Occupation

Log Graders and Scalers

Human Advantage 67%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.3 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

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.

Also Known As: Check Scaler, Compounding Scaler, Deck Scaler, Deck Specialist, Decker, Deckman, Landing Scaler, Log Buyer +16 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
  2. Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
  3. Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
  4. Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
  5. 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.
  6. Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.

Supplemental Tasks (6)

  1. Arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites.
  2. Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
  3. Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
  4. Communicate with coworkers by signals to direct log movement.
  5. Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood.
  6. Saw felled trees into lengths.

Emerging Tasks

New and evolving responsibilities for this role:

  • Move logs using heavy equipment such as log loaders.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
64%
Some College Courses
12%
Less than a High School Diploma
11%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
11%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
2%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Software (13)

  • AS/400 Database
  • Atterbury Consultants SuperACE/FLIPS
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Word processing software

Tools & Equipment (22)

  • 3D laser scanning systems
  • Ball peen hammers
  • Chain saws
  • Digital measuring wheels
  • Forestry hard hats
  • Forestry safety glasses
  • Hand calculators
  • Handheld computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Light curtains
  • Log calipers
  • Log counters
  • Log truck scales
  • Logger tapes
  • Lumber crayons
  • Personal computers
  • Safety whistles
  • Single-bit hatchets
  • Tablet computers
  • Tree scale sticks
  • Wood moisture meters
  • X-ray log scanners

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Plant Systems Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 1
Logging Equipment Operators 95% match
Zone 2
Log Graders and Scalers You are here
Zone 3
Agricultural Technicians 80% match
Zone 4
Foresters 79% match
Zone 5
Biologists 77% match

Resume Builder

Select key tasks to generate action-oriented resume bullets for Log Graders and Scalers positions.

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Real Talk

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