No specific level of education is necessary to become a log grader in many cases, though earning at least a high school diploma will improve your chances of securing employment in the industry. Basic math skills, science, and communication skills will be necessary in order to become a log grader, so some candidates will even take some college coursework to prepare for a career, though this may not be entirely necessary. The best way to get into this job is to enter the logging industry at an entry-level position and work your way up.
Take a job as a laborer on a logging crew, or any other entry-level position within the industry in order to become a log grader later in your career. Work hard and show managers or bosses that you have a solid work ethic and the ability to take on complex tasks. Whenever advancement opportunities come along, try to take advantage of them and learn as much as possible about the industry. This will make you a more valuable candidate for a promotion. In order to become a log grader, you will need to know a quite a lot about different types of woods and what makes a particular log good or bad for a certain market.
This, of course, means you will need to know a lot about the markets. All of this can be learned independently, though many companies will offer on-the-job training or apprenticeships that will prepare you to become a log grader. If such apprenticeships are offered, be sure to research the qualifications and have a resumé ready for submission. The apprenticeship can vary in length, but once you complete it, you will be a full-time log grader with better pay and, in many cases, health and savings benefits.
One of the responsibilities of a log grader is the safe operation of heavy machinery. You can learn these skills in other logging positions, making you a more attractive candidate for a log grader position. Graders also need to be able to cut and move logs, so familiarity with the proper equipment and safety techniques will prepare you to become a log grader in the long run. The other specific functions of the grader will be learned through job training or apprenticeships, but you can get ahead of the competition by doing some research into the particulars of the job early on.
