Quality controller/Log maker

YOUR CAREER AS A
QUALITY CONTROLLER

The quality controller ('QC') role is to work on the skid or landing site, checking logs that have been cut meet the various specifications required by the market, and marking logs ready for loading or storage. The role involves working alongside either manual or mechanised log makers and is a busy and active job.

SNAPSHOT INFO

Earning Potential

$25-$30/hr

Qualification Required

None at entry; Level 2/3 available

Physically Demanding

Physical work

Absence from home

Varies with employer

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

This is often the main entry-level role in mechanised harvesting operations. It is a good place to learn the basics of mechanised harvesting plus much of the safety knowledge forestry workers need. Working on the skid is physically demanding. It usually means early morning starts and sometimes long travel distances. Workers must be fit and healthy, have good attention to detail, and enjoy working in the outdoors as part of a team.

CAREER PROGRESSION

People who start work in quality control can, with training, progress to many other roles, including tree falling and machine operation. They can also work their way up to become crew foremen and own and manage their own crews eventually.

See quality controllers in action:

YOUR CAREER AS A
LOG MAKER

Log makers work on the forestry skid or landing site. Using chainsaws, their role is to work on harvested stems, assessing them and cutting them to meet different market specifications. Log makers can become highly skilled and a key part of the production team.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Log making is often an entry-level role (requiring basic chainsaw training e.g. Level 2) and is a good place to learn basic chainsaw skills plus much of the safety knowledge forestry workers need. Experienced log makers can become highly skilled at evaluating stems and ensuring maximum out-turn. Working on the skid is physically demanding.

Early morning starts and sometimes long travel distances are the norm. Workers must be fit and healthy, good decision makers, and enjoy working in the bush as part of a team.

CAREER PROGRESSION

People who start work as cross-cutters and then move into log making can, with training, progress to many other roles, including tree falling and machine operation. They can also work their way up to become crew foremen and own and manage their own crews eventually.