Careers in Oregon’s Sector

Volume 2: Options for High School Graduates Careers in Oregon’s forest and products operations offer exciting opportunities to learn and apply a wide range of skills in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. These rewarding careers not only deliver valuable wood products to The Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Forest the market, they help ensure the continued Resources Institute (OFRI) in 1991 to improve public protection of Oregon’s environment. Ever understanding of , forest products and forest advancing technology and innovation help management and to encourage sound through people in this field do things better, safer landowner training. In keeping with this mission, and in more comfortable settings than ever OFRI sponsors classroom and field programs for K-12 students and teachers and produces educational before. materials such as this publication. This publication is a guide for high school students looking for satisfying careers that do not require a college degree. It examines careers in the production of wood products – from the growing and harvesting of timber to the transport and delivery of logs to the mill and the manufacturing of products made from . Students may gain useful insights from reading about the people profiled in this publication and about their job duties, required skills, working conditions and career paths. There are additional information sources and Web sites about forest operations and manufacturing careers (on the back cover). This is Volume 2 of two publications that OFRI offers for use by high school students seeking information on career opportunities in Oregon’s forest sector. Volume 1, prepared especially for college- bound students, is available from OFRI, along with three OFRI Special Reports that profile three key categories of Oregon’s forest sector occupations: forest operators, Note: Opportunities for college graduates are described in Volume 1: Options for College-Bound Students forest products workforce and forestry professionals.

2 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute Roots of Forest Operations and Manufacturing In Oregon The manufacturing of and other forest products has been an economic mainstay in Oregon for nearly two centuries. The last half of the 20th century was marked by dramatic technological improvements in growing and harvesting timber and manufacturing forest products and by strong environmental protections for Oregon’s vast forest resources. In 1971, Oregon became the first state to pass a comprehensive set of laws, known collectively as the Oregon Forest Practices Act (OFPA). The OFPA protects environmental resources such as forest streams and wildlife habitat during harvest operations. It also requires replanting after harvest, guaranteeing the long-term sustainability of Oregon’s forest resources by ensuring that more wood is grown over time than is harvested or lost to natural causes like fire. This gives extra meaning to the concept of trees as a “renewable” resource. Oregon’s world-class wood products manufacturing industry also contributes to environmental excellence by minimizing the waste of raw materials and being more energy-efficient than ever. The future is bright for careers and jobs for those seeking to join the nation’s leading forest sector and its highly-skilled workforce. Advances in Forest Operations and Manufacturing Technology Improvements in equipment and technology have made work in Oregon’s forest sector safer and more satisfying than ever. The forest sector provides opportunities for young men and women with a wide range of interests and skills. These opportunities continue to grow with the advent of such new technology as electronic diagnostics and computer control systems. A mill worker or logger from the 1980s would not recognize much of the technology in use in modern forest and mill operations. People who work in the may spend much of their day operating complex controls at their own work station or in the cab of a machine. These might include on-board computers that provide information they need to maximize the value of every log. Forest technicians measure and grade the logs and affix bar codes so each log can be tracked by the mill’s inventory system. At a , new laser scanning and computer optimizing technology enables the operator to position logs for the most efficient cuts as they move through electronically-controlled saws. Innovative new products include laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Thin layers of veneer are peeled from small logs and glued together to make LVL, an engineered building product stronger than conventional lumber. Other innovations include the use of once-discarded waste wood fiber from and the forest to make a variety of and paper products or to produce renewable energy. These are just a few of the accomplishments made possible by the commitment and skills of the men and women who work in Oregon’s forests and wood products manufacturing operations.

Employment in the Forest Sector Today, the forest sector is the major contributor and productive forests, will create many – both economic and social – to rural and opportunities in the future. In addition, a wave small-town life across the state. The sector of retirements in the forest sector is expected directly employs more than 85,000 men over the next decade, opening up many more and women, including an estimated 52,000 jobs. in primary and products Wages in Oregon’s forest sector are significantly manufacturing, 15,000 in logging and related above the state’s average. Competitive wages forest operations and 18,000 in forestry and and benefits are offered by hundreds of forest related services. Building on Oregon’s rich products and forestry-related employers. forestry heritage, innovations and technical Regardless of one’s education, there are advances continue to grow and diversify the successful career advancement pathways fields of forestry and forest products. Industry leading to excellent life-long careers in Oregon’s analysts project continued employment forests and forest products manufacturing opportunities and growth in the forest sector plants and mills. through 2020. Rising global demand for wood products, matched with Oregon’s well-managed

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 3 Employment in Oregon’s Forest Operations and Manufacturing sector

How Much Do Forest Operations and Manufacturing Jobs Pay?* The average annual salary for an Oregonian employed in forest operations and manufacturing is $46,010. This is about 34% higher than the state’s overall average salary for all employment fields. What you can earn depends on:

• Experience and training • Specialized skills • Level of job responsibility • Performance and reliability • Commitment to safety • Production/safety bonuses and overtime

Entry requirements: High School Diploma or GED Entry Salary Range: $25,000-$33,000. Salaries may vary based on hours worked and may be higher during peak seasons. Wages and advancement will increase over time with strong performance, training and experience. *2006 data

Working with Opportunity: Self-Management & Teamwork Members of Oregon’s skilled forest sector workforce can take pride in providing wood and paper products and healthy, productive forests and also feel good about working with a renewable resource in an industry that values efficiency, innovation and little or no waste. Many crews have discovered the advantages of teamwork to ensure efficient operations and to address problems. They are self-managed and have set their own standards to improve safety, quality and production. For example, Oregon logger Rod Surcamp talks about the satisfaction he gets from accomplishing harvest goals while leaving a light environmental footprint on the forest landscape. “Logging a parcel the right way is a lot like solving a puzzle,” says Surcamp. “You take a map of what the landowner needs done, look at your equipment and crew, match it all to the land and try to make all the pieces fit together the right way.” Often, operators and crews must learn a variety of jobs. In many forest and wood products manufacturing operations, it’s common to change job sites and work assignments every month or two. Millworker Kristy Winters says, “I learn something new every day, which helps keep my work fresh and interesting.” These changing assignments give workers a fuller understanding of the whole process, and that keeps work exciting!

Forestry and logging contractors • Logging conduct harvesting, road building and • Forest road/construction/engineering/surveying maintenance, , care, • Trucking and allied transportation forest protection and other forest- • Forestry and reforestation based work. • Log scaling • Timber cruising • Equipment sales • Equipment maintenance • Other supplies and services

Forest products manufacturers • Primary products: lumber, veneer, , engineered panels, pulp, employ skilled forest products workers wood chips, laminated beams and joists, laminated veneer lumber, in more than 130 Oregon plants and poles, fencing, energy. mills. • Secondary products: packaging, printing paper, tissue products, doors/ windows/millwork, furniture/cabinets, treated wood, landscape material, stove pellets.

