SAFCOL

Senior operator forwarder

Qualifications:

• Grade 10
• Safcol Machine Operator Training
• CMO competency assessment

Forestry career: 13 years

My job is to move logs from the field to the roadside. In the morning, we grease our machines and check them for faults, fill in the daily checklist, inspect the work area, attend toolbox talks and then start working. After a shift, we grease and check our machines again and report any problems before handing over to the next operator.

WHY I LOVE WORKING IN THE FORESTRY SECTOR

I started out as a general worker, so forestry definitely provides opportunities for growth. It is also quiet and isolated, and the job is flexible.

MY ADVICE TO THOSE EXPLORING A CAREER IN FORESTRY

Forestry is a male-dominated industry but there is room for women too. Women like myself operate machines and there is scope to learn and improve. There are also many opportunities for growth, as long as you are willing.