What Do Log Graders and Scalers Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Log Graders and Scalers 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. They also evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.

Other tasks include:

• 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.

We asked Log Graders and Scalers how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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62% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 57% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Log Graders and Scalers tend conveyor chains that move logs to and from scaling stations. They measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.

A typical day for a Log Grader and Scaler will also include:

• 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.
• 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.
• Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
• Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.

We asked some Log Graders and Scalers a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	64% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	52% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	77% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	71% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	18% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	78% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Log Graders and Scalers also arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites. They may also saw felled trees into lengths.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Log Graders and Scalers Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood. They might also Tend conveyor chains that move logs to and from scaling stations.

In addition, they Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.

To some Log Graders and Scalers, it is also their responsibility to Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Log Grader and Scaler, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/farming-fishing-and-forestry/logging-workers.htm

http://www.forestresources.org/

http://www.forestguild.org/

http://www.fs.fed.us/