Are you someone who enjoys working outside, has computer skills, and is good at estimating and calculating? If so, a career as a timber scaler might be the perfect fit for you. As a timber scaler, your main responsibility will be to measure logs or trees to determine their volume and quality of wood for manufacturing purposes. This article will provide an overview of the timber scaler profession, including job duties, working conditions, and the skills required for success in this field.

Timber Scaler Job Duties

Timber scalers play a crucial role in the timber industry. Their primary task is to measure the volume of sample truckloads of timber, decked trees, or single trees to provide accurate estimates of harvested wood. These volume measurements are important for reporting to the government and determining payment to loggers and the provincial government.

Additionally, timber scalers may be responsible for grading loggers on their utilization of the timber logged. Duties and responsibilities may vary slightly depending on the specific job, but typically include:

  1. Measuring log lengths and diameters using scale sticks and logger tapes.
  2. Recording measurements using handheld computers or tally sheets for later entry into computer programs.
  3. Estimating the loss of volume caused by defects and tree shape.
  4. Identifying cull logs that contain excessive amounts of unsound wood.
  5. Calculating the usable volume by subtracting unusable volume from gross volume.
  6. Maintaining records of the amount, condition, and species of each scaled load of logs.

Working Conditions

Timber scalers spend most of their working hours outdoors, typically for an 8-hour day. Depending on the mill, overtime may be required during daylight hours. While some mills have a busy season throughout the year, others only experience high demand in the fall and winter months. Timber scalers should be prepared to work in cold conditions and have physical stamina to handle the demands of the job.

Skills and Traits

To thrive as a timber scaler, certain skills and traits are essential. These include:

  • Physical stamina to handle the physical demands of working outdoors.
  • The ability to work in cold conditions comfortably.
  • Strong numerical and computer skills for calculating volumes and maintaining accurate records.
  • Attention to detail to ensure precision when measuring and recording data.
  • Enjoyment of responsibility for projects that require planning, decision making, and adherence to clear rules and methods.

A career as a timber scaler offers a unique balance of outdoor work and the application of numerical and computer skills. With a steady demand for timber scalers in the industry, this profession holds job stability and growth opportunities. So, if you have a passion for the outdoors, computer proficiency, and a knack for estimating and calculating, consider pursuing a career as a timber scaler.

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