4 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute Forestry and Fire Prevention Opportunities from On-The-Job Training For more than 40 years, Job Corps has Center near Glide. Matt advanced to a trained young adults for career success. firefighting apprenticeship program, working Matt Ball, for example, works as a wildland on engine crews and as a helicopter- firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service. Matt’s deployed firefighter. He now has a family success is a direct result of his education and takes pride in the work he does in fire (GED/Job Corps) and forestry/firefighting prevention for the Forest Service. training received at Wolf Creek Job Corps

Pathways from High School to Forest Operations and Manufacturing Careers

X Entry Level Job X Apprenticeship Job Experience X Company High School X & Training Ownership Certi cate X X Management Mid-Career X Position X Community College X Supervisor Classes or Degree

Profiles of Forest Sector Jobs Not Requiring a College degree A number of forest sector career tracks are profiled on the following pages. Each profile includes a job description and uses the icons below to guide you to information on job traits and preferred education. A potential mid-career salary range (based on 2006 data) also is included. Use the icons to connect your own interests and skills to each of the featured career tracks. All positions require a high school diploma or GED.

Computer Production On-The-Job Training/ Technology Experience

Equipment Repair Commercial Driver’s Teamwork License

Trade/Tech School Outdoors Self-Directed Certification/Continuing Education

Indoors Natural Resource Management Journeyman License

Diesel/Hydraulic/ Supervision/ Electronic Communication Associate Degree

Heavy Equipment Active Forest Bachelor’s Degree Operation Operations

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 5 career track Forestry Crew

Job Description: Supervises one to several 20- Job Traits person forestry crews performing a variety of assignments, including , firefighting, forest , tree care, slash management, prescribed burning and stream or habitat enhancement. Crews also provide disaster Education Mid-Career response and relief services. Entry: Edge: Salary Range $36,000-$45,000

Sean Hendrix Jo b : Assistant Base Manager/Superintendent of Crews Em p l o y e r : Grayback Forestry, Inc., Merlin

Grayback Forestry crews based in tools, Grayback has a fleet of fire trucks. Oregon and Montana provide a wide Sean has the responsibility of providing variety of incident response and for the safety and well-being of his prevention services but focus on crews as well as equipment, sleeping forest fire and fuel hazard reduction, arrangements and food. On a major fire, firefighting and prescribed burning. his crews may join hundreds of other They also may provide crews for people at a fire camp in any part of the emergency response, such as recovery country! efforts after floods, hurricanes During the colder months, Sean’s and earthquakes. Grayback works crews burn “slash” (tree debris left occasionally with the Federal Emergency after harvest) or perform prescribed Management Agency (FEMA) and even “underburning” to control brush and dispatched a crew to Texas following the reduce hazardous fuels. Sean also enjoys 2003 space shuttle disaster to collect recruiting and training young people in debris from the accident. the off season. He particularly enjoys Because his work is so often dependent meeting high school students at job Sean’s Advice on weather, Sean Hendrix, assistant fairs and sharing his rich stories of the manager of Grayback’s Merlin base forestry crew’s exciting work. If you’re physically fit and superintendent of crews, arrives and enjoy the outdoors, at 5:30 a.m., checks the local weather try a summer job as a forecast and confirms where the crews will work that day. During the fire crewmember. In three season, Sean may organize more than months you can make 100 crewmembers. Along with the usual firefighting tools, including chainsaws, between $3,000 and hoses, pumps and a variety of hand $5,000.

Sean Hendrix’s Forest Sector Career Path

- High school sports Best Part of Sean’s Job? 7 Fire ghter, Oregon Department of Forestry I enjoy the travel. I’ve been in 6 Tree planter, Grayback Forestry every western state and could be assigned to any state in the " Forestry crew member, logging cleanup, stream enhancement, planting country. Because this job is ! Reforestation surveyor, mapping and reporting, Grayback Forestry dependent on the weather, it is 3 Forestry crew supervisor changing constantly. You never Assistant base manager, Grayback know what to expect! X Forestry

6 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Timber Cutting

Job Description: Works independently on forested Job Traits slopes, using a chainsaw and other tools to hand-fall trees in the desired direction. Applies a harvest plan to identify which trees to cut and which to leave. Delimbs and cuts trees into pre-specified log lengths to be yarded to the Education Mid-Career roadside landing for loading and transport. Entry: Edge: Salary Range $33,000-$60,000

Jim Remington Jo b : Timber Faller Em p l o y e r : Cross & Crown, Inc., Carlton

Jim Remington represents modern helps ensure his safety and that of timber harvesting at its best. He’s a other crew members. After the tree is self-motivated and safety-conscious felled, he measures and cuts or “bucks” timber faller, is physically fit and takes the tree into preferred log lengths. pride in his work. Hiking the often Jim loves working outdoors. For steep forest terrain with his chainsaw, him, every tree is a unique challenge. shovel, radio, fire extinguisher and He is not a risk taker, and safety is other tools, he follows a specific uppermost in his mind at all times. harvest plan. Constantly on the lookout for such To decide how each tree is felled, he hazards as falling limbs or rolling considers weather, terrain, nearby trees logs, a timber faller must be skilled in and hazards, harvest area boundaries, judging distance and predicting what stream or habitat locations, soil might happen before the tree is cut as protection and yarding direction. By well as how to respond as conditions adjusting his saw cuts, Jim determines around him change. Throughout the where each tree will fall. This day, Jim coordinates with his nearby prevents tree breakage and damage to timber falling partner and logging surrounding trees. His falling pattern crews on other harvest activities in the Jim’s Advice also facilitates removal of the logs to area. Work plans are regularly reviewed Working in the woods the landing by the logging crew and with his supervisor. is good for an athletic person. It helps you to “This is a clean, honest living. stay active and allows you to enjoy the outdoors. You work hard for your income, see what you’ve accomplished Your office is the at the end of the day, and appreciate what you earn.” outdoors.

Jim Remington’s Forest Sector Career Path Mike’s Career Pathway - High school sports 7 Drove and maintained farm equipment Best Part of Jim’s Job? 6 Learned trucking from dad and brother I love nature and being " Acquired commercial driver’s license outdoors, cutting the wood that ! Log truck driver goes into building homes for 3 Logging crew, Cloverdale Americans, using my logging 2 Timber faller, Dallas and mechanical skills every day and staying in great physical X Timber faller, Cross & Crown, Inc. condition. Next Steps: Earning Oregon Professional Logger Certi cation Goal: Owning a small logging company

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 7 career track Logging Crew

Job Description: Commonly called the “hooktender,” Job Traits the logging crew supervisor oversees a logging operation of five to ten people, some using heavy machinery. The logging crew moves trees or logs from the stump to the roadside landing – often on steep hills and over long Education distances – cuts them into desired log lengths and loads Mid-Career Salary Range them on trucks for transport. Entry: Edge: $36,000-$70,000

Wes Hirons Jo b : Logging Crew Supervisor (“Hooktender”) Em p l o y e r : Gahlsdorf Logging, Inc., Rickreall

Wes Hirons supervises a logging crew landing crew exactly what is happening that brings freshly cut trees and logs any time the carriage performs an from the woods to the roadside landing, action. processes them into lengths required by Wes choreographs all the activities of the mill and then loads them on trucks his five- to ten-person logging crew and for transport. several machines. His experience with The crew uses a cable system to haul the the process and equipment gives him logs to the landing. Key to the operation insight for planning how to set up the is a 70-foot tall portable tower and machinery, where to rig the complex winch system called a “yarder,” which web of cables and when to reposition operates a “skyline” cable that suspends the moving parts for hauling the trees. a radio-controlled carriage. In this case, His expertise also helps prevent damage the skyline cable drops some 2,500 to the ground and surrounding forest vertical feet to the bottom of the hill as well as to the trees and logs being to an anchor stump. “Choker” cables hoisted. lowered from the motorized carriage are Before his crew has finished logging attached to felled trees and logs, which an area, they will return to complete are then lifted off the ground and pulled any needed clean up and to make Wes’ Surprising to the landing by the carriage. There, certain that any soil erosion issues are Skill logs are cut to pre-specified lengths, addressed. Wes typically arrives before sorted, stacked and loaded onto trucks Learning to speak the crew and leaves in his company for transport. “Toot” signals from the Spanish with those pickup only after they are finished for yarder whistle tell the choker setters and who are learning to the day. speak English! “You’re on the side of a mountain 5,000 feet in the air. It’s breathtaking, and I get to see the sunrise every morning!.”

Wes Hirons’ Forest Sector Career Path

- Worked summers during high school on forestry crews, out streams Wes’ Advice 7 Worked on logging crews as a and rigging slinger Immerse yourself in logging 6 Served four years in the U.S. Navy as a and come out here and enjoy mechanics technician it! That’s the key to success, " Worked as a construction worker finding something you love and

! Held logging jobs in Oregon and Alaska getting paid for it! X Hooktender, Gahlsdorf Logging

8 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Equipment Repair

Job Traits Job Description: Diagnoses, repairs and maintains heavy forestry equipment and trucks, either working in the shop or driving to remote field locations in a fully contained service truck stocked with tools, diagnostic instruments Education Mid-Career and parts. Entry: Edge: Salary Range $36,000–$86,000

Dan Antonovich Jo b : Field Technician (Service Mechanic) Em p l o y e r : Papé Machinery, Inc., Eugene

“Service - it’s about caring... for the customer, people and equipment, and for production.”

Dan Antonovich recalls being often works alone, his expertise fascinated as a young boy seeing at using the latest technology to construction workers on their big quickly diagnose problems and repair machines. Today, Dan is a field equipment gains the trust and respect mechanic, driving his fully equipped of the equipment operators. service truck to job sites to work on Studying diesel technology in a “those big machines,” day or night, to two-year college program after high get and keep them up and running for school really cemented his desire to their operators. Dan’s customers are at have a career as a mechanic. After five forest or construction job sites, and all years in a variety of mechanical jobs of his maintenance work is done on- Best Part of with other companies, Dan went to site as well. When he receives a phone Dan’s Job? work for Papé Machinery. This well- call requesting repair services, Dan respected equipment supplier and I don’t know why someone immediately begins to “problem solve,” service company has given him the wouldn’t want to do this so he will have a plan and be ready opportunity to see a lot of country, job! Every day is different. to roll when he arrives on site. He yet he is usually home in the evenings understands that equipment downtime I can’t think of anything I’d with his family and has time to can cost a customer tens of thousands rather do! To do what I love coach children’s football. Loving the of dollars and takes pride minimizing every day is a big deal! outdoors, he also has time for fishing, lost production. Even though Dan one of his other favorite pastimes.

Dan Antonovich’s Forest Sector Career Path

- Dan’s Advice High school, sheet metal shop, drafting classes Be willing to go the extra mile 7 Two-year college degree in diesel technology 6 to get the job done. Work in the Gold mine equipment repairman and welder woods is not an “8 to 5” job. It’s " Shop mechanic, to work early and home when Papé Caterpillar the job is done right.

! Continuing education in service technology Field technician, X Papé Machinery

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 9 career track Heavy Equipment Operation Job Description: Operates and services a “skyline Job Traits yarder,” a portable tower that uses a giant winch and suspended cable system to move trees and logs up or down steep hills from where they are felled to a roadside landing. Responsibilities include machine maintenance and Education communication with co-workers using radios and complex Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range whistle signals. $33,000-$53,000

Diana Bowman Jo b : Yarder Operator and Mechanic Em p l o y e r : VanCurler Logging, Mapleton

Diana Bowman is at work before systems and acquired the mechanical sunrise, going through her maintenance skills necessary. To reduce downtime routine before the day’s logging begins. and improve productivity, she helped Fluid levels on her yarder are checked organize a maintenance van that puts at daily, and the machine gets a good her fingertips just about all the tools she greasing when needed. A motorized needs to diagnose and repair machines “carriage” that travels up and down the and saws. When rigging needs to be slope on a “skyline” cable also requires moved, Diana helps the entire seven- routine inspection and maintenance. person logging crew get the job done The radio-controlled carriage lifts the safely. cut trees and logs as they are hauled to the landing, minimizing damage ...Diana helps the entire seven-person to the soil. To ensure the safety of the logging crew get the entire logging crew, Diana is in constant contact with her co-workers by means job done safely. of radios and loud whistles that tell each other exactly what action to expect. Diana learned how to weld from her Diana first joined Van Curler Logging dad, and on-the-job training helped Best Part of as a chaser on the landing, unhooking develop the necessary skills for her Diana’s Job? choker cables from the logs, and using a current position. On days off from her It’s the people. My dad chainsaw to cut logs to specified lengths job, she welds artistic lawn statues and always said, ‘Things don’t and remove any remaining limbs. Since garden figures. matter. It’s the people she used a chainsaw, she also learned saw maintenance. She advanced to around you that matter.’ both operate and maintain the yarder That’s what is important. once she learned about the logging

Diana Bowman’s Forest Sector Career Path Diana’s Advice - High school sports and farm work Talk to as many experienced 7 Dairy farming, farm equipment operation, raising kids loggers as you can to gain the wisdom that no one else has. 6 Chaser on logging crew Learn about logging company " Chainsaw and maintenance owners who support young people interested in logging and Yarder Operator, Van Curler Logging X apply for summer work to get experience.

10 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Heavy Equipment Operation

Job Traits Job Description: Operates a “feller-buncher” machine, which moves through the forests to fall trees in the desired direction and pile them in “bunches.” The operator maneuvers the track-mounted machine from Education within an enclosed cab, selecting trees to cut using pre- Mid-Career specified harvest and environmental guidelines. Entry: Edge: Salary Range $33,000-$60,000

Kyle Schreiber Jo b : Feller-Buncher Operator Em p l o y e r : Bruer’s Contract Cutting, Dallas

Kyle Schreiber’s office is the great specifications to avoid getting into outdoors of Oregon’s forests. Since sensitive wetlands or stream buffers 1992, he has operated a track-mounted and to make certain the right trees are tree-falling machine called a feller- left behind for future growth. buncher that crawls through the Kyle drives his company pickup forest, grasps selected trees with a to and from the job sites. While huge hydraulic arm and “fells” them at he typically works independently, the base with a large circular saw. He using cutting plans he has helped then piles the trees in “bunches” with design for the unique challenges in each harvest unit, he must maintain Kyle Schreiber’s office is the radio communications with nearby operators, logging crews, log truckers great outdoors... and his supervisor. But for the most part, he enjoys working alone, being his own boss and working in the butt ends aimed in pre-specified comfortable conditions. In fact, while directions. His precise directional the outside temperature varies from layout of fallen trees translates into season to season, Kyle enjoys a cozy Best Part of safer and more efficient “yarding” of warm and dry cab in the winter and air Kyle’s Job? the trees to the roadside by the logging conditioning in the summer. “I’d like to crew. The ability to work the see more young people get out here and hours that I want to work. Kyle controls this operation seated try this,” Kyle says. “It’s a good job and My boss wants me to inside the machine’s cab, using a it’s getting better.” combination of joysticks, buttons, work as much as I’m pedals and levers. It is important for able to. We have a lot of him to accurately interpret cutting respect for each other.

Mike’s Career Pathway Kyle Schreiber’s Forest Sector Career Path - High school auto mechanics class, gas station attendant 7 Summer sawmill jobs Kyle’s Advice 6 Sawmill edger operator Work hard and be persistent. " Choker setter on logging crew, Alsea Whenever there is an opportunity, get on a piece of equipment and ! Log loader operator, Alsea learn! X Feller-Buncher Operator, Bruer’s Contract Cutting Goal: “I’d like to do this until I retire!”

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 11 careercareer tracktrack Heavy Equipment Operation

Job Traits Job Description: Operates “harvester-processor” through the forest to select and fall trees, remove branches, cut each tree into logs and sort logs into piles. Equipment controls include computer monitor, joysticks, buttons, Education toggles, gauges, levers and pedals. Sits inside high-tech Mid-Career cab for safety and comfort. Entry: Edge: Salary Range $33,000–$53,000

José Vidrio Jo b : Harvester-Processor Operator Em p l o y e r : Miller Timber Logging, Inc., Philomath

José Vidrio has more work to do before the side for pickup and transport to the the sun sets. On the day’s final trip mill. José uses an on-board computer down the hill in his wheeled harvester- to determine optimum log lengths that processor, he seeks out smaller trees to can be obtained from each tree to meet be thinned from this 25-year-old forest the mill’s specifications. stand. Behind him he has placed neat Looking ahead, José plans which trees piles of cut logs in the thinned stand he will remove to create a healthier and of trees. Another machine, called a more productive forest. He drives the forwarder, will come later to move the harvester-processor carefully among logs to the roadside. the trees to avoid damaging those being left to continue growing. As the harvester-processor moves José ends the day with a menu through the forest, its of machine maintenance checks lights illuminate the trees in before driving his company pickup back to town. every direction. José has always enjoyed the outdoors. Growing up near Jalisco, José’s Advice As the harvester-processor moves Mexico, he liked driving vehicles as Be responsible, be on through the forest, its lights illuminate well as riding and training horses. José the trees in every direction. In his started in forestry as a tree planter time and take care of sound-muffled cab, José expertly and worked hard to advance through your machinery. Running maneuvers toward a 60-foot tree. He several positions. Today he operates heavy equipment is a uses controls in each hand to operate a logging equipment and improves forest huge responsibility, but I giant arm that reaches out and grasps health and timber production through like it! the tree, saws it at its base, removes careful thinning. José says he enjoys its branches, cuts it into logs of pre- working on his own and completing a specified lengths and piles the logs to good day’s work.

José Vidrio’s Forest Sector Career Path - Trained horses with father in Mexico 7 Farm work in California 6 Oregon Christmas worker, English night classes José’s Surprising Skill " Plywood millworker Finding my way down the hill, ! Forestry crew: tree maneuvering my processor planting, tree care, slash burning 3 Fire crew, Miller Timber Services among close-growing trees 2 Forwarder operator without touching them, then Log loader operator working my way back up again! X Processor Operator, Miller Timber Logging

12 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Trucking

Job Traits Job Description: Drives 18-wheel heavy trucks to transport logs from remote forest locations to lumber mills. Travels highways as well as unpaved narrow and steep forest roads. Works independently to locate routes and to Education safely load and deliver logs. Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range $30,000-$53,000

Bill Elliot Jo b : Log Truck Driver Em p l o y e r : Young’s Trucking, Coos Bay

Bill Elliott is driving his truck to his job Today’s log trucks are safer and more site to load logs at 4 a.m., when most of comfortable than in the past. Bill’s us are asleep and before logging begins experience and skill makes driving for the day. His trailer rides “piggyback” one look easy. But each truck load and on his truck to the roadside landing, route is different, and he needs to have where it is offloaded and hooked behind a sense of how it will ride, how it will the truck for loading. Bill keeps in touch corner on the curves, what the braking with the logging crew and other drivers distance will be at different speeds via CB radio to confirm the location of and how it will handle in varied and the work site and to coordinate safe sometimes adverse conditions. “I know passage on single-lane logging roads. my truck and how it handles, and I’m Once the trailer is hooked up, Bill more comfortable driving that than monitors an electronic scale from inside anything else.” Bill likes being out on his cab and keeps the loader operator Oregon’s roadways, but what he likes informed. This assures that the loaded even more is getting home by mid- trailer is within legal weight standards afternoon, an advantage of his early and that the load is safely configured. start. Bill’s Advice Once the logs are loaded, he cinches Young’s Trucking respects Bill’s skill Ride along with a truck them tightly to the trailer with four and dedication and provides him with cables called “wrappers.” driver to see what it’s all a truck that only he drives. In fact, about. Experience how they’ve painted his nickname, “Willie,” log trucking is different “I know my truck and how it handles, on the door, along from conventional highway with a fish on the side driving. Get driving and I’m more comfortable driving than anything to acknowledge his experience, or start with a else.” favorite pastime. job on a logging crew to learn about logging.

