Agricultural Careers

Logging Specialist

By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Ms. Anna Burgess

Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office

Georgia Department of Education

June 2005

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Job Duties & Responsibilities

•Checking equipment.

•Harvesting trees.

•Running machines.

•Repairing machines on site.

•Buying and preparing land for harvesting.

Qualities and Skills

Logging specialists must be problem solvers who are both efficient and hard working.

They need to be motivated with good communication skills.

Reading and writing skills and equipment operating ability are also necessary qualities.

Salary

The average salary of a logging specialist is about $50,000 per year.

The entry level position in the career of logging specialist earns anywhere from $25,000 to $30,000 with a maximum salary being about $80,000.

Work Environment

•Most work is done outdoors

•Long, ten hour days and weekend and holiday work may be required

•Work week is typically 40 plus hours

•Environment can be wet, dirty, or uncomfortable

Becoming a Logging Specialist

Onsite training is given to workers by the company owners. This training may include training of different equipment and the usage of different machinery and the repair and maintenance of machinery.

Before entering into the logging field, you must receive a Timber Harvester Certification. This is an ongoing educational process. The Timber Harvester Certification includes eight additional hours of training beyond normal education. You must receive this every year to maintain your logging career. The eight required hours

may be increased in the next few years.

Career Resources

Society of American ForestersInternet: http://www.safnet.org/

American Forest & Paper AssociationInternet: http://www.afandpa.org/

Agricultural CareersInternet: http://www.agcareers.com

Agriculture OnlineInternet: http://www.agriculture.com