Description
Under supervision, operate skidders to extract and deck felled timber using winches, chokers, or grapples. Build and maintain skid trails and landings while minimizing soil disturbance and damage to residual trees. Perform pre-use inspections, routine maintenance, and safe operating procedures; follow harvest plans, environmental BMPs, and all safety requirements.
- • Inspect skidder systems, fluids, tires or tracks, winch, and safety gear before operation.
- • Operate skidder to drag felled logs from stump to landing per harvest plan.
- • Set and release chokers or operate grapple to secure loads safely.
- • Use winch to retrieve logs from steep or wet areas while maintaining stability.
- • Communicate with feller-buncher, choker setters, and loader by radio or hand signals.
- • Bunch, sort, and deck logs at landings by species, length, or destination.
- • Navigate and maintain skid trails, constructing or repairing water bars and cross-drains as directed.
- • Place slash or mats to protect soils, streams, and culverts on crossings.
- • Avoid damage to residual trees, regeneration, and sensitive or cultural sites.
- • Follow buffer zones, BMPs, and posted restrictions near waterways and roads.
- • Refuel, grease, and perform minor repairs; replace or adjust cables, chokers, and pins.
- • Keep production counts and report equipment issues, hazards, or near-misses.
- • Clear small obstacles or brush to maintain safe travel corridors and landings.
- • Assist with towing or pulling site-preparation implements when assigned.
- • Shut down, lock out, and secure equipment at end of shift.
- • Maintain a clean cab and ensure required PPE and extinguishers are on board.
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Agriculture
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
