YOUR CAREER IN
TREE PLANTING/ESTABLISHMENT

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 work pruning and 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

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Earning Potential

$50,000 – $65,000

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Qualification Required

None required; Level 2/3 available

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Physically Demanding

Hard physical work

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Absence from home

Varies with employer

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. 

 SIMILAR JOBS

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. 

 

Check out some great videos on the Safetree website about the work done by silviculture and planting crews.