Chainsaw and skidder operators
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.
Limited
Market Demand
TEER 4
Skill Level
NB, AB, ON
Top Provinces
What They Do
- 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.
Qualifications
- checkPrevious 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.
- checkProvincial certification or a forest worker program certificate is required in some provinces.
- checkWorkplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and first aid certificates may be required.
- checkCompletion of a college program for forest workers may be required.
- checkFormal training in chain saw operation and maintenance and several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
- checkCompletion of secondary school may be required.
- checkTrade certification for fallers is available, but voluntary in Quebec.
Market Outlook by Province
New Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Limited for chain saw and skidder operators (NOC 84110) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.Due to the seasonal nature of this occupation, employment opportunities tend to be more favourable during the summer months.Here are some key facts about chain saw and skidder operators in New Brunswick: Approximately 500 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Chain saw and skidder operators mainly work in the following sectors: Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 81% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 88% compared to 84% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 12% compared to 16% for all occupations26% of chain saw and skidder operators work all year, while 74% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 31 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.37% of chain saw and skidder operators are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: more than 95% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: less than 5% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 38% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 47% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 9% compared to 12% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: n/a university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a
Limited
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Limited for chain saw and skidder operators (NOC 84110) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about chain saw and skidder operators in Alberta: Approximately 400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Chain saw and skidder operators mainly work in the following sectors: Forestry and logging (NAICS 113, 1153): 56%Wholesale trade (NAICS 41): 8%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 8%Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 7%Construction (NAICS 23): 6% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 90% compared to 80% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 10% compared to 20% for all occupations32% of chain saw and skidder operators work all year, while 68% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 37 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.25% of chain saw and skidder operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 94% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 6% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 43% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
Limited
Outlook
Ontario
The employment outlook will be Limited for chain saw and skidder operators (NOC 84110) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about chain saw and skidder operators in Ontario: Approximately 1,200 people worked in this occupation in May 2021. Chain saw and skidder operators mainly work in the following sectors: Forestry and logging and fishing, hunting and trapping (NAICS 113, 114, 1153): 53%Other retail stores (NAICS 44-45, except 445): 8%Management and administrative services (NAICS 55, 56): 7%Wood product manufacturing (NAICS 321): 7%Construction (NAICS 23): 6% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 91% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 9% compared to 19% for all occupations48% of chain saw and skidder operators work all year, while 52% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.37% of chain saw and skidder operators are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 95% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 5% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: 33% compared to 9% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: 37% compared to 25% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 8% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 11% compared to 22% for all occupations bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 24% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
Limited
Outlook
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Immigration Pathways
TEER 4 occupations typically require a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Not eligible for Express Entry but may qualify through provincial programs.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Atlantic Immigration Program
Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot
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Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 84110 openings right now.
Molson Coors
1 active role · Toronto, ON
The Sutherland Group of Companies
1 active role
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Search Chainsaw and skidder operatorsarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
to monitor the functionality of chain saws and skidders to identify when repairs or replacement is necessary
Operation and Control
to operate chain saws to fell, delimb and buck trees
Multi-Limb Coordination
to move and yard the felled trees from logging sites to landing areas for processing and transportation
Reaction Time
to quickly assess sites, terrain and weather before felling and yarding trees
Adaptability
to quickly adjust to different ground conditions, such as mud, snow, ice, or uneven terrain
Knowledge in Vehicle, Machinery and Equipment Operations
to understand how to operate chainsaws and skidders, ensuring trees are felled safely and effectively
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