Will “Pondman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Grade logs or estimate the marketable content or value of logs or pulpwood in sorting yards, millpond, log deck, or similar locations. Inspect logs for defects or measure logs to determine volume.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 45-4023.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 38,150.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 18.00
• Currently, there are 3,020 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Log Graders and Scalers”.

Also Known As…

• Log Graders and Scalers
• Veneer Grader
• Timber Buyer
• Raw Material Manager
• Procurement Forester
• Log Yard Manager
• Log Scaler
• Log Grader
• Log Check Scaler
• Log Buyer
• Inspector
• Timber Estimator
• Scaler
• Pond Scaler
• Pond Monkey
• Log Yard Operator
• Log Sorter
• Log Marker
• Log Manager
• Landing Scaler
• Forester
• Deckman
• Decker
• Deck Specialist
• Deck Scaler
• Contract Forester
• Compounding Scaler
• Check Scaler

Tasks for “Pondman”

• Measure felled logs or loads of pulpwood to calculate volume, weight, dimensions, and marketable value, using measuring devices and conversion tables.
• Paint identification marks of specified colors on logs to identify grades or species, using spray cans, or call out grades to log markers.
• Record data about individual trees or load volumes into tally books or hand-held collection terminals.
• Tend conveyor chains that move logs to and from scaling stations.
• Weigh log trucks before and after unloading, and record load weights and supplier identities.
• Evaluate log characteristics and determine grades, using established criteria.
• Saw felled trees into lengths.
• Communicate with coworkers by using signals to direct log movement.
• Drive to sawmills, wharfs, or skids to inspect logs or pulpwood.
• Identify logs of substandard or special grade so that they can be returned to shippers, regraded, recut, or transferred for other processing.
• Jab logs with metal ends of scale sticks, and inspect logs to ascertain characteristics or defects such as water damage, splits, knots, broken ends, rotten areas, twists, and curves.
• Measure log lengths and mark boles for bucking into logs, according to specifications.

Related Technology & Tools

• X-ray log scanners
• Tablet computers
• Wood moisture meters
• Single-bit hatchets
• Safety whistles
• Log counters
• Personal computers
• Logger tapes
• Lumber crayons
• Handheld computers
• Ball peen hammers
• 3D laser scanning systems
• Hand calculators
• Forestry safety glasses
• Log calipers
• Laptop computers
• Log truck scales
• Digital measuring wheels
• Chain saws
• Light curtains
• Tree scale sticks
• Forestry hard hats

• Atterbury Consultants SuperACE/FLIPS
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel