Duties and Tasks

Forest workers may perform the following tasks:

• prepare sites for tree planting
• raise and package cuttings and seedlings at a forest nursery
• undertake planting and other re-growth activities of native or plantation forests
• control weeds and pests in both new and established forests using fertilisers, insecticides and herbicides
• prune and thin trees in plantations by hand and using mechanical equipment
• collect seeds
• construct and maintain facilities such as access roads, buildings and visitors' amenities
• prevent and put out fires, including maintenance of fire breaks, fire spotting, controlled burning and fire fighting
• maintain forestry equipment and vehicles
• mark trees for harvesting
• fell trees safely and efficiently using chainsaws, handsaws, axes and wedges
• operate a wide range of mechanical harvesting equipment
• observe correct environmental practices to minimise impact on roads, water courses and wildlife corridors
• prepare logs for transportation by removal of limbs, de-barking, log cutting and grading.

Work Conditions

Forest workers are usually employed in small work teams. They may work in softwood and hardwood plantations and forests, in rural areas or in isolated bush locations. Much of the work is outdoors and therefore subject to varying weather conditions. Some aspects of the work can be physically demanding.

Personal Requirements

• enjoy practical and outdoor work
• alert and safety conscious
• physically fit
• good hand-eye coordination
• enjoy forest protection and regeneration
• sound literacy and numeracy skills.

Case Study

Outdoor Living

Related Industries

Forestry and Logging

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Forestry and Logging Workers

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Forestry and Logging Workers (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Work Opportunities websites

Related Jobs

Forest Technical Officer
Timber/Forest Products Worker