Log Graders and Scalers

Career Description: Grade logs or estimate the marketable content or value of logs or pulpwood in sorting yards, millpond, log deck, or similar locations. Inspect logs for defects or measure logs to determine volume.

Industry: Farming, Fishing, and Forestry

Other Job Titles for Log Graders and Scalers:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
• Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
• Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
• Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
• Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.
• Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
• Jab logs with metal ends of scale sticks, and inspect logs to ascertain characteristics or defects such as water damage, splits, knots, broken ends, rotten areas, twists, and curves.
• Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood.
• Communicate with coworkers by using signals to direct log movement.
• Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
• Saw felled trees into lengths.
• Tend conveyor chains that move logs to and from scaling stations.
• Teach or guide individuals or groups unfamiliar with specific hunting methods or types of prey.
• Wash and sort pelts according to species, color, and quality.
• Mix baits for attracting animals.
• Decide where to set traps, using grid maps and aerial maps of hunting areas.
• Remove designated parts such as ears or tails from slain quarry as evidence for killing bounty, using knives.
• Train dogs for hunting.
• Release quarry from traps or nets and transfer to cages.
• Publicize hunting activities by writing for outdoor magazines or by making videos of their hunts.
• Cut walk tracks for better access to traps and bait stations.
• Cure pelts with salt and boric acid.
• Interpret weather and vessel conditions to determine appropriate responses.
• Wash decks, conveyors, knives, and other equipment, using brushes, detergents, and water.
• Connect accessories such as floats, weights, flags, lights, or markers to nets, lines, or traps.
• Load and unload vessel equipment and supplies, by hand or using hoisting equipment.
• Harvest marine life for human or animal consumption, using diving or dredging equipment, traps, barges, rods, reels, and/or tackle.
• Hire qualified crew members, and assign their duties.
• Plan fishing operations, establishing the fish to be sought, the fishing location, the method of capture, and the duration of the trip.
• Stand lookout for schools of fish, and for steering and engine-room watches.

Emerging Tasks

• Arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites.
• Exercise animals to keep them in healthy condition.
• Purchase and stock supplies of feed and medicines.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• grade, classify, or sort products according to specifications
• maintain safe work environment
• mark items for acceptance or rejection, according to conformance to specifications
• measure, weigh, or count products or materials
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• recognize tree or forest plant species
• recognize wood species characteristics
• record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
• understand measuring devices
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use hazardous materials information
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use quality assurance techniques
• use weighing or measuring devices in transportation
• understand animal habits or needs
• use firearms
• use knives
• use hand or power tools
• use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
• use plant disease control techniques
• use portable hand spray equipment
• use knowledge of seamanship or boat handling
• recognize tree or forest plant species
• recommend purchase or repair of furnishings or equipment
• resolve logging operation problems
• resolve or assist workers to resolve work problems
• schedule activities, classes, or events
• understand second language
• use chain saws
• use oral or written communication techniques
• plan or organize work
• prepare or maintain employee records
• prepare reports
• recognize disease or parasites in animals
• recommend purchase or repair of furnishings or equipment
• recruit employees
• requisition stock, materials, supplies or equipment
• resolve agricultural production problems
• resolve or assist workers to resolve work problems
• schedule employee work hours
• study production records
• transport passengers or cargo
• treat medical condition of patient
• understand second language
• use animal disease control techniques
• use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
• use oral or written communication techniques
• requisition stock, materials, supplies or equipment
• resolve agricultural production problems
• resolve or assist workers to resolve work problems
• resolve personnel problems or grievances
• schedule activities, classes, or events
• schedule employee work hours
• transport passengers or cargo
• understand second language
• use herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides or related products
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use plant disease control techniques

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$15.45
• Average annual wage (2007) - $32,140.00

• Employment (2006): 7,115

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