In basic terms, persons who work in the logging industry perform the following basic tasks: cut down designated trees in designated areas, saw the felled trees into logs and transport the logs to lumber mills. In California and many other states, a partnership exists between forest conservationists, regulatory agencies and logging companies. This partnership assures that forests will be prolific and healthy while at the same time supporting the viable logging efforts of a successful logging industry.
Logging is a dangerous and challenging occupation. It is physically demanding and continues in all seasons and weather conditions except for the forest fire season and when heavy snow makes logging areas impassable. Timber cutting operations are typically performed by small crews having 4 to 8 members. Each logger on the crew has a specific task to perform, from strategically cutting a notch in the trunk so the tree falls in a certain direction to removing extraneous branches from the fallen tree.
Loggers learn their jobs by working under their more experienced colleagues. Other attributes of a good logger include:
- Maturity and ability to exercise good judgment in a dangerous environment
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to make quick and correct decisions
- Mechanical aptitude
- Physical coordination
- Good physical condition including strength and stamina
- High school diploma (not required, but preferred by employers)
- Ability to learn quickly
There are no schools for logging per se, but forestry associations often provide training sessions. These sessions combine classroom training with actual field experience. The majority of loggers in California do not belong to a union, but the AFL-CIO International Woodworkers of America is active in the state.
Wages for loggers can vary considerably depending on the size and fiscal health of the logging company and the geographic area. The median hourly rate for a logger in California is $15.00 per hour. Fringe benefits are typical and usually include medical insurance, paid vacation and sick leave. Some loggers wear uniforms paid for and maintained by their employer.
The job outlook for loggers in California is not very positive. For example, estimated projected growth for the period 1993 to 2005 was -35% and the size of the workforce declined by the same percentage. Even though there is an ongoing demand for lumber, the demand for workers has decreased due to the continuing automation of logging operations. Environmentalism has also taken its toll by restricting the amount of forest available to be logged. All these factors combine to make logging a less-than-optimal career choice.
The article Logging Jobs in California - Are Environmentalist to Blame For Job Losses? was Submitted by Rita Henry through Articles.GetACoder.com network. Here's the additional information: Rita Henry is a contributing 
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