Green Jobs

Log Yard Manager

The Log Yard Manager supervises log yard functions including but not limited to log truck receiving and unloading, "scaling" or assessing incoming logs, inventory control and customer loadout. This individual is responsible for ensuring logs are sorted and are accurately accounted for.

A log yard manager oversees the operations of a log yard. A log yard is a facility where logs are stored before they are processed at a mill or other wood processing facility. The log yard manager is responsible for ensuring all logs are received, sorted and processed in an efficient manner.

This position may also be referred to as Log Yard Supervisor, Wood Yard Manager, or Timber Yard Manager.

Jarred Ward

Log Yard Supervisor, Sierra Pacific Industries

Operating large equipment gives me a thrill. I love that I am responsible for the movement of millions of pounds of timber a day. We move our log inventory to ensure space is efficiently utilized and we are meeting the needs of the sawmill. The mill can’t run without logs and it is our job to get them off the truck and into the mill.

Education

A log yard manager typically needs a high school diploma along with experience working in a log yard and supervising others. In addition to formal higher education, relevant work experience in the forestry industry is a plus. A Bachelor’s Degree in a business management field, forestry, forest products or a related field is appreciated by some employers but rarely required.

Helpful courses to take in high school include business courses, mathematics and agricultural-focused courses, all of which are highly beneficial for this role.

Tools of the Trade

  • Log yard equipment such as log loaders, skidders, forklifts and processing equipment.
  • Basic computer applications such as Microsoft applications for data entry, inventory tracking, etc.
  • Communication devices such as walkie-talkies or cell phones to communicate with other personnel across the log yard.
  • Safety equipment including a hard hat, steel-toe shoes, work gloves and a bright safety vest.
  • Basic hand tools such as a hammer, screwdriver and wrenches may be used for routine maintenance of equipment.

Important Skills

Leadership skills to lead and motivate log yard personnel, including log sorters, scalers, and equipment or machine operators.

Knowledge of forestry industry, log processing knowledge and relevant safety regulations and standards specific to a log yard.

Excellent communication and negotiation skills for interactions with log yard personnel, forestry organization executives and customers. 

Good attention to detail to identify any quality issues as it applies to wood and log products. This individual needs to be able to ensure the logs that are under their management are sorted and processed well and to the standards of the buyer.

Job Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a log yard manager may include:

  • Supervising log yard operations. This includes supervising log yard employees, managing incoming log shipments and exported logs. Additional tasks include sorting, scaling and processing logs.
  • Managing log inventory. The log yard manager oversees the quantity and quality of all the logs incoming and outgoing. They are responsible for tracking inventory and the location of the logs.
  • Maintaining log yard equipment such as log loaders, skidders, forklifts and processing equipment.
  • Ensure the log yard is safe and in compliance with all safety regulations and standards.
  • Maintain records of all log yard operations.
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