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Career Exploration

Log Graders and Scalers

Also called: Log Buyer, Log Grader, Log Scaler, Scaler

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Business

  • customer service
  • management

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • group things in different ways

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Math

  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Initiative
  • Cooperation

Data base user interface and query software

  • AS/400 Database
  • Microsoft Access

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $42,370

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.