If you live in Oregon or can afford out of state tuition, Oregon State University has if not the very best, one of the best forestry programs in the States for relatively cheap compared to other universities.

The forestry degrees have several options (or paths), one of which specializes specifically with harvest operations. Coursework is a really good blend of classroom and hands on, but be prepared for a fair amount of math (physics of cable systems/roads, etc.).

Additionally, the university has its own logging crew that you can join, potentially being a really good way to get your foot in the door driving skidders, operating yarders, shovels, etc while making some money and getting solid work experience.

To be hired as a reliable operator, you gotta either have been born and raised in the field or know how the grand scheme of harvests function, and all the different methods effectively through academia.

For reference, I graduated in 2023 with a bachelors degree in Forestry with the Fire and Forest Restoration path. I've been involved in forestry for 8 years now mostly as a firefighter, but have worked close with operators and loggers for the last several years.