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Agriculture and Natural Resources

Log Graders and Scalers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Log Graders and Scalers
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Median pay

$46,710
Median annual pay for Log Graders and Scalers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-0.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

600
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

4,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Log Graders and Scalers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

0
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Active Listening
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Speaking
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Administration and Management
  5. 5Mechanical
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Oral Comprehension
  4. 4Oral Expression
  5. 5Category Flexibility
  6. 6Deductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Conventional
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
  2. 2Documenting/Recording Information
  3. 3Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  2. 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  3. 3Frequency of Decision Making
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Freedom to Make Decisions
  6. 6Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
  • Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
  • 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.
  • Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
  • Arrange for hauling of logs to appropriate mill sites.
  • Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.

Software and tools

Microsoft Access · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyAS/400 DatabaseAtterbury Consultants SuperACE/FLIPS

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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