Simon’s Career Pathway Bill Elliot’s Forest Sector Career Path Best Part of Bill’s Job? I watch trees being logged and - Washed and drove trucks while in high school, working at a trucking shop I know that a logged area will 7 Worked in a sh processing plant grow into another forest that will mature and be harvested 6 Warehouse job included loading, unloading, and moving heavy trucks again some day. I see this cycle " Acquired commercial driver’s license ! of growth and harvest every Long-haul highway truck driver day driving through the woods – timber of all ages growing on Log truck driver, Young’s Trucking land that was once logged. X

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 13 career track Small Business Ownership

Job Traits Job Description: Co-owner and manager of a small company specializing in the construction and maintenance of forest roads. Directs contracting, budgets, logistics and other business operations. Employs workers and machines to complete road projects according to engineered Education Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range designs and specifications. varies widely, depending on size & situation; $60,000+ Cathy Phillips Jo b : Co-owner and President Em p l o y e r : C.F. Laughlin Logging, Yamhill

Cathy Phillips grew up in a family that business sense have kept Cathy’s worked in forestry and ranching. She business successful. Besides the usual loved caring for horses and cattle, bookkeeping tasks like employee which taught her responsibility and payroll and insurance, Cathy takes a strong work ethic. Her grandfather care of contract bids, negotiating and started logging in 1935, using draft sub-contracting with Maggie, her horses to “skid” the logs. In 1956 boxer, usually at her side. And she Cathy’s father started his own logging keeps the company in compliance outfit, using diesel-powered winches with all relevant permitting, safety, and bulldozers to get the logs to fire prevention, labor and other the roadside. Today, Cathy and her regulations. husband, Jim, co-own C.F. Laughlin Another important skill is people (CFL) Logging, which employs a fleet management. Not only does Cathy of modern excavators, track hoes and oversee two managers (including cable yarders to get the job done. co-owner husband Jim) who direct CFL primarily builds and maintains field operations, road projects and the Best Part of roads needed to manage timberlands equipment maintenance shop, she also Cathy’s Job? in Northwest Oregon. Its operations works directly with heavy equipment include road construction, right-of-way operators, truck drivers, service The sense of clearing, grading, rocking, logging and mechanics and contract engineers. accomplishment on the repair and replacement of culverts She considers her 15 employees “the completing road projects and bridges. Her company employs CFL family” and has enjoyed watching that will provide safe skilled operators who run a variety of employees and their families grow and access to the forest. The heavy equipment. prosper over the years. sweet scent of cut logs On-the-job training, continuing on a loaded truck. education classes and a smart

Cathy Phillips’ Forest Sector Career Path Cathy’s Advice - Studied accounting and worked in part-time jobs while in high school Becoming a proficient equipment 7 Truck shop clerical assistant operator takes a tremendous amount 6 Logging bookkeeper of skill and experience, often learned " Logging o ce manager by working your way “up the ladder” in related jobs. Inexperienced new ! Business manager, W.R. Laughlin Logging employees must start in entry-level 3 Continuing education in small business management jobs to learn the trade. Take continuing education classes on such topics as President and Co-owner (with husband, Jim), computers, management, accounting X C.F. Laughlin Logging and forest regulations. 14 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Forestry Technician

Job Description: Responsible for purchasing raw Job Traits materials for the veneer mill. This includes purchasing standing trees as well as logs to be delivered to the mill. Duties include timber cruising, appraising, determining bid values, administering timber sale contracts, planning Education Mid-Career harvest operations and monitoring log quality and contract Entry: Edge: Salary Range compliance. $36,000–$86,000

Randy Zustiak Jo b : Log Procurement Em p l o y e r : Murphy Company, White City

“Get up on a hill in rural Oregon and you can see trees everywhere. That’s Oregon’s great natural resource. Americans use a tremendous amount of wood products, and we are always going to need people to grow and harvest the timber needed to make them. ” Logs processed in a wood products mill sale, for example, Randy “cruised” the like Murphy Company’s White City timber to determine the volume of veneer operation come from a variety wood on the site and to evaluate its of locations and owners. Murphy suitability for his mill. After the sale Company buys standing trees and was completed, he hired a contractor logs from private timber companies, to conduct the logging and then individual landowners and government frequently visited the site to make agencies. Randy Zustiak is one of two certain the terms of the contract were people responsible for procuring logs fulfilled. for the Murphy mill. He buys delivered Randy realized early in life that he logs – a timber company or individual wanted to work in the outdoors. “When forest landowner harvests some of I was in high school I interviewed their timber and delivers the logs to the forest professionals, and those who mill. Or, he receives logs from a timber Best Part of had four-year degrees were in the office sale – he buys the timber still standing Randy’s Job? doing management. I wanted to work and hires contractors to harvest and The freedom of being in the woods, but not necessarily as a deliver the logs to the mill. outdoors. logger. They told me I should consider Randy’s days are busy and most becoming a forestry technician. And often spent in the forest. For a recent they were right. I love what I’m doing!” purchase of a U.S. Forest Service timber

Mike’s Career Pathway Randy Zustiak’s Forest Sector Career Path Randy’s Advice - High school forestry classes Maintain an excellent driving 7 Summer jobs, re ghter record; take math, computer and 6 Two-year associate’s degree in forest technology, Lane Community College communication courses. Maintain " Forestry Technician, U.S. Forest Service integrity and don’t cut corners. ! Timber cruiser and appraiser, Murphy Company Even when it’s raining, you have 3 Timber appraiser and log buyer, Spring eld Forest Products to go out and do your job. The 2 Timberlands Manager, industry depends on integrity and Murphy Company Log procurement trust in relationships. X forester, Murphy Veneer

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 15 career track Specialized Technician

Job Traits

Job Description: Sharpens and maintains all knives and saws, changes band saws and resurfaces band saw guides. Education Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range $24,000-$32,000

Troy Kalama Jo b : Saw Filer Trainee, Apprentice Em p l o y e r : Warm Springs Industries, Warm Springs

As a saw filer, Troy Kalama checks or rock embedded in a log can cause each saw he services and makes any severe damage to a saw blade as it cuts repairs to ensure it’s put back on the the log into boards and can be a safety job in perfect condition. Along with hazard as well. Saw and knife sharpness aligning the saw teeth, grinding the affect both quality and productivity chipper knives and resurfacing the and therefore the profitability of the band saw guides, Troy replaces saw tips mill. Troy’s enthusiasm, energy and and welds damaged saw teeth. He uses drive provide him many opportunities micrometers and calipers to ensure the for learning new things, including how precision of his work. to run band saw grinders and other equipment and machines. On a typical day, Troy starts the grinders and air filtering systems “I started out just pushing a broom and early in the morning. By the time the got this job because I was a first mill operators arrive to work, the hydraulics and machines are hard worker.” warmed-up and ready for action and Troy has already begun his thorough A good saw filer takes pride in the inspection of the first of the many saws quality of his work, and Troy is no Best Part of he maintains each day. It is his task to exception. “I started out just pushing Troy’s Job? change the saws after every four hours a broom and got this job because I was Learning new skills of operation. a hard worker,” Troy says. According to Mark Jackson, the company CEO, to keep up with For quality output, production “Many leaders in this industry began constantly changing efficiency and operator safety, a sawmill careers right out of high school, just relies on the skill and thoroughness technology. like Troy.” of the saw filer to maintain saws and repair those that are damaged. A nail

