Life As a Faller

Faller Example Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.

Faller Responsibilities

• Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes.
• Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.
• Mark logs for identification.
• Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks.
• Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct.
• Secure steel cables or chains to logs for dragging by tractors or for pulling by cable yarding systems.

Faller Required Skills

These are the skills Fallers say are the most useful in their careers:

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Types of Faller Jobs

• Utility Arborist
• Pulpwood Cutter
• Timber Feller
• Feller Operator
• Tree Topper

Job Opportunities for Fallers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 7,500 jobs in the United States for Faller. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Faller. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 800 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Faller are Kentucky, Maryland, and Oregon. Watch out if you plan on working in Georgia, Alaska, or South Carolina. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Faller

The average yearly salary of a Faller ranges between $27,080 and $78,500.

Fallers who work in New York, Oregon, or Montana, make the highest salaries.

How much do Fallers make in different U.S. states?

State	Annual Mean Salary
Alabama	$44,320
Alaska	$59,680
Arkansas	$55,050
California	$56,720
Colorado	$29,650
Georgia	$42,570
Idaho	$43,170
Indiana	$53,620
Louisiana	$39,320
Maryland	$41,480
Massachusetts	$45,480
Michigan	$36,670
Minnesota	$45,010
Mississippi	$48,700
Missouri	$39,910
Montana	$65,560
New Hampshire	$45,240
New York	$63,040
North Carolina	$56,500
Ohio	$29,130
Oregon	$67,560
Pennsylvania	$33,170
Tennessee	$38,020
Texas	$50,220
Vermont	$40,810
Virginia	$42,120
Washington	$66,870
West Virginia	$38,620

What Tools do Fallers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Fallers:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office
• ESRI ArcView
• BCS Woodlands Software The Logger Tracker

How do I Become a Faller?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Faller?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where do Fallers Work?

Below are examples of industries where Fallers work:

Related Careers

Those interested in being a Faller may also be interested in:

• Helpers–Extraction Workers
• Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: via

More about our data sources and methodologies.