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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 45-4021 Fallers
Use axes or chainsaws to fell trees using knowledge of tree characteristics and cutting techniques to control direction of fall and minimize tree damage.
Default
Education: Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.
Tasks: Stop saw engines, pull cutting bars from cuts, and run to safety as tree falls. Appraise trees for certain characteristics, such as twist, rot, and heavy limb growth, and gauge amount and direction of lean, in order to determine how to control the direction of a tree's fall with the least damage. Saw back-cuts, leaving sufficient sound wood to control direction of fall. Clear brush from work areas and escape routes, and cut saplings and other trees from direction of falls, using axes, chainsaws, or bulldozers. Measure felled trees and cut them into specified log lengths, using chain saws and axes. Assess logs after cutting to ensure that the quality and length are correct. Determine position, direction, and depth of cuts to be made, and placement of wedges or jacks. Control the direction of a tree's fall by scoring cutting lines with axes, sawing undercuts along scored lines with chainsaws, knocking slabs from cuts with single-bit axes, and driving wedges. Trim off the tops and limbs of trees, using chainsaws, delimbers, or axes. Select trees to be cut down, assessing factors such as site, terrain, and weather conditions before beginning work. Maintain and repair chainsaws and other equipment, cleaning, oiling, and greasing equipment, and sharpening equipment properly. Insert jacks or drive wedges behind saws to prevent binding of saws and to start trees falling. Tag unsafe trees with high-visibility ribbons.
License: License not required.
Outlook: poor
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $14.04   Entry $29,203.00
Mean $19.36   Mean $40,275.00
Experience $22.02 Experience $45,812.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
26023030-1.21
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No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
45-4021.00 Fallers