YOUR CAREER AS A
MANUAL TREE FALLER
Tree fallers are highly-skilled chainsaw operators, responsible for felling mature trees. Their role is to select and fell trees in a safe and careful way, so the stems are ready for extraction to the forest landing site where they are processed into logs. If you enjoy physical work, being in the bush, and working as part of a team, this is a job for you.
SNAPSHOT INFO
Earning Potential
$35-$45/hr
Qualification Required
None at entry; Level 3/4 available
Physically Demanding
Physical work
Absence from home
Varies with employer
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
Tree fallers can expect to study towards Level 3 and 4 National Certificates in Tree Falling. Tree fallers need to be practical, physically fit, and extremely safety conscious. They need to be self-reliant, with good judgement and decision-making, and hard-working. The work can mean early morning starts and sometimes long travel distances. Team work and good communication skills are needed.
SIMILAR JOBS
CAREER PROGRESSION
Tree fallers can progress to become harvesting crew foremen, managers and owners. They may become machine operators. Some mechanised crews now employ contract tree fallers for specialist work – these people are highly skilled and sought-after.
Watch manual tree falling in action: