YOUR CAREER AS A
MANUAL TREE FALLER

Tree fallers are highly-skilled chainsaw operators, responsible for felling mature trees. Their role is to select and fell trees in a safe and careful way, so the stems are ready for extraction to the forest landing site where they are processed into logs. If you enjoy physical work, being in the bush, and working as part of a team, this is a job for you. 

SNAPSHOT INFO

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Earning Potential

$22-$36/hr

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Qualification Required

None at entry; Level 3/4 available

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Physically Demanding

Physical work

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Absence from home

Varies with employer

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

Tree fallers can expect to study towards Level 3 and 4 National Certificates in Tree Falling. Tree fallers need to be practical, physically fit, and extremely safety conscious. They need to be self-reliant, with good judgement and decision-making, and hard-working. The work can mean early morning starts and sometimes long travel distances. Team work and good communication skills are needed. 

SIMILAR JOBS

CAREER PROGRESSION

Tree fallers can progress to become harvesting crew foremen, managers and owners. They may become machine operators. Some mechanised crews now employ contract tree fallers for specialist work – these people are highly skilled and sought-after. 

Watch manual tree falling in action: