Silviculture and Forestry Workers
(NOC 8422)
in All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and MiningSilviculture and forestry workers perform a variety of duties related to reforestation and to the management, improvement and conservation of forest lands. They assess sites, select seedlings, and plant trees in reforestation areas; collect seed cones, prune trees, and mark trees for subsequent operations; and fight forest fires. They are employed by logging companies, contractors and government services.
Job Outlook
Average
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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 “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. 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. With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common.
The median employment income for 18% 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
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
$5,619
Minimum$20,802
Median$51,173
MaximumCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.88
MaximumAnnual Pay
$4,009
Minimum$23,520
Median$87,170
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Silviculture and forestry workers perform a variety of duties related to reforestation and to the management, improvement and conservation of forest lands. They assess sites, select seedlings, and plant trees in reforestation areas; collect seed cones, prune trees, and mark trees for subsequent operations; and fight forest fires. They are employed by logging companies, contractors and government services.
Job 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.
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
To work in this field, 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
- Completion of high school may be required.
- Completion of 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
Most are part-year workers; employment peaks 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
Forestry and Logging
Public Administration
Other Industries
Paper Manufacturing
Retail Trade
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
25-34
35-44
15-24
Compared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$15,010 median annual incomeHigh school
$12,239 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ATrades certificate
$10,735 median annual incomeCompared to: All Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining
Less than high school
$14,445 median annual incomeHigh school
$14,229 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,289 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$19,107 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$15,980 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The 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
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Environmental engineering technology/environmental technology
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals 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. These programs 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
301 Alexandra Street
Sydney, NS B1S 2E8
(902) 539-9766
75 High Street
Bridgewater, NS B4V 1V8
(902) 543-4608
226 Reeves Street
Port Hawkesbury, NS B9A 2A2
(902) 625-2380
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Forest technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to assist foresters in the management and production of forest resources. These programs include courses in woods and field skills, tree identification, timber measurement, logging and timber harvesting, forest propagation and regeneration, forest firefighting, resource management, equipment operation and maintenance, record-keeping, sales and purchasing operations, and personnel supervision.
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
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Additional resources
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There are currently no job postings for this occupation.