YOUR CAREER AS A
MACHINE OPERATOR
Machine operators can drive any one of a range of the big powerful machines for harvesting and road construction. Some examples of the machines operating in forests include:
- falling/harvesting machines
- cable and swing yarders
- skidders/extraction machines
- sorting and stacking machines
- loading machines
- mechanised processors
- roading machines.
All machine operators work as part of a team, must be safety conscious, and take care of their machines and the working environment.
SNAPSHOT INFO
Earning Potential
$32-$50/hr
Qualification Required
None on entry; Level 3/4 available
Physically Demanding
Limited physical work
Absence from home
Varies with employer
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Machine operators can expect to work towards Level 4 qualifications. Machine operators must enjoy driving big machines for long hours, and working in the bush. Skills required include good coordination and concentration, and a mechanical/technical aptitude. Forestry work often means early morning starts and long travel distances. Operators need to be hard-working and safety conscious.
SIMILAR JOBS
Machine operators often develop skills to operate a range of different machines.
CAREER PROGRESSION
Machine operators can progress to become crew foremen and managers, and eventually to owning their own crew. A move into roading work is also a possibility.
Watch mechanised tree felling in action: