Fallers

Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.

Tasks Include:

Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.
Appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage.
Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.
Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.
Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.
Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.
Control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: -5.2%

National: -8.4%

Education

Less than a High School Diploma

Job Zone:

One: Little or No Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$53,170.00

State

$52,000.00

Regional

Fallers

Description

Career Cluster:

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources

Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Education

Required Level of Education

Less than a High School Diploma = 55.82%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) = 44.18%

Related Work Experience

Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 32.32%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 28.95%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 17.83%
None = 15.28%
Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years = 3.96%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 1.29%
Up to and including 1 month = 0.36%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

None = 34.98%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 19.55%
Up to and including 1 month = 15.39%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 15.19%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 14.54%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 0.34%

On-the-Job Training

Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 33.73%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 18.80%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 17.05%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 10.94%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 8.96%
None or short demonstration = 6.92%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 3.61%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.
Appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage.
Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.
Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.
Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.
Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.
Control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges.
Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.
Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.
Maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly.
Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.
Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.

Supplemental Tasks Include:

Secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.
Load logs or wood onto trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, by hand or using loaders or winches.
Mark logs for identification.
Work as a member of a team, rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation.
Place supporting limbs or poles under felled trees to avoid splitting undersides, and to prevent logs from rolling.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Additional Resources

For information about timber cutting and logging careers and secondary and postsecondary programs offering training for logging occupations, contact:

Northeastern Loggers Association
P.O. Box 69
Old Forge, NY 13420
http://www.loggertraining.com

Forest Resources Association, Inc.
600 Jefferson Plaza
Suite 350
Rockville, MD 20852
http://www.forestresources.org

For information on the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) training programs, contact:

American Forest and Paper Association
1111 19th St. NW.
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
http://www.afandpa.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Skills

%	Subject	Description
59.50	Operation and Control	Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
56.25	Operations Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
56.25	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
56.25	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
50.00	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
78.25	Reaction Time	The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
68.75	Multilimb Coordination	The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
65.75	Control Precision	The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
62.50	Manual Dexterity	The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
62.50	Static Strength	The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
62.50	Speed of Limb Movement	The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
62.50	Arm-Hand Steadiness	The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
59.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
59.50	Depth Perception	The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
59.50	Gross Body Coordination	The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
59.50	Stamina	The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
59.50	Trunk Strength	The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
59.50	Auditory Attention	The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
56.25	Hearing Sensitivity	The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
56.25	Visual Color Discrimination	The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
56.25	Far Vision	The ability to see details at a distance.
56.25	Extent Flexibility	The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
56.25	Flexibility of Closure	The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
53.25	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
53.25	Rate Control	The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
53.25	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53.25	Visualization	The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
53.25	Response Orientation	The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
50.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
50.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
50.00	Perceptual Speed	The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
50.00	Gross Body Equilibrium	The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
50.00	Dynamic Strength	The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
50.00	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
83.50	Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
83.25	Controlling Machines and Processes	Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
80.00	Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
73.50	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
69.25	Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
64.75	Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
63.50	Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
61.50	Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
61.00	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
58.25	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
53.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
77.50	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
73.75	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
73.25	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
69.75	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
69.50	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
66.75	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
66.50	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
66.25	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
63.00	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
61.75	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
61.50	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
61.00	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
57.75	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
54.50	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
50.00	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
77.83	Support	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
50.00	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
99.40	Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets	How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
98.80	Outdoors, Exposed to Weather	How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?
97.60	Exposed to Hazardous Equipment	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?
96.80	Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls	How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
96.40	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
91.80	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
88.00	Spend Time Standing	How much does this job require standing?
86.20	Exposed to Contaminants	How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
85.20	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
85.20	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
84.00	Exposed to Whole Body Vibration	How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer)?
82.60	Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body	How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?
82.00	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
80.40	Spend Time Walking and Running	How much does this job require walking and running?
76.80	Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings	How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?
75.80	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
75.20	Responsible for Others' Health and Safety	How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
74.40	Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions	How much does this job require making repetitive motions?
73.20	Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable	How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?
68.80	Consequence of Error	How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
68.40	Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance	How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?
68.20	Very Hot or Cold Temperatures	How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
67.60	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
66.60	Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling	How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?
61.20	Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions	How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?
60.40	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
57.60	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
56.80	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
56.60	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
55.20	Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment	How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)
54.40	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
51.20	In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?
51.20	Exposed to Hazardous Conditions	How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
50.60	Importance of Repeating Same Tasks	How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job?
50.40	In an Open Vehicle or Equipment	How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or equipment (e.g., tractor)?
49.60	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.
Job Training
- Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Examples
- These occupations involve following instructions and helping others. Examples include agricultural equipment operators, dishwashers, floor sanders and finishers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, logging equipment operators, baristas, and maids and housekeeping cleaners.
Education
- Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$32,920.00	$53,170.00	$69,780.00
Virginia	$39,520.00	$52,000.00	$55,030.00

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	$42,520.00	$51,170.00	$55,060.00
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	$45,790.00	$53,060.00	$55,690.00
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	$48,070.00	$52,000.00	$55,740.00

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Employment Projections

USA: 2023-2033

Virginia: 2022-2032

Regions: 2020-2030

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	6,900	6,300	-8.4%
Virginia	575	545	-5.2%

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Natural Resources Systems Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

View Videos

CareerOneStop Video

View Video & Transcript on CareerOneStop

CareerOneStop Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Videos
Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Performing General Physical Activities	4.5
Controlling Machines and Processes	4.5
Handling and Moving Objects	4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	4.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	3.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	3.5
Getting Information	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	3.0
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	2.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies	2.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	2.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	2.0
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	2.0
Processing Information	2.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	2.0
Analyzing Data or Information	2.0
Training and Teaching Others	2.0
Scheduling Work and Activities	2.0
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.0
Developing and Building Teams	1.5
Documenting/Recording Information	1.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	1.5
Coaching and Developing Others	1.5
Selling or Influencing Others	1.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	1.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	1.5
Thinking Creatively	1.5
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	1.5
Performing Administrative Activities	1.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	1.5
Staffing Organizational Units	1.5
Working with Computers	1.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Titles

All-Round Logger
Arborist
Axman
Bucker
Chain Saw Operator
Choker Setter
Cross Cut Sawyer
Cutter Operator
Dozer Operator
Feller Buncher Operator
Feller Operator
Grapple Crew Leader
Hewer
High Climber
Hook Tender
Logger
Lumberjack
Lumberman
Paper Wood Cutter
Pulpwood Cutter
Sawyer
Skidder Operator
Timber Cutter
Timber Faller
Timber Feller
Tree Cutter
Tree Faller
Tree Feller
Tree Topper

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)

Fallers

Related Schools

There are no Related Schools at this time.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet291)