How to become a Logging Plant Operator

Also called: Forestry Machine Operator

Operates plant to fell trees and move, transport and load logs onto trucks for forestry conservation and production purposes.

Main tasks

• Prepares and positions logging plant for operation
• Operates logging plant to hold, lift and cut trees
• Operates attachments to lift, swing, release and sort trees and logs, and operates auxiliary plant such as chipping machines and log splitting machines
• Feeds felled trees into processors to strip limbs and cut logs, and loads logs onto stockpiles and onto trucks
• Keeps log tallies and writes work reports
• Services logging plant and performs minor repairs

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Forest Operations (FWP30122); Certificate II in Forest Operations (FWP20122)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing may be required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $72,956 a year
• About 16,100 people work in this job group now, and about 16,800 are projected by 2035. (+4%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
• Backhoe Operator
• Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
• Bulldozer Operator
• Excavator Operator
• Grader Operator

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Logging Plant Operator?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Forest Operations; Certificate II in Forest Operations.

How much does a Logging Plant Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $72,956 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Logging Plant Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4% by 2035, from about 16,100 to about 16,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Logging Plant Operator?

Usually not. Only 1% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Forest Operations; Certificate II in Forest Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Logging Plant Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04