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Heavy Equipment Operator

In the forestry industry, a Heavy Equipment Operator drives and operates large equipment used in working forests and sawmills. Heavy equipment operated may include bulldozers, forklifts, cranes, log loaders, graders, excavators, skidders, feller bunchers and much more.

In addition to operating heavy equipment, the Heavy Equipment Operator may also do material handling work such as stacking lumber and preparing wood products for shipping. This job is both fast-paced and physically demanding. It also requires attention to detail and good hand-eye coordination.

This position may also be referred to as Crane Operator, Loader Operator, Stacker Operator, Forklift Operator, etc.

LeRoy Frazier

Loader Operator, Williston Timber

My dad, he was a short wood hauler, and it just is in me. I like the woods. Just remember the first thing you've got to do is pay attention and be safe.

Education

Usually, formal college or higher-level education credentials are not required. Instead, focus on accumulating hands-on and industry-specific experience. On-the-job training may be provided. Some heavy equipment training and certificate programs are offered through vocational schools.

Helpful courses to take in high school: Any hands-on courses your high school offers, such as wood science or welding courses. Also, be sure to take advantage of any career and technical education programs offered by the school.

Tools of the Trade

  • Heavy Equipment Operators operate various specialized tools. These include, but are not limited to, cranes, forklifts, knuckle boom loaders, bulldozers and much more.
  • Wear safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, safety goggles, steel-toed boots, and earplugs.
  • May need to use basic tools to make repairs on the heavy equipment.

Important Skills

Enjoy working outdoors with large heavy machinery. Must be able to develop and demonstrate skill to operate a variety of heavy equipment such as cranes, forklifts and bulldozers.

Good hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills and detail-oriented.

Thrive in a fast-paced, physically-demanding work environment.

Job Responsibilities

Much of the work that the Heavy Equipment Operator performs is in support of forestry operations. They drive and operate a variety of equipment often used in harvesting, reforestation, and road maintenance work. In addition to operating machinery, maintenance of the heavy equipment is required. These individuals will calibrate the machinery, troubleshoot computers, and maintain the physical equipment to ensure it works properly.

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