Chain saw and skidder operators

Workers in these occupations may be required to have completed secondary school. Workers must be both physically and mentally fit as they work in a fast moving, hazardous, physically demanding environment. Training and requirements in B.C. may include:

• Completion of the provincial Faller Certification program through the BC Forest Safety Council
• An understanding of tree harvesting regulations and the ability to identify tree species, read maps and maintain equipment
• Previous experience as a logging and forestry labourer or logging machine operator, which is beneficial but not required
• Heavy equipment operation certification, air brake certification, first aid certification and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System certification
• College courses in forestry

Formal on-the-job training is provided and usually lasts 3–16 months, depending on the type of machinery used and the trainee's progress.

Workers who are certified for an occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information such as a letter of good standing, references, or criminal record check.

For those who trained outside of Canada and never received certification from any Canadian jurisdiction, a full assessment is likely needed. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants.

Contact the BC Forest Safety Council for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

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The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

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Employment in the forestry sector was hit hard by the world recession in general, and it was also particularly impacted by the collapse of American home building. It reached record lows in 2008 and 2009, with employment in the sector nearly 8,000 jobs less than in the previous five years. Labour market conditions for the industry are expected to recoup lost ground in the coming years as the economic recovery strengthens and U.S. home construction increases.

As well, some jobs will be created in response to the need to harvest pine beetle damaged wood, but many openings will arise from retirements or from those who leave the industry to pursue other careers.

There is currently a shortage of fallers in B.C. Factors including an aging workforce, increased harvesting due to the pine beetle problem in the interior, as well as an exodus of many current fallers are contributing to the shortage. Recruitment is difficult due to the part year and hazardous nature of the work, as well as negative public perceptions of the Forestry and Logging industry.

Advances in technology will also likely negatively impact this group since these advances allow more work to be completed with fewer workers. Industry sources report that logging operations on the B.C. coast will use more mechanized skidding and harvesting equipment due to an increase in selective logging operations as more second growth timer is harvested. This will result in an increase in demand for skidder operators, while also gradually decreasing the demand for fallers and chainsaw operators in that region.