Troy Kalama’s Forest Sector Career Path

- Worked in shipping and receiving in the tribal warehouse while in high school Troy’s Advice If you work hard, you can go a long 7 Worked cleanup, Warm Springs sawmill way. Be detail oriented – every detail 6 Ground knives and side heads makes a difference. At first I was a " Knife grinder cleanup person and now I’m in the shop with the operators learning X Saw ler, Warm Springs sawmill special skills. Goal: Benchman/journeyman

16 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Specialized Technician

Job Traits

Job Description: Helps install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair machinery and equipment. Education Entry: Edge: Mid-Career Salary Range $27,000-$40,000

Mae Schneider Jo b : Millwright Apprentice Em p l o y e r : Stimson Lumber Company, Tillamook

As a millwright apprentice, Mae Schneider is charged with learning all mechanical functions of the mill.

As a millwright apprentice, Mae quickly, decreasing the expensive loss Schneider is charged with learning of production time. all mechanical functions of the mill. When Mae is not “chasing whistles,” Mae joined Stimson Lumber Company she works in fabrication, making after high school, just as her brother certain that machinery is safe by had a year before. Her work day is a fabricating guards that protect combination of on-the-job training operators from falling or from being and college-level classes in such fields injured by moving parts. She also as mechanics, power transmissions works on jobs that don’t require and welding. Her schooling is paid by equipment downtime, like replacing Stimson and will eventually lead to worn bolts in the motors of the an associate’s degree while she earns Best Part of bag house, which controls dust in wages at the same time. Mae’s Job? the mill. Mae will be the first to say “The people I work with While in training, Mae is considered this is a good position for people to be a “whistle chaser.” A certain who like working with their hands, are easygoing, respectful sequence of whistles indicates a troubleshooting problems and not and really a lot of fun. millwright is needed to check on a sitting at a desk job all day! And I get to help out our particular piece of machinery in the forests by helping ensure sawmill or planer. Mae’s job is to the efficient use of trees.” help get the machine up and running

Mae Schneider’s Forest Sector Career Path

- Worked with grandfather to Mae’s service his truck Surprising Skill 7 High school welding class “I’m learning so much about troubleshooting. It’s basically 6 Helped dad with roo ng construction and clean up trying to find out what’s wrong " Held part-time jobs in with a machine that breaks high school down or is not running smoothly. Millwright apprentice, Stimson Lumber Company It’s like diagnosing an illness.” X

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 17 career track Specialized Technician

Job Traits Job Description: Supervises electricians, troubleshoots and maintains electrical systems on all machines. Communicates with managers and operators to ensure electrical safety and functionality. Education Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range $36,000–$86,000

Charlie Leighton Jo b : Supervisor of Electricians Em p l o y e r : Stimson Lumber Company, Tillamook

As the supervisor of electricians, Charlie was the first on the job to assess Charlie Leighton generally arrives at the damage and restore electricity. the sawmill ahead of start-up to get the Other work requires use of cutting- planer ready to run. He pre-sets the edge computer technology, which can line and prepares the hydraulics so the be used to correct problems in the machinery is ready to go. electrical system of a machine without Throughout the day, Charlie meets with requiring its shutdown. When Charlie operators and managers of the sawmill first started this type of work, there and planer line, receiving feedback on were no computers. Machines were machine performance. For even a minor hardwired, with maintenance often inefficiency, Charlie performs computer requiring manual labor and machinery diagnostics to help him fine-tune and downtime. Today, with touch-screen make adjustments to the machines. computer programs, the complex interior systems of machines can Being an electrician is both physically often be viewed and fixed or modified and mentally demanding. Tasks might without shutdown. include running 200 feet of heavy two- inch conduit throughout the plant to Charlie received his initial training get a machine back on line, replacing as an electrician in the U.S. Navy. He Best Part of a bad motor or performing preventive credits his military service and working Charlie’s Job? maintenance. He also responds in his dad’s auto repair shop as giving Every day is different. to emergencies that could affect him a firm foundation for his work I like the challenge of production or shut down the mill. For ethic. He’s still learning in this ever- trouble shooting each example, following a windstorm fierce changing trade, studying the latest enough to blow down and knock out technology in hopes of assuming a new problem. power to the mill’s bag house, which key management role at an electrical collects dust to reduce air pollution, co-generation plant his company is building in Forest Grove, Oregon.

Charlie Leighton’s Forest Sector Career Path

- High school mechanical drawing, drafting and architectural classes 7 Worked in his dad’s auto shop Charlie’s Surprising Skill 44Goal: Key management position at a 6 Helped wire the co-generation plant his company is building I started here as a bench-side house that his father in Forest Grove built for family electrician. I worked “8 to 5” X Supervisor of electricians, " Received training as an Stimson Lumber Company and went home. Now I have the electrician in the Navy management and leadership skills to 2 Electrician, Stimson Lumber ! Bottling plant electrician Company, Tillamook sawmill run an electrical department! in California 3 Worked as a remanufacturing molding facility technician in central Oregon

18 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Specialized Technician

Job Traits

Job Description: Greasing and oiling machinery and equipment in the mill, checking for noise, heat and unusual vibrations that might indicate problems. Education Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range $40,000–$57,000

Shannon Davis Jo b : Preventative Maintenance Technician Em p l o y e r : Boise Paper Company, St. Helens

As one of ten preventative vibrations and heat and to document maintenance technicians (PMTs) at the maintenance she provides. this pulp and paper mill, Shannon Shannon and her colleagues receive Davis is responsible for making training in such areas as computer certain that machinery is sufficiently programming, fire safety, electrical lubricated and running smoothly at safety and “lock out/tag out” safety all times. Shannon has three routes to procedures. Also offered as part of the cover in the mill’s bleach plant, which cross training are classes in welding, houses the pulp whitening equipment. alignment, bearing maintenance and She also is responsible for lubricating hydraulics. the mill’s paper machines. In all, she services more than 100 pumps and Shannon follows an industry-standard gearboxes. lock-out/tag-out procedure when working on a machine so it can’t be Like all her fellow PMTs, Shannon accidently restarted until she has is cross-trained and can service deemed it safe. Although she works her equipment anywhere in the mill. Her own specific routine, she coordinates job title has changed from “oiler” to with other PMTs as well as with Shannon’s Advice better reflect her broad preventive machine operators, the area millwright Take classes in mechanics maintenance responsibilities. She has and pipefitter, her maintenance the knowledge and skills necessary and hydraulics and supervisor and the production line to keep the plant running smoothly demonstrate a strong maintenance coordinator. by checking and filling oil levels, interest in learning about inspecting bearings and greasing the the company. Show a machines. She uses a preprogrammed, good work ethic by being handheld computer to measure motor prompt, doing your best and being a safe worker.

Simon’s Career Pathway Shannon Davis’ Forest Sector Career Path

Best Part of Shannon’s Job? - High school sports and summer jobs 7 Set gypsy moth traps for the Oregon I like being self-directed and working in Department of Agriculture what commonly is a male dominated 6 Started at Boise Paper feeding pulp into the paper machine field of work. People are very helpful and friendly and I really do enjoy my Preventative maintenance technician, X Boise Paper Co. paper mill work. I work four 10-hour days, which allows me to keep up with my boys ! Joined the apprenticeship program and their sports and school. " Worked 10 years in various jobs in shipping, on the yard crew and in maintenance

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 19 career track Mill Operation

Job Traits

Job Description: Rotates among three job stations on the laminated veneer line, working at the feeder station, lay up position and the glue tender job as well as cleanup. Education Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range $28,000–$37,000

Kristy Winters Jo b : Laminated Veneer Line Operator Em p l o y e r : Roseburg Forest Products, Roseburg

Roseburg Forest Products has one of Kristy uses computer controls to sort the largest engineered wood products the veneer, feed it into the system facilities in North America. Engineered and move it along the line. To help wood products are made by binding reduce downtime, she and her fellow together strands, particles, fibers or line operators troubleshoot simple veneers of wood with adhesives to form problems themselves when they can. structural building materials. Kristy But if any of the machinery needs repair Winters is an operator on the laminated or maintenance, they call for an on-site veneer line, which glues sheets of veneer millwright or electrician. into rigid panels. She is one of three Kristy’s job requires extensive on-the- team members rotating among three job training. She shares responsibility job stations on the line every hour. She for maintaining safe working conditions, monitors and sorts sheets of veneer for product quality and efficient for quality and thickness, feeds them production. “With the advancement onto the line and runs them through in technology, you don’t need to be a curtain of glue to be laminated and extremely strong,” Kristy says. “You pressed. should be ambitious, honest, hard working and willing to learn. The people Best Part of here are wonderful to work with!” Kristy’s Job? I love my job, but I really “With the advancement in technology, you enjoy the people I work don’t need to be extremely strong. with. We are like a big You should be ambitious, honest, hard working family and a great team. and willing to learn.”

Kristy Winters’ Forest Sector Career Path

- Participated in outdoor activities and worked in various jobs while in high school Kristy’s Surprising Skill Because the wood moves quickly, 7 Drawn to forest products position for good wages and physical work this position develops and requires ! Started in plywood plant replacing knotholes with wood plugs excellent eye-hand coordination and peripheral vision awareness.

Laminated veneer line operator, including feeder X station, lay up station, and glue tender, Roseburg Forest Products LVL mill

20 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Mill Operation

Job Traits Job Description: Oversees dry kilns, planers and the shipping department. Works with plant manager and supervisors of the shipping, sales and maintenance departments to determine daily schedules. Responsible for meeting commitments to customers. Trains and mentors Education Mid- Career crewmembers. Entry: Edge: Salary Range $45,000–$90,000

Lois Perdue Jo b : Finishing End Superintendent Em p l o y e r : Hampton Affiliates, Willamina

“This is a fun, fast-paced, challenging place to work. Most mills have similar equipment but it’s the people that make this a great place to work.”

Lois Perdue is a perfect example like Home Depot and Lowe’s. She of working one’s way up in forest also meets with other supervisors to products manufacturing. When she plan out what the day will look like started work, she had her eyes on a and which of her cross-trained crew supervisory position and spent two members will work where. years taking company sponsored Her work involves continual training college-level classes in management and mentoring of her crew members on and leadership. After eight years plant procedures and safety practices. working in a wide variety of mill jobs, She and her crew are dedicated to she was offered a supervisor’s position to school to prepare them for moving converting as much of the raw material at the Hampton Affiliates lumber mill up into positions of higher pay and as possible that comes into the mill in Willamina. Today, as finishing end responsibility. “People who work into useful products. “With a limited superintendent, she supervises more here really like to go out and make supply of trees coming in, we need than 100 employees in the kiln drying, things happen. They like challenges to maximize our efficiency by getting planing and shipping departments. and go above and beyond the typical more out of each log and continually requirements of the job.” In addition to managing several aiming for zero waste. operations, Lois was asked to work There are many opportunities at the with the sales team to enhance mill for young people looking to get customer relations with companies started as well as for experienced who buy Hampton lumber – companies workers. The company sends employees

Lois Perdue’s Forest Sector Career Path - Worked various jobs while in high school 7 Started on mill cleanup crew right after high school Best Part of Lois’ Job? 6 Worked at various lumber mill jobs in Washington I love working with people, and " Accepted swing shift supervisory position at Hampton’s this is a hands-on job. I love Willamina mill helping people succeed and ! Worked as kiln supervisor and lead day shift planer supervisor getting the best out of what we Finishing end superintendent, do. X Hampton A liates, Willamina sawmill Next step: More knowledge of the sawmill Goal: Plant manager position

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 21 career track Mill Operation

Job Traits Job Description: Provides training, mentoring and leadership to planer crew, coordinates daily work activities, monitors for safe work conditions and practices, troubleshoots and keeps crew up to date on company Education policies, standards and expectations. Mid-Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range $45,000–$80,000

Dennette Ryker Jo b : Planer Department Team Leader Em p l o y e r : Weyerhaeuser Company, Cottage Grove

Dennette Ryker came to Weyerhaeuser’s Dennette enjoys offering guidance to her sawmill in Cottage Grove as a laborer crew. Her mentoring and teambuilding and went on to work as a lumber grader. skills help ensure efficient and safe work She also operated a trimmer, sorter and practices among her team members, who forklift. She eventually became cross- include graders and planer operators, trained in a number of positions and sorters, strappers and forklift drivers. was encouraged by her supervisors to Her relief crew moves on a scheduled apply for a team leader position. She rotation among the different positions, went through a regimen of interviews, taking over each job as needed to give training and team building and, once relief to the worker without having to selected, attended management training shut down production. classes to gain the skills she needed in Because of her passion for helping her supervisory role. people succeed, Dennette has a team of As supervisor of a team of 20 men people who respect and support each and women, Dennette oversees a wide other to work efficiently and be safe. “In variety of work activity each day. To help high school I was so shy! Now I’m giving ensure efficient product flow through presentations once a week on safety, Dennette’s Advice her department, she learned the business goals and procedures! I have operation and the capacity of each piece a really great crew that I love working Know the company you of equipment as well as the capabilities with.” want to work for. Learn of each of her team members. about what they do, practice communication skills, take business “In high school I was so shy! classes and practice good Now I’m giving presentations once a week on safety, business work ethics. goals and procedures!”

