YOUR CAREER AS A
MACHINE OPERATOR

Machine operators can drive any one of a range of the big powerful machines for harvesting and road construction. Some examples of the machines operating in forests include:

All machine operators work as part of a team, must be safety conscious, and take care of their machines and the working environment.

SNAPSHOT INFO

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Earning Potential

$22-$36/hr

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Qualification Required

None on entry; Level 3/4 available

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Physically Demanding

Limited physical work

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Absence from home

Varies with employer

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Machine operators can expect to work towards Level 4 qualifications. Machine operators must enjoy driving big machines for long hours, and working in the bush. Skills required include good coordination and concentration, and a mechanical/technical aptitude. Forestry work often means early morning starts and long travel distances. Operators need to be hard-working and safety conscious. 

SIMILAR JOBS

Machine operators often develop skills to operate a range of different machines.

CAREER PROGRESSION

Machine operators can progress to become crew foremen and managers, and eventually to owning their own crew. A move into roading work is also a possibility. 

Watch mechanised tree felling in action:

Check out mechanised loading:
Interested in operating a skidder?Watch this!