Log Graders and Scalers

What the job really is

Grade logs or estimate the marketable content or value of logs or pulpwood in sorting yards, millpond, log deck, or similar locations. Inspect logs for defects or measure logs to determine volume.

At a glance

• Sector: Farming, Fishing & Forestry
• O*NET-SOC code: 45-4023
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
• Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
• Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
• Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
• Jab logs with metal ends of scale sticks, and inspect logs to ascertain characteristics or defects such as water damage, splits, knots, broken ends, rotten areas, twists, and curves.
• Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
• Arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites.
• Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
• Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
• Communicate with coworkers by signals to direct log movement.
• Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood.
• Saw felled trees into lengths.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, SAP software, 3D laser scanning systems, AS/400 Database, Atterbury Consultants SuperACE/FLIPS, Ball peen hammers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
• Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
• Logging Equipment Operators
• Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
• Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Log Graders and Scalers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.