Tree establishment work involves preparing planting sites, planting trees, and then often follow-up work such as release spraying to ensure young trees survive and grow into tomorrow’s forests. Most tree establishment work is done in the winter and spring months (June-November), and many workers then move into Wilding Pine Ground Control, pruning and chainsaw thinning for the rest of the year.
If you think you might enjoy working hard in the outdoors and in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular places, this could be a job to consider.
SNAPSHOT INFO
EARNING POTENTIAL
$49,500 – $68,500 QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
NONE AT REQUIRED PHYSICALLY DEMANDING
HARD PHYSICAL WORK ABSENCE FROM HOME
MAINLY IN THE NELSON/TASMAN REGION BUT SOME AWAY WORK IN BULLER/WEST COAST
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS
This is a job for anyone who is fit, strong and reliable, and enjoys hard work in the outdoors in all weather. The work is often based on ‘piece rates’ meaning the harder you work, the more you get paid. It requires early morning starts, sometimes long travel distances, and working as part of a team.
CAREER PROGRESSION
Tree planters can progress to become skilled silvicultural workers, working year-round in the forest and undertaking pruning and thinning operations in-between planting seasons. From entry level you could progress to become a crew foreman and eventually manage your own crew and to achieve National Certificated based on NZQA unit qualifications.