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Fallers - 45-4021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Cutter Operator
  • Logger
  • Sawyer
  • Timber Cutter
  • Timber Faller
  • Tree Faller
  • Tree Feller
  • Tree Topper

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • 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.
  • Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.
  • Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers.
  • 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.
  • Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.
  • Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling.
  • Load logs or wood onto trucks, trailers, or railroad cars, by hand or using loaders or winches.
  • Maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly.
  • Mark logs for identification.
  • Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
  • Place supporting limbs or poles under felled trees to avoid splitting undersides, and to prevent logs from rolling.
  • Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall.
  • Secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.
  • Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work.
  • Split logs, using axes, wedges, and mauls, and stack wood in ricks or cord lots.
  • Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls.
  • Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.
  • Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes.
  • Work as a member of a team, rotating between chain saw operation and skidder operation.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Attach equipment extensions or accessories.
  • Cut trees or logs.
  • Determine forestry techniques or methods.
  • Evaluate log quality.
  • Evaluate quality of plants or crops.
  • Load agricultural or forestry products for shipment.
  • Maintain forestry, hunting, or agricultural equipment.
  • Mark agricultural or forestry products for identification.
  • Measure physical characteristics of forestry or agricultural products.
  • Operate forestry equipment.
  • Perform manual agricultural, aquacultural, or horticultural tasks.
  • Trim trees or other vegetation.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Carpentry and Masonry Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Logger, Allround

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Bucker
  • Chain Saw Operator
  • Faller I
  • Faller II
  • Logger, All-Round
  • Tree Cutter