorter or head sawyer. Look for trees and timber apprenticeships that combine practical work experience with some classroom learning.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working as Lumberjacks to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

A high school diploma is generally enough to get a job as a Lumberjack although associate degrees or certificates in forest technology from vocational or technical schools and community colleges may make it easier. You may also acquire a diploma or certificate in land and environment, forestry and arboriculture, horticulture or land-based technology. 

An NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in landbased operations, environmental conservation, forestry or treework or a Certificate of Competence in chainsaw operations and environmental conservation will also prove advantageous in some locations.

Focus on physical education and carpentry/electrical shop in high school.

Certification demonstrates a Lumberjack’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. 

Certification in healthcare and firesafety management, rigging equipment inspection, mobile crane operation from an objective and reputed organisation can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Lumberjacks who work their way up the ranks to become Works Supervisors, Forest Managers or Foremen. It is also possible to become a Forest Ranger and work with forest wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife.

Candidates with an associate degree or certificate in forestry, desirable certifications and significant related work experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Lumberjack build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. CPD also helps with the regular renewal of requisite certifications and licenses. It is highly recommended that you learn about environmental policies and means to hep preserve forests.

Safety First, Safety Always

Despite strong industry emphasis on safety, Lumberjacks face one of the highest rates of occupational fatalities through contact with a power or heavy machine or an object such as a log. 

Protective measures such as hardhats, goggles, boots, specialist clothing and harnesses go a long way towards mitigating fatalities.

Essential Traits

In addition to being in a prime physical and mental condition, Lumberjacks need attention to detail as well as effective communication, decision-making and mechanical skills. 

Practical knowledge of relevant safety procedures and the ability to read a compass, find their way with a map or GPS and navigate by landmarks are also valuable characteristics.

The Current Scenario

With the sceptre of rapidly dwindling forests looming over their heads, a new breed of Lumberjacks is coming into being. In addition to being skilled at the traditional jobs, these professionals must have considerable knowledge about environment policy to preserve forests and related natural resources from further destruction.

Earlier, Lumberjacks used axes to cut down trees but now they use chainsaws.

The pay is low, the job prospects are uncertain, and the professional dangers are high; it is the celebration of power and strength that continues to motivate people towards this traditional job.

Conduct due diligence before applying for a position. Avoid taking positions at firms that have been cited for failed safety inspections, environmental violations and unsafe working conditions.