Overview
Silviculture and forestry workers perform a variety of duties related to reforestation and to the management, improvement and conservation of forest lands. They are employed by logging companies, contractors and government services.
This group performs 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.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$54,226
$79,461
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
72expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary 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.
Additional information
There is some mobility among jobs in this unit group.
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Progression to forestry technician or technologist is possible with additional education and training.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Silviculture and forestry workers in B.C.
- Pesticide Applicator Licence - Silviculture and forestry workers
Optional: The following certifications are optional to practice as Silviculture and forestry workers in B.C.
- Silvicultural worker's licence
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certification - Silviculture and forestry workers
- Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) - Silviculture and forestry workers
Pesticide Applicator Licence - Silviculture and forestry workers
To work as a Silviculture and forestry workers in B.C., you need the appropriate chemicals application licence. Click the link below for more information.
Silvicultural worker's licence
To work as Silviculture and forestry workers in B.C., you may need to complete a course in Silvicultural worker's licence. Click the link below for more information.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certification - Silviculture and forestry workers
To work as Silviculture and forestry workers in B.C., you may need the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing the relevant course.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) - Silviculture and forestry workers
To work as Silviculture and forestry workers in B.C., you may need the Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Certification. Eligibility is achieved by completing the relevant course.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.