Silviculture and Forestry Workers
(NOC 8422)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningSilviculture and forestry workers complete a variety of duties related to reforestation and to the management, improvement, and conservation of forest lands. They work for logging companies, contractors, and government services.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline moderately over the next few years, which will likely limit the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Silviculture and Forestry Workers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 16% of Silviculture and Forestry Workers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $30,163. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$20.68
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,619
Minimum$20,802
Median$51,173
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.84
Median$32.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Silviculture and forestry workers complete a variety of duties related to reforestation and to the management, improvement, and conservation of forest lands. They work for logging companies, contractors, and government services.
Job duties
Silviculture and forestry workers:
- Assess site, select seedlings and plant trees using manual planting tools in reforestation areas.
- Use power thinning saw to thin and space trees in reforestation areas.
- Use 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.
- Use and maintain a skidder, bulldozer, or other prime mover to pull a variety of scarification or site preparation equipment over areas to be regenerated.
- Complete other silviculture duties like collecting seed cones, pruning trees, helping in planting surveys and marking trees for later operations.
Sample job titles
- clearing saw operator - forestry
- fire crewman/woman
- forest firefighter
- forestry conservation worker
- forestry crewman/woman
- forestry worker - logging
- silviculture worker
- tree pruner - forestry
Skills
You should enjoy working outdoors and be prepared to spend time in isolated areas. You must be able to work alone and as part of a team. An awareness of safety is important. Physical stamina may also be needed.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- A college or other specialized program for silviculture workers or forestry crew workers may be required.
- Formal training in power saw operation and maintenance and several months of on-the-job training are usually provided.
- A chemicals application licence is required.
- Workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) and transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) certificates may be required.
- A silvicultural worker's licence may be required.
Other considerations
Workers usually only work part of the year with employment peaking in the summer months. Experience as a logging and forestry labourer may be required. There is some mobility among jobs in this group. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience while progression to forestry technician or technologist is possible with additional education and training.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Halifax
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Public administration
Real estate and rental and leasing
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$17,117 median annual incomeHigh school
$21,132 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$28,379 median annual incomeTrade Certification
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$23,463 median annual incomeHigh school
$19,301 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$29,551 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$31,535 median annual incomeBachelor
$17,956 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramThe Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Environmental Engineering Technology/Environmental Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using indoor and outdoor environmental pollution control systems. They include courses in environmental safety principles, testing and sampling procedures, laboratory techniques, instrumentation calibration, safety and protection procedures, equipment maintenance, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Natural Resources Management and Policy
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, develop, manage, and evaluate programs to protect and regulate natural habitats and renewable natural resources. They include courses in the principles of wildlife and conservation biology, environmental science, animal population surveying, natural resource economics, management techniques for various habitats, applicable law and policy, administrative and communications skills, and public relations.
Institutions providing this program
Truro, NS
Port Hawkesbury, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.