News

Lisandro Ascencio, Operator at Forestal Antares for 30 Years

Sponsors

"I’ve always been from the countryside. I studied up to 5th grade, and at 18, I started looking for work. As a child, I worked clearing land and always saw forestry operations—how they worked—and it caught my attention. I applied to a Conaf brigade and was accepted, but around the same time, a forestry company came to Rafael, so I went to ask for work. I realized I’d earn more money there, and that’s how I started as a choker setter. It was tough because gaining experience was hard, but here I am, happy with what I’ve achieved."

Mr. Lisandro Ascencio Araneda is 53 years old, 30 of which he has spent as a machinery operator at Forestal Antares.

"I live in Rafael, in the rural area of the Biobío region, and it was at the forestry company El Conquistador that I went from being a choker setter to a Skidder operator. The opportunity came, and I was eager to learn. I had to take some courses to complete 8th grade and get a driver’s license. Later, that forestry company went bankrupt, and the machines—along with the operators—were transferred, which is how I arrived at Forestal Antares in ‘91. The money aspect was important too. Moving from working with my hands to operating machines was a big change—my situation improved, and by then, I was accompanied by my wife, Victoria."

He shares that over these 30 years at Antares, many changes have taken place—first with the Skidders, then, as the machines were renewed, he operated each one. Today, he handles a processor, a larger piece of equipment with greater responsibility and higher pay.

"It used to be different. For example, we’d eat lunch under some pine trees and cover ourselves with plastic in winter. Now, things have improved a lot. The company is held to higher standards, and we’ve reinforced what’s asked of us in terms of safety and training to do our jobs better. Before, we didn’t have as much safety gear. Now, we have safety officers who give us talks, and everything has changed. Thank God, in all my time at Antares, I’ve never had an accident. That’s a big achievement—it shows we’ve been doing things the right way."

"Up to now, I feel grateful. As a company, we’ve had ups and downs, but we’ve endured. My boss has been responsible with me. When I’ve faced critical moments, I’ve turned to him, and that’s one of the things that has kept me here."

"I’m happy I dedicated myself to forestry. So far, I’m satisfied—I have things I never thought I’d have, thanks to God, and the best part is my family. I have a daughter who’s a nurse and working—that’s an achievement that makes me proud. The oldest got married and is independent now, and my youngest is studying early childhood education at university. I’m putting effort into supporting my youngest with her studies."

"To those who want to work, I’d say the forestry sector has improved a lot—in terms of camps, living conditions, and Covid-related group controls. The shifts are good too. Before, we worked long hours in the hills and only saw our kids when they were older. As children, they barely saw us—we’d come home for two days and then leave to work again. Now, I work 7x7—seven days on, seven days off. That way, we rest, spend time with family, do some hauling, and help my wife here at home. She’s been my rock—she played both father and mother and never burdened me with household problems, keeping things to herself so I could rest. She’s the strict one, even now."

"Here, as a company, communication is very important. It’s helped me in every area—marriage and work. If you have a problem, you have to talk about it. Listening and asking questions is key. I’ve made mistakes by not asking, thinking I was doing things right when I wasn’t. In my life, it’s been about pushing forward, persevering, and trying to motivate others. Being well with family comes first—if that’s good, everything else falls into place. If you’re good at home, you’re good at work and do your job well."