A person who works in the logging industry is known as a log grader. His main responsibilities include inspecting the logs for flaws and signs of rot or decay. He will then determine the wood’s marketable value as well as the most appropriate markets for it. While it is not necessary to have a specific level of education to work as a log grader, having a high school diploma greatly increases one’s chances of finding work in the field. Some students enroll in a college program or earn a certificate.
A log grader’s job begins with a visual inspection of the logs brought into the yard. He could also work in sawmills or other logging establishments. Once on site, the log grader can sort through a large number of logs and physically move them into different piles based on their grade. Lower-grade wood will be grouped together and sold to specific markets, whereas higher-grade wood will be sorted and transported to different markets. Furniture, musical instruments, and even some types of veneers are made from high-grade wood, whereas lower-grade wood is used for framing buildings and other applications where the wood will not be visible.
The log grader might also be in charge of transporting logs to different locations or loading and unloading trucks. The grader will need to learn how to safely and efficiently operate heavy machinery. Before transport, the log grader will frequently weigh the load to determine how much wood is going to specific locations; he will also make notes on the quality of the wood, any imperfections, and any actions that must be taken before the wood can be sold.
A log grader may participate in the process of cutting felled trees to proper lengths and skidding them out of the woods, while other members of a logging team may perform some of these tasks. Because this process can be difficult and dangerous, the grader will need on-the-job training to ensure that he can work safely and efficiently in such situations. He must be able to communicate with other team members in order to ensure that logs are properly cut and moved, and that all team members are safe during the cutting and hauling process. Throughout the process, he, like the rest of the team, must wear appropriate safety equipment.