Silviculture and Forestry Workers (NOC 8422)

Description

Silviculture and forestry workers perform a variety of duties related to reforestation and to the management, improvement and conservation of forest lands. They are employed by logging companies, contractors and government services.

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Example Titles

clearing saw operator
forest fire fighter
forestry crew person
forestry worker
pieceworker - silviculture
scarification equipment operator
silviculture worker
spacing saw operator
thinning saw operator

>> View all titles

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Classified Elsewhere

Arborists (in 2225 Landscape and Horticulture Technicians and Specialists)
Chainsaw and Skidder Operators (8421)
Forest nursery workers (in 8432 Nursery and Greenhouse Workers)
Forestry Professionals (2122)
Forestry Technologists and Technicians (2223)
Logging and Forestry Labourers (8616)
Supervisors, Logging and Forestry (8211)

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Duties

Silviculture and forestry workers perform some or all of the following duties:

Assess site, select seedlings and plant trees using manual planting tools in reforestation areas
Operate power thinning saw to thin and space trees in reforestation areas
Operate chain saw to thin young forest stands
Control weeds and undergrowth in regenerating forest stands using manual tools and chemicals
Complete firefighting reports and maintain firefighting equipment
Dig trenches, cut trees, pump water on burning areas to fight forest fires under direction of fire suppression officer or forestry technician
Operate and maintain a skidder, bulldozer or other prime mover to pull a variety of scarification or site preparation equipment over areas to be regenerated
Perform other silviculture duties such as collecting seed cones, pruning trees, assisting in planting surveys and marking trees for subsequent operations.

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Skills

Forestry workers should have the following skills and abilities:

enjoy working and living outdoors, sometimes in isolated areas,
physical strength and stamina,
good vision,
be able to get along well with other team members,
have safety awareness, be able to perform under stress and to deal with unexpected events and hazards,
good communication skills, be able to deal tactfully with the public,
basic analytical and problem-solving skills,
dexterity in operating machinery and mechanical aptitude for repair and maintenance,
good recordkeeping skills.

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Employment Requirements

Completion of secondary school may be required.
Completion of a college or other specialized program for silviculture workers or forestry crew workers may be required.
A chemicals application licence may be required.
Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certificates may be required.

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Terms & Conditions

Silviculture and forestry workers work outdoors. They sometimes work in bad weather and in isolated areas of the province. They may have to commute long distances to work, or live in camps close to the work site.

There is potential danger from chemicals, from the equipment, machines and tools used in the area. There is also danger from falling branches and trees, and danger from fire, steam and hot surfaces. Discomforts of the job can be noise from tools and equipment such as chain saws, odours and non-toxic dust. Protective equipment is essential to protect workers from many of the hazards on the job.

This is a seasonal occupation. Most work full time (74%) but on a seasonal basis. All are paid employees. The work shift is normally eight hours but it can be longer.

As employment in this occupation is primarily seasonal, the annual earnings reported below represent the total prevailing wages, salaries, and/or net income for the actual period of time worked in this occupation during the year.

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Earnings

$23,400 per annum - starting

$30,900 per annum - average

$52,000 per annum - high

Earnings are reviewed annually or more frequently if new information becomes available.

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Education / Training

The University College of the North offers a two-year diploma program in Natural Resources Management Technology Program. Graduates who wish to further their education may receive up to 30 credits at the University of Manitoba; up to five course equivalents at the University of Winnipeg; up to one year at Lakehead University; and up to two years at the University of Lethbridge.
The University of Manitoba, Natural Resources Institute, offers the following degree programs -
Master of Natural Resources Management M.N.R.N.
The Manitoba Department of Conservation provides short courses (3 to 5 days) in forest fire fighting at district offices.

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Career Paths

Many forestry workers are high school or post-secondary students who are hired for short term or seasonal jobs such as forestry fire fighting or planting seedlings.

Forestry workers may specialize in silviculture, clearing and site preparation, or fire fighting.

Workers in this group can advance to the occupation of forestry technician with additional education and experience, and from there can advance to becoming a registered professional forester upon completion of a bachelor's degree in forestry.

With experience, these workers can also advance to supervisory or management positions.

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Outlook

Employment prospects for silviculture and forestry workers in the 2010 - 2014 period are expected to be limited. Employment in 2010 in Manitoba is estimated at 100.

The demand for silviculture and forestry workers is tied to the health of the forestry industry which is experiencing difficult times due to falling demand for lumber and excess supply. This is a very small occupational group unlikey to see employment growth, at least in the first part of the forecast period.

A disproportionate share of the employed workforce is to be found in Northern and South-Eastern Manitoba. Across industries, the greatest concentration of employment is in Public Administration (55%) and Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry (30%).

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