Melissa Markee Foresty & Natural Resources Instructor
Sabrina Cantu
What was one of the highlights of the Heavy Equipment Program at Shasta College?
One of the highlights was how supportive and knowledgeable the instructors were. As a female in the industry it is hard to find many people willing to teach and push you to go after your goals. The HEO program helped me to feel confident jumping on any piece of equipment and having a rough idea how to maintenance and operate it. If there was some advice you could give a new student coming into the program, what would it be? The advice I would give is never be afraid to try any piece of equipment. Do not be embarrassed or feel intimidated. This is the perfect environment to learn, make mistakes and understand the equipment you are operating. I told myself no matter what never say no to an opportunity and try it all. Who hired you? What does this company primarily do? What equipment are you training on?
Is there a place for females in the logging industry?
I believe there is a place for women in the logging industry. With the advancements in equipment the operators cannot be as rough and tough with the equipment as they used to be. A softer approach keeps equipment running longer and repair costs lower. It is not a man vs woman thing. Or, at least it should not be. If you truly love the woods and are willing to work hard, then you should be able to be in any industry of your choosing.
“Having a logging certificate in addition to our Forest Science and Technology A.S. is a benefit to both programs. Students in the logging program are able to take natural resource courses to help them understand and avoid the negative environmental impacts harvesting timber can have while also understanding the ecosystem benefits of thinning California forests. The students in working towards an associate degree in Forest Science and Technology on their path to become forestry technicians and registered professional foresters are able to learn more about harvesting processes and equipment, plus they have additional exposure to the sites our logging program is actively harvesting.�
What do you enjoy the most in your new job? What I enjoy most about my new job is the freedom and beauty of being out in the woods. Finally seeing progress in a thinning that once was dark and gloomy from over growth turn into a spacious sunny forest is rewarding. Knowing that the trees before me will grow taller, larger and stronger in years is a good sight to see. Lastly I enjoy getting to do what my heart genuinely enjoys. Operating one cool piece of equipment.
The company that hired me is Miller Timber. The company was started in 1981 and continues to use the best practices to efficiently handle your forestry needs. I am an Operator for their Cut to Length (CTL) operation and operate a Ponsse Elephant King Forwarder. The company does many things from Reforestation, Wildland Fire Fighting, and Harvesting.
Heavy Equipment Operations
HEO
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