Hooktender – Newcastle Timber (Sayward, BC)

We’re looking for an experienced Hooktender to lead a rigging crew at our Northern Vancouver Island operations. This isn’t a job for someone looking to learn the ropes—we need someone with solid experience who knows how to lay out a high-lead side, move the block, and keep wood hitting the landing safely. At Newcastle, we’re a tight-knit crew. We keep our gear in good shape, and we don’t cut corners on safety.

Location: Sayward, BC (Northern Vancouver Island)

Pay: $45.34 per hour

Schedule: Monday – Friday

The Day-to-Day

You’ll be the “quarterback” of the side. Your main focus is production and safety. You’ll be:

• Planning and supervising the rigging of high-lead and grapple systems.
• Managing the crew (Chokermen/Rigging Slingers) to keep the flow moving.
• Handling the heavy lifting—dismantling, moving, and resetting equipment in typical North Island terrain.
• Working closely with the Yarder Operator to ensure turns are clean and efficient.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven Experience: You’ve spent at least a year (ideally more) as a Hooktender. You know the difference between a good road and a bad one.
• Lead by Example: You’re someone the crew respects because you work as hard as they do.
• Physical Grit: This is rugged coastal ground. You need to be fit enough to handle the brush and the steel.
• Reliability: You live in or can reliably commute to the Sayward Valley.
• Communication: Clear, professional radio skills and leadership ability.
• Paperwork: A valid Driver’s License and a clean Driver’s Abstract.
• Safety Mindset: SAFE Certification standards are our baseline. Intermediate or Advanced First Aid is an asset.

What’s In It For You?

• Top-Tier Union Package: $45.34 /hour plus a comprehensive union pension and benefits.
• Full Protection: Short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and accidental death coverage.
• Financial Security: Union pension plan, Life Insurance, and Short-Term Disability.
• Health & Wellness: Extended health, dental, vision, and an Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) to support you and your family.
• Professional Environment: Work for a respected, SAFE Certified company that invests in its equipment and its people.
• Great Schedule: Monday to Friday. No camp life—stay local and get home every night.
• Career Growth: We take pride in training our crew. This is a great place to develop your skills in the logging industry.