Dennette Ryker’s Forest Sector Career Path

- High school sports and summer jobs Best Part of Dennette’s 7 Various jobs after high school Job? I feel like I’m developing people, 6 Started at Weyerhaeuser as a laborer helping them to do the best job they can. As they feel success, I " Worked as trimmer, sorter and stacker operator feel success, and the company is successful in return.” Planer Department team leader X Weyerhaeuser Co. iLevel lumber mill

22 . Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector I oregon forest resources institute career track Lumber Grading

Job Traits

Job Description: Inspects, grades and marks lumber according to species, dimensions and any flaws that could affect value before it is shipped to customers. Education Mid- Career Entry: Edge: Salary Range $35,000–$45,000

Al Campuzano Jo b : Certified Lumber Grader Em p l o y e r : Collins Company, Lakeview

“When I am given the opportunity, I am going to give 100 percent every time!”

Soon after joining Collins Pine in 2001 computerized scanning and trimming as a fork lift operator, Al Campuzano equipment he uses is working let his supervisors know that he was properly and that every board is eager to work hard to earn more stamped correctly. Each board must responsibility. meet specific thickness and width dimensions and be stamped with the Today, as a certified lumber grader, right certification before it is shipped. he and two co-workers grade between 21,000 and 24,000 boards a day. “We Al likes math, which is important have to be right on every board,” Al because his job requires working with says, “because we are pretty much dimensions and percentages. He likes responsible for getting the most value interacting with his co-workers and out of what comes out of the mill and has demonstrated leadership skills for making certain customers get what by providing vacation back-up for his they pay for. It feels good to walk into a supervisor and by serving as chairman Home Depot and know why the lumber of the mill’s safety committee. Al’s Al’s Surprising is graded the way it is.” goal is to eventually become plant Skill supervisor. “I was born in a small To prepare for his responsibilities, town in Mexico that didn’t have Incredible sense Al studied and took the time to get electricity until I was six. My chances of precision and pointers from experienced graders. of doing something like this were slim responsibility. He also earned two certifications that back then. So when I am given the qualify him for grading a wide variety opportunity, I am going to give 100 of lumber products. His responsibilities percent every time!” include making certain the Al Campuzano’s Forest Sector Career Path

- Worked on family farm in Mexico Al’s Advice as a youngster 7 Worked for uncle as a timber faller If you want this type of position, 6 Cut-stock bander, fork lift driver and shipping loader, Hart Mountain Millwork you must have the desire to " Spanish interpreter, Hart Mountain Millwork push yourself. Let your company ! Fork lift operator, Collins Pine know that you want to grow 34Green-end grader and take on more responsibility. 2 Earned two certi cations from the Western Wood Products Association Be dedicated to your work and to become a certi ed lumber grader enjoy it! X Finish-end grader and safety committee chairman, Collins Co. Fremont Sawmill Goal: Plant supervisor

oregon forest resources institute | Careers in Oregon’s Forest Sector . 23 Opportunities in Forest and Milling Operations The list below highlights selected examples of forest operations and milling jobs available to high school graduates and those who advance from entry-level jobs to jobs demanding increasing responsibility, skills and experiences. Jobs in Forest Operations: Engineering Technician Management/Supervision Production Centers Logging and Forestry Crews Biology/Hydrology Technician Crew Boss Debarker Operator Timber Faller Survey Technician Hooktender Chipper Operator Tree Planter Road Construction Specialist Reload/Log Yard Manager Sawyer Choker Setter Fuels Technician Project Foreman Canter Operator Rigging Slinger Fire/Security Watch Road Manager Edger Operator Tree Thinner Production/Shift Supervisor Chain Puller Firefighter Jobs in Both Forest & Milling Maintenance or Transportation Rough Stacker Operator Fire Engine Assistant Operations: Manager Gang Saw/Sorter Operator Transportation Edger/Optimizer Operator Heavy Equipment Operator Log Truck Driver Jobs In Mill Operations: Press Operator Operator Self-Loader Driver Maintenance Dozer Operator Dump Truck Driver Saw Filer Mill Yard Feller-Buncher Operator Semi Trailer Driver Electrician Shipping Attendant Log Loader Operator Lowboy Driver Millwright Forklift Operator Processor Operator Rail Engineer Maintenance Technician Loader Operator Yarder Operator Tug Crewperson Truck/Railcar Loader Rock Crusher Operator Helicopter Pilot Product Finishing Excavator Operator Boiler/Dry Kiln Assistant Yard Crew Track-Hoe Operator Equipment Mechanics Bin Attendant Heavy Equipment Mechanic Grader Forestry Technician Diesel Truck Mechanic Planer Operator Timber Cruiser & Marker Saw Shop/Motor Mechanic Stacker Operator Log Buyer/Appraiser Field Service Mechanic Aviation Mechanic For more information on forest sector careers visit: www.forestprod.org, www.oregonforests.org, www.oregonloggers.org, www.safnet.org Oregon Forest Resources Institute

317 SW Sixth Avenue, Suite 400 Acknowledgements: Portland, OR 97204 The Oregon Forest Resources Institute is grateful to the following experts for their assistance in the preparation of (971) 673-2944 this publicatioin: Diane Dillard, Boise Paper Company; Sam 1-800-719-9195 Huddleston, Collins Company; Scott Leavengood, Oregon www.oregonforests.org State University; Mike Pieti, Western Council of Industrial Workers; Rex Storm, Associated Oregon Loggers. Special thanks to all the profile subjects for their cooperation and generosity: Dan Antonovich, Diana Bowman, Al Campuzano, Shannon Davis, Bill Elliot, Sean Leslie Lehmann, Executive Director Hendrix, Wes Hirons, Troy Kalama, Charlie Leighton, Lois Perdue, Cathy Phillips, Jim Remington, Dennette Ryker, Dave Kvamme, Director of Communications Mae Schneider, Kyle Schreiber, José Vidrio, Kristy Winters Norie Dimeo-Ediger, K-12 Program Manager and Randy Zustiak. Julie Woodward, Rediscovery Forest Education Specialist Thanks also to Michael and Josh Feinstein for their earlier work featuring a few of these professionals in the OFRI publications “Oregon’s Skilled Forest Products Workforce” Written by: David Heil & Associates, Inc., Portland, Oregon and “Oregon’s Forest Operators.” This publication also Dave Odgers, writer and editor includes material adapted from the OFRI publication titled Produced by:  David Heil & Associates, Inc., Portland, Oregon “Oregon’s Forest Sector Volume 1: Options for College- bound Students.” Design: Amy Farrell Graphic Design Lauren Seyda, David Heil & Associates, Inc. Photography: Blaine Butcher, Boise Paper Michael and Josh Feinstein Orrin Greene, Stimson Lumber Company Sally Greer, David Heil & Associates, Inc. Rex Storm, Associated Oregon Loggers © Copyright 2008, Oregon Forest Resources Institute. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval Printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.