84110 – Chain saw and skidder operators
Lead statement
Chain saw and skidder operators operate chain saws to fell, delimb and buck trees, and operate skidders to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation.
Main duties
- Operate chain saw to fell, delimb and buck trees at the logging site and loading area
- Operate cable, or grapple skidder to move or yard the felled trees from the logging site to the landing area for processing and transportation
- Assess site, terrain and weather conditions before felling and yarding trees
- May work as member of a team rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation
- May maintain and perform minor repairs on skidders, chain saws and other equipment.
Employment requirements
- Previous experience as a logging and forestry labourer or logging machine operator may be required. Experience requirements vary depending on the type and location of woodlands operations.
- Provincial certification or a forest worker program certificate is required in some provinces.
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and first aid certificates may be required.
- Completion of a college program for forest workers may be required.
- Formal training in chain saw operation and maintenance and several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
- Completion of secondary school may be required.
- Trade certification for fallers is available, but voluntary in Quebec.
Example job titles
bucker · bucker - logging · cable skidder operator · chain saw operator - logging · chaser - logging · cordwood cutter · wood cutter - logging · cutter - logging · feller - logging · lumberjack · logger · feller · faller - logging · faller · faller and bucker - logging · forest worker - logging · grapple skidder operator · hardwood faller and bucker · landing bucker - logging · landingman/woman · landingman/woman - logging · log cutter · logging tractor operator · skidder operator - logging · pieceworker - logging · pole cutter · post cutter · pulpwood cutter · skidder operator · horse logger
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $20.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 |
| New Brunswick | $18.00 | $23.00 | $30.00 |
| Quebec | $20.00 | $28.00 | $35.00 |
| Ontario | $20.00 | $26.00 | $33.00 |
| Manitoba | $18.00 | $22.73 | $29.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $16.40 | $25.00 | $32.00 |
| Alberta | $21.50 | $30.00 | $37.00 |
| British Columbia | $28.00 | $35.00 | $41.50 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.