Paper and lumber companies grow trees the way farmers grow corn - as a crop to be planted, cultivated, and harvested. Log handling equipment operators play a crucial role in the harvesting process.

Most work as part of a team employed by a logging contractor. After loggers have cut and trimmed the trees and cut the logs to a specified length, the logs are taken to a loading area called a 'landing.' Here, log handling equipment operators use tracked or wheeled equipment to load the logs onto trucks or railroad cars. Since logs vary in weight, it is important to place the logs in a way that creates a safely balanced load.

For a job of this sort, you will need a high school diploma, and possible some previous summer or part-time experience in the logging industry. Training or experience in operating heavy equipment of any sort is also a definite plus. And even though machines now do most of the work, it is essential to be in good physical condition, as you will probably have to pass a physical examination before being hired.

Operating log-handling equipment is hard, demanding work that is not without its dangers. Yet wood and wood pulp will always be essential 'crops,' so there will always be a need for operators to load that crop and take it from the forest to the factory.

If you like working out of doors and if you are comfortable operating heavy equipment, this just might be the right job for you.