ANZSCO Work Type Detail Sheets

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Logging Plant Operator

721112 · Medium
Career data Close match

Gas plant operators monitor and control plant operations and systems, and the storage and distribution of natural gas.

Most common salary $58k – $70k
Upper salary up to $86k
Training 0-1 year
View on Tahatū ↗ Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0
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Description

Operates plant to fell trees and drag, transport and load logs onto trucks.

Typical work tasks

  • Prepares and positions plant for operation; operates plant to hold, lift and cut trees; operates attachments to lift, swing, release and sort trees and logs, and operates auxiliary plants such as chipping machines and log splitting machines; feeds felled trees into processors to strip limbs and cut into logs and load logs onto stockpiles and into trucks; keeps log tallies and writes work reports; services plant and performs minor repairs.

Typical work environment

  • Works in vehicle operating cab if enclosed (usual), otherwise outside constantly.
  • Works in all weather conditions for some tasks.
  • May be dusty and cold or hot if not in the vehicle cab.
  • Jolting and jarring of the operator could be frequent as the machine operates.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Medium Sits in vehicle operating cab or on vehicle constantly.
  • Climbs up steps to gain entry and to exit vehicle cab.
  • Uses upper limbs, feet and body to stretch down and across to operate controls.
  • Occasionally squats, crouches or kneels when checking the machine.
  • Twists body or neck when reversing the machine.
  • Significant contact with water or skin irritants is not required, as employees are usually working in the vehicle cab.
  • Lifting and/or carrying is not a significant component of this job.
  • Frequent repetitive hand, arm and leg/foot movements and pushing/pulling is required for operation of controls.
  • Driving of machinery is constant.
  • Occasionally uses hand tools or equipment to make minor mechanical repairs.
  • Bends occasionally to hook on equipment or lift other items.
  • Mental skills necessary include machine operation, practical and mechanical skills.
Entry signal Model estimate

Enter via experience or on-the-job training; no mandatory pre-entry qualification. A licence may be required for some roles or employers.

Entry barrier Experience or on-job training
Licence / registration Licence may be required
ANZSCO skill level 3
Next-day ready No

Unverified — this label is model-generated and not yet clinician-reviewed. Confirm against the WTDS before relying on it.

How this was determined (model-generated): NZ logging/forestry plant operators enter via experience + on-job machine tickets, not a pre-entry formal qual => barrier experience_or_training not qualification; machine tickets/licensing may_be_required; next_day false (pre-entry tickets).

Entry Requirements

An NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be required.

Further Comments

  • There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited. The level of automation/sophistication of machinery used will significantly impact operator comfort and level of physical demand required.