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ESCO occupation

forestry equipment operator

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Forestry equipment operators carry out operations with specialised equipment in the forest to maintain, harvest, extract and forward wood for the manufacturing of consumer goods and industrial products.

8341.1 ISCO 8341 ESCO source
Competences
46
Groups
4
Essential
20
Optional
26

Competences and skills

46 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
reforestation

Methods for the recovery of deforested areas to reverse the destruction of forests and regreen an important number of hectares. Strategies as planting new trees, protecting ecosystems from destruction or sowing seeds are part of these reforestation methods.

green
ESCO source

Cross-sector

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Essential skills and competences 19 competences

Occupation specific

6 competences
extract coppice

Cut coppice to promote healthy re-growth of the coppice stool. Extract cut coppice using methods appropriate to the site and amount of material.

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load timber onto a skidder

Load timber onto the skidder. Move trees and timber to an accumulation point and unload it for processing.

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maintain the security of machinery

Maintain the security of site machinery and equipment.

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minimise environmental impact on the surrounding area

Minimise the waste of materials and dispose of debris correctly. Minimise the damage to plants, features and surrounding areas.

green
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prepare emergency treework operations

Prepare and perform emergency tree work operations, typically as a result of car accidents involving the tree, damage due to storms, tree disease or infestation.

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process arisings from treework operations

Prepare arisings in accordance with the specification, the site, relevant legislation and industry guidelines . Process arisings appropriate to their condition, the specification and the site requirement.

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Sector-specific

11 competences
assess felled timber quality

Evaluate felled timbers by measuring and assessing volume and quality using appropriate methods and tools.

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assess felled timber volume

Measure the amount of timber felled using appropriate equipment. Take care of the equipment. Record the measured data.

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carry out routine maintenance of wood cutting machinery

Inspect, clean, service and maintain the power unit in accordance with manufacturer requirements and industry guidelines. Inspect components within the power unit and maintain cutting systems in accordance with manufacturer recommendations by using appropriate tools to replace damaged, missing or worn components. Report appropriately on any defects. Carry out routine operator maintenance by performing pre-start checks and setting the machine for the use of reassemble chainsaws and cutting systems to their functional or operational standards.

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de-limb trees

De-limb trees ensuring that the quality is within specified limits with regard to health and safety regulations. Cut trees or parts of trees to clear the public access and electrical cables.

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drive timber machine

Drive and manoeuver the machine to the timber in a safe and effective way within site restraints.

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manage logs segregation and stacking

Stack and segregate logs to enable ease of extraction, including placement of brash clear of timber zone.

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minimize risks in tree operations

Evaluate risks and hazards, perform efficient actions in order to minimize risks and to restore the trees to their orginal state or to replant new ones.

green
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operate forestry machinery

Operate machinery on and off road for harvesting, forwarding and transportation of wood.

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process timber using hand-fed machinery

Use hand-fed machinery for timber processing. Saw with a mobile saw bench, mechanically process firewood, split stakes, and use pointing machines, peelers and wood chippers.

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select tree felling methods

Select the appropriate felling method for the tree size and condition. Adhere to the given specification.

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spray pesticides

Spray pesticide solutions to keep insects, fungus, weed growth, and diseases under control.

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Cross-sector

2 competences
fell trees

Fell trees safely and effectively to specification.

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identify trees to fell

Identify trees to fell and position machine to fell trees in the required direction, in both clear-fell and thinning.

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Optional knowledge 4 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
timber products

Key features, advantages and limitations of the different timbers and timber based products sold at a company and where to access this information.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

3 competences
agronomy

The study of combining agriculture production and protection and regeneration of natural environment. It includes the principles and methods of critical selection and adequate application methods for sustainability in agriculture.

green
ESCO source
forest conservation

The practice of planting and maintaining forested areas for preserving and protecting forests and the environment.

green
ESCO source
forest ecology

The ecosystems existing in a forest, starting from bacteria to trees and soil types.

green
ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 22 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
limit load to prevent damage

Limit the size of the load on a skidder to avoid instability of the machine, loss of load, and damage to the product and the environment, including roads and tracks.

ESCO source
use hand tools for forestry work

Identify and use the tools required for the specific green wood trades and coppicing task. Work in a safe and effective manner.

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Sector-specific

16 competences
advise on timber harvest

Provide guidance on how to apply the most appropriate timber harvesting method: clearcut, shelterwood, seed tree, group selection or single-tree selection.

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advise on timber-based products

Provide advice on the types of timber products or materials and their characteristics.

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attach protective attachments to timber piles

Attach various protective elements, such as boots or points, to the head and toe of timber piles in order to prevent damage to the pile from the stresses of pile driving. Take care to attach a timber pile point correctly to make sure the pile is driven straight down.

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comply with timber trade code of conduct

Promote consumer confidence in the workplace by watching over provided wood products and comply with their related legislation. Conduct business in a professional and transparent manner towards customers.

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drive agricultural machines

Drive tractors, forklifts and other vehicles to transport crops as well as to deliver high torque at low speeds. Move equipment in fields and around buildings, making the appropriate adjustments and maneuvers.

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forecast timber production

Monitor and forecast timber production in order to identify future trends and actions in production.

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harvest timber

Organise and apply the most appropriate timber harvesting method: clear-cut, shelterwood, seed tree, group selection or single-tree selection.

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improve timber stands

Participate in the planting or thinning of tree stands as a member of a crew. Collect and classify cones by species or condition.

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inspect timber

Inspect timber sale sites and reforestation activities for compliance with permits and regulations.

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maintain edged hand tools

Identify and repair defects in a hand tool handle or shaft. Ensure the tool is in safe working condition. Identify defective and dull cutting edges in tools and use appropriate equipment to sharpen them. Store tools correctly to maintain condition and usage safety.

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maintain forest inventory

Recognise growing crops in forests and woodlands. Record their numbers in a formal inventory. Take measures applying the appropriate techniques.

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maintain forestry equipment

Check forestry equipment to make sure that it is in working order.

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report pollution incidents

When an incident causes pollution, examine the extent of the damage and what the consequences could be and report it relevant institution following pollution reporting procedures.

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report to the team leader

Keep the team leader informed on current and emerging issues.

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sharpen edged tools

Identify dull edges to sharp tools, or any defect in the edge. Use appropriate equipment to safely and effectively sharpen the tool. Maintain and protect sharpened tools. Report irreparable faults to the appropriate person.

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work independently in forestry services

Perform tasks individually in forestry services by taking decisions without help. Handle tasks and tackle with issues or problems without any outside assistance.

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Cross-sector

4 competences
forecast workload

Predict and define workload needed to be done in a certain amount of time, and the time it would take to perform these tasks.

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operate GPS systems

Use GPS Systems.

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provide first aid

Administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.

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use ICT systems

Select and use ICT systems for a variety of complex tasks in order to meet a variety of needs.

